Coal Ash Labeled As Nonhazardous Waste

Ken O’Brien

The Environmental Protection Agency announced on Friday the first national regulations for the safe disposal of coal ash from power plants.

The new rules categorize coal ash as a nonhazardous waste.

"These strong safeguards will protect drinking water from contamination, air from coal ash dust and our communities from structural failures, while providing facilities a practical approach for implementation," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a release. 

EPA Expected To Decide On Coal Ash Friday

Ken O’Brien

At the October 20^th meeting of the Southbridge Town Council resident John Pulawski kicked off a new round of controversy regarding the town’s landfill. He alleged that toxic materials were being used as cover for the site. Specifically he referred to coal ash as the culprit.

Subsequently representatives of the Board of Health disputed Mr. Pulawski’s claims. The stated that the EPA had not defined coal ash as a toxic substance. Therefore, they contended, it was just one more instance of Mr. Pulawski crying wolf.