Several Georgia environmental organizations, including the Southern Environmental Law Center, are urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to enforce national standards to prevent Georgia Power from disposing of coal ash waste in a way that pollutes groundwater. The petition filed on behalf of various groups highlights concerns about the state and federal environmental officials failing to protect nearby rivers, lakes, and streams and safeguard the state’s water supply.
Georgia Power plans to dump 33 million tons of toxic coal ash in unlined pits submerged in groundwater, which has raised alarm among environmentalists. The company’s coal-fired electricity generating plants have been retired, but the toxic waste left behind still poses a threat to the environment.
The federal Coal Ash Rule of 2015 required utilities to close or retrofit unlined ash ponds within six months, but Georgia is the only state not following the rules. The EPA has been reviewing the petition and the state and federal agencies are in ongoing discussions about the latest developments on coal ash regulations. Georgia Power has committed to making sure its ash pond closures protect the environment and public.
Environmental advocates are calling for federal intervention in Georgia, stating that the state environmental protection agency is not following the law to protect Georgia’s clean water and communities. The EPA’s oversight is crucial to ensure that Georgia Power’s coal ash disposal plans are in compliance with state and federal regulations.
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