Posted on February 21, 2013 by Andrew Brown
In December 2008, a surface impoundment maintained by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Kingston, Tennessee failed and the coal combustion residuals (CCRs) stored in those impoundment flooded more than 300 acres of land and flowed into Emory and Clinch Rivers. CCRs, often referred to as coal ash, are residues from the combustion of coal in power plants that are captured by scrubbers and other pollution control equipment. CCRs are currently exempt wastes under RCRA but following the TVA spill EPA proposed to regulate coal ash for the first time.
On June 21, 2010, EPA issued its proposed CCR rule. The proposed regulation considers two options for the regulation of CCRs. Under the first option, CCRs would be regulated as special wastes subject to nearly full regulation as hazardous wastes under RCRA Subtitle C. If CCRs are regulated as “hazardous waste,” disposal will likely be required at specially-permitted, off-site hazardous waste disposal facilities. Under the second option, CCRs would be regulated as solid waste under Subtitle D of RCRA. Under this option, EPA is likely to establish national standards for surface impoundments and landfills. If CCRs are regulated under Subtitle D, it is likely a composite liner, a leachate collection and removal system, and a leak detection system will need to be installed at existing ash ponds.
EPA has not yet taken final action on the proposed CCR rule and has been sued by an environmental group who seeks the issuance of the final rule. In that case, Appalachian Voices v. Jackson, the Agency stated “EPA cannot at this time provide a well-informed judgment as to the specific amount of time that is needed to conclude its review and any necessary revisions of these regulations, and EPA therefore requests an opportunity, following further administrative proceedings, to provide this Court with supplemental briefing at a later date regarding final remedy.” Two actions (I, II) were consolidated in the Appalachian Voices case. EPA has indicated that the final CCR rule is not likely to be issued before the fourth quarter 2013.
Tags: CCR regulation, coal ash, coal combustion
Emissions | Environmental Protection Agency | Hazardous Materials | Regulation