Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities; Legacy/CCRMU Amendments; Public Hearing

Earthjustice submitted a set of attachments, including an Environmental Assessment Report for the John Sevier Fossil Plant, as part of a larger joint comment with several other environmental organizations. The comment serves as a technical submission of data and reports rather than a direct statement of support or opposition to the proposed rule.

This submission is a collection of technical documents and attachments (specifically a Sitewide Groundwater Remedial Action Plan for the E.W. Brown Generating Station) submitted by a coalition of environmental advocacy groups. The comment does not express a specific stance on the proposed rule but provides supporting documentation for their position.

Teresa de Lima, a private resident of Palmer, Alaska, opposes the disposal of coal ash. She provides a detailed hypothetical analysis of how dumping coal ash in Fairbanks would contaminate local rivers, groundwater, and the Bering Sea over a century.

A pediatrician specializing in environmental health opposes the proposal, arguing that it will harm children's health and lead to further contamination of groundwater and rivers. The commenter highlights the dangers of heavy metals in coal ash, such as mercury and lead, which cause neurodevelopmental issues and other serious health problems.

The commenter opposes the proposed rule because it would allow for the waiving of safety rules for coal ash ponds and remove regulations on dry coal ash dumps. They argue that strong federal regulations are necessary to prevent coal ash contamination of groundwater, drinking water, and farmland.

An individual is opposing the proposed amendments to the coal combustion residuals disposal rule. The commenter argues that coal ash sites are already contaminating groundwater with hazardous chemicals and carcinogens.

The commenter opposes the proposed amendments to the coal ash disposal rule, expressing concern over the potential for water and air pollution from a local coal ash dump. They argue for stronger federal regulations to protect public health and the environment.

An individual is opposing the proposed EPA rule regarding coal combustion residuals, arguing that it removes regulations on dry coal ash dumps and allows for weaker, site-specific standards for toxins in groundwater. The commenter expresses concern that the proposal prioritizes corporate profit over environmental safety.

A coalition of Indiana-based environmental and community organizations opposes the EPA's proposal to exempt Coal Combustion Residual Management Units (CCRMUs) from regulation. They argue that the specific site at Michigan City poses significant risks to human health and the environment due to groundwater contamination, potential for catastrophic spills in a floodplain, and the presence of toxic substances like arsenic and mercury.

Young, Gifted & Green, a civil rights and environmental justice organization, opposes the proposed Legacy/CCRMU Amendments because they would loosen closure and monitoring standards for contaminated coal ash sites. They argue the proposal shifts cleanup costs from polluters to the public and fails to address documented health risks and environmental justice concerns.