Around the States: Coal Ash Pollution Revealed

Massive data sets released by utilities in response to environmental reporting requirements show a disturbing pattern of water pollution from coal ash storage and disposal facilities.

Reporting by the Associated Press tells the story: “Major utilities have found evidence of groundwater contamination at coal-burning power plants across the U.S. where landfills and man-made ponds have been used for decades as dumping grounds for coal ash, according to data released by plant owners under a Friday deadline.”

For an initial look at what the pollution reports show about contamination from coal ash sites in North Carolina, see this analysis from environmental reporter Lisa Sorg for NC Policy Watch.

As the report points out, this record of widespread, dangerous pollution also underscores the danger of Trump Administration efforts to roll back pollution limits on coal ash.

Up next, see how the Trump Administration plans to dismantle existing coal ash pollution controls.