The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing action plans developed by 16 electric utility facilities with coal ash impoundments, describing the measures the facilities are taking to make their impoundments safer.  The action plans are a response to EPA’s final assessment reports on the structural integrity of these impoundments that the agency made public this February. 

Since May 2009, EPA has been conducting on-site assessments of coal ash impoundments and ponds at electric utilities.  EPA provides copies of the structural integrity assessment reports to each facility, and requests the facilities implement the reports’ recommendations and provide their plans for taking action.  The action plans released today address recommendations from assessments of 40 impoundments at 16 facilities.  Many of these facilities have already begun implementing EPA’s recommendations.

In addition to the action plans, EPA is also releasing assessment reports on the structural integrity of an additional 37 coal ash impoundments at 15 facilities across the country.  Most of the 37 impoundments have a rating of “high” or “significant” hazard potential, indicating the potential for harm in the event of impoundment failure.  A high hazard potential rating means if an impoundment fails, it can cause loss of human life.  A significant hazard potential rating means impoundment failure can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or damage to infrastructure.

Earlier this month, EPA proposed the first-ever national rules to ensure the safe disposal and management of coal ash from coal-fired power plants. The proposed regulations will ensure stronger oversight of the structural integrity of impoundments, and protection of human health and the environment.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys2/index.htm