EPA Enforces New Rules to Combat Toxic Coal Ash Pollution and Protect Groundwater Across the U.S.

New rules by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aim to close a loophole that has allowed power plant operators to evade responsibility for toxic coal ash pollution at scores of sites across the country. The finalized Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule prohibits any pollution of groundwater or water bodies by coal plant sites regardless of the exact source. The new Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) address wastewater released from power plants, including water used to clean bottom ash out of boilers. The rules also regulate “historic” coal ash that has been scattered and dumped around coal power sites and surrounding communities, often without records being kept. Critics argue that the rules require sitewide corrective action and cleanup, which will also restore groundwater quality.