The ash collected from power plant smokestacks is at present categorized by the federal EPA as “special waste” and is exempt from non-hazardous waste regulations. In the wake of the Tennessee coal ash pond disaster, EPA is taking a second look at the disposal of coal ash.

Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania DEP is considering rulemaking for the ‘Beneficial Use of Coal Ash’. To that end, the DEP will hold two public hearings in our area.

1 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2009
DEP Southwest Regional Office
400 Waterfront Drive Conference
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

1 p.m., Tuesday, December 8, 2009
DEP Cambria District Office
286 Industrial Park Road
Ebensburg, PA 15931

For Background and Talking Points, see below. (more…)

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