Hazardous Waste News Brief (HQ): EPA Releases Survey Results on Coal Ash Impoundments
*CONTACT: *Latisha Petteway petteway.latisha@epa.gov 202-564-3191 202-564-4355 *FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *Sept. 8, 2009 *EPA Releases Survey Results on Coal Ash Impoundments * *WASHINGTON** *- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making information publicly available from electric utilities on the management of coal combustion residuals contained in surface impoundments and similar management units. Following the coal ash spill at a Tennessee Valley Authority facility in Kingston, Tenn., EPA requested the information from electric utilities to inform an assessment of the structural integrity of the surface impoundments. The responses from electric utilities cover 584 units from 219 facilities. In addition, EPA is conducting on-site assessments of the coal ash impoundments and ponds at electric utilities. EPA will assess by the end of the calendar year all of the units that have a dam hazard potential rating of "high" or "significant" in the responses provided by electric utilities to EPA's information request. The hazard potential rating refers to the potential for loss of life or damage if there is a dam failure. The ratings do not refer to the structural stability of the dam. Dams assigned the high hazard potential rating are those where failure or misoperation will probably cause loss of human life; dams assigned a significant hazard potential rating are those where failure will not probably cause loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or damage to infrastructure (for example, roads and bridges). The results of this effort will be posted on EPA's Web site as final reports are completed. More information: http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/surveys/index.html R244 Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. View all news releases related to hazardous waste [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/edition.html?code=USAEPA_20&format=Web&email_type=bulletin ] [ http://service.govdelivery.com/service/edition.html?code=USAEPA_20&format=Web&email_type=bulletin ] ________________________________________________________________________ EPA Seal You can view or update your subscriptions or e-mail address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=USAEPA ]. All you will need is your e-mail address. If you have any questions or problems e-mail support@govdelivery.com for assistance. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [ http://www.epa.gov/ ]. Sent by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW . Washington DC 20460 . 202-564-4355