Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined attorneys general from Colorado, Delaware, Minnesota and New Mexico in opposing a proposed federal permit program for coal ash disposal facilities.
Coal ash, also known as coal combustion residual, is waste left after coal is burned at power plants. It can enter groundwater near storage ponds or flow into surface water when ponds overflow.
Coal ash contains toxic chemicals including arsenic, mercury and lead. Exposure can cause cancer, cardiovascular and neurological effects, as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs and other organs.
In comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the attorneys general said the proposed program could allow facilities to receive general federal permits without an individual review of possible health and environmental effects.
The coalition also said the proposal does not provide an appropriate level of public participation in the permitting process.
The EPA has found that people living near coal ash ponds and landfills may be exposed to unsafe concentrations of metals including cadmium, cobalt, lead and thallium. The coalition cited an EPA risk assessment that found particularly severe risks for infants.
Coal ash contamination can also accumulate in fish and enter drinking water, according to the coalition’s letter.
Maryland has regulations intended to limit some environmental hazards from coal ash facilities. The attorneys general said contamination from facilities in upstream states could enter Maryland waterways and groundwater.
The coalition urged the EPA to withdraw the proposal and develop a permit program requiring each coal ash unit to comply with health and environmental protections.
