Climate and Toxic Waste

More than 100 coal-burning power plant storage sites lie in places that federal emergency managers have flagged high risk for flooding. According to Politico’s examination of government and industry data. This comes from the studies of scientists and pollution experts that coal ash in communities across the country may become a greater danger because heavier rain has triggered a climate change. Already, federal agencies say that the government’s flood maps are all messed up.

This situation will grow more dire as climate change supercharges rain, floods and storms, according to a POLITICO analysis. At issue are coal ash ponds and landfills within the FEMA’s Special Flood Hazard Area, known as the 100-year floodplain. The sites in this area face greater exposure to storms and floods that can spill waste into adjacent waterways and contaminate groundwater.

The Industry, however, contends utilities can safely close coal ash sites and prevent pollution, even if the ponds and landfills are in high risk flood zones. "The question of how to close really is a site-specific decision and you need to take a look at the site characteristics, where the groundwater is, where surface waters are," said Jim Roewer, executive director of the Utility Solid Waste Activities Group, a coalition of electric utilities.