Ponds at power plants pose risk to drinking water

Eleven coal waste and ash dumps in seven Georgia counties, including Cobb, pose a much higher risk of cancer and other health problems to people living nearby than was previously thought, according to two environmental groups that reviewed federal records.

“Can living next to one of these dumpsites increase your risk of getting cancer or other diseases?” said Eric Schaeffer, director of the Environmental Integrity Project. “The Environmental Protection Agency thinks so, especially if you live near one of those wet ash ponds or surface impoundments.”

The EPA data showed one in 50 people had increased risk of cancer if they drew water from wells near the ponds, Schaeffer said. Contaminated surface water increases the risk of cancer or other diseases for swimmers and anyone who eats fish from those streams, rivers or lakes, according to Schaeffer.

“EPA is also quickly moving forward to develop regulations to address the management of coal combustion residuals,” said spokeswoman Adora Andy. “EPA anticipates having a proposed rule ready for public comment by the end of the year.”

A spokesman for the Georgia Power Co., which owns 10 coal power plants in the state, said there is nothing to suggest their coal ash ponds had caused any cancers, illnesses or leached into the ground water or nearby streams or rivers. Coal ash usually contains high concentrations arsenic, boron, cadmium, cobalt, lead and other toxins .

Jeff Wilson said the utility frequently inspects its 28 unlined coal ash ponds. Two of those ponds also require periodic checks by the state because of the size of their dams.

The Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice list of 210 sites nationwide included 11 Georgia coal ash ponds. Two on the groups’ list, however, appear to be duplicates and does not include all the coal ash ponds Georgia Power has.

Wilson also said the EPA study was only in draft form, and “once the EPA issues that assessment in final form, we will review it and work with regulators and other stake holders to address any issues.”

The report from the two environmental groups only listed power plants in Cobb, Chatham, Putnam, Floyd, Bartow, Heard and Monroe counties.

“We now have the full picture about coal dump sites across American and it is not pretty,” Schaeffer said. “Its past time for EPA to turn the lights on and regulate these hazards.”

Schaeffer noted a major spill from a coal ash pond at a power plant owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority just last December. Wet coal ash breached its earthen retaining wall and 5.4 million cubic yards of slush spewed from TVA pond, burying nearby homes.

“Since last year’s coal ash spill at a Tennessee Valley Authority facility in Kingston, Tenn., the EPA has executed new efforts to prevent future threats to human health and the environment,” said Andy of the EPA. “EPA is expeditiously evaluating all liquid coal impoundments in the country to determine whether they raise the type of structural integrity issue that led to the TVA spill.”