(WASHINGTON, DC)—As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers a second round of changes to federal rules governing the storage and reuse of coal ash, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) submitted written comments raising concerns about how the proposed changes threaten the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the people who live there.
Coal ash is the toxic byproduct of burning coal. Potential contaminants include mercury, cadmium, arsenic, boron, and other heavy metals.
CBF Vice President, Environmental Protection and Restoration Lisa Feldt issued this statement outlining our concerns:
"There is no scientific dispute that if coal ash reaches local rivers, and streams, it can affect both water quality for aquatic resources as well as human health. The changes proposed by EPA increase those risks.
"With numerous coal ash impoundments across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, particularly in Pennsylvania and Virginia, strong federal rules are essential to protecting the health of the region's 18 million residents and the aquifers, rivers, and streams they rely on for drinking water, fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities."
Washington, D.C. Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
[email protected]
202-793-4485
