Environment Alert: Most ponds and landfills holding coal waste across the U.S. have leaked toxic chemicals into nearby groundwater, report finds

The vast majority of ponds and landfills holding coal waste at 250 power plants across the country have leaked toxic chemicals into nearby groundwater, according to an analysis of public monitoring data released Monday by environmental groups. The report, published jointly by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, found that 91 percent of the nation's coal-fired power plants reported elevated levels of contaminants such as arsenic, lithium, chromium and other pollutants in nearby groundwater. The findings raise questions about whether any of the leaks might affect drinking water supplies. Companies were required to release their monitoring data for the first time last year as part of an Obama-era rule to regulate storage of coal waste.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     Environment Alert Mar 4, 8:54 AM     Most ponds and landfills holding coal waste across the U.S. have leaked toxic chemicals into nearby groundwater, report finds The vast majority of ponds and landfills holding coal waste at 250 power plants across the country have leaked toxic chemicals into nearby groundwater, according to an analysis of public monitoring data released Monday by environmental groups. The report, published jointly by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, found that 91 percent of the nation's coal-fired power plants reported elevated levels of contaminants such as arsenic, lithium, chromium and other pollutants in nearby groundwater. The findings raise questions about whether any of the leaks might affect drinking water supplies. Companies were required to release their monitoring data for the first time last year as part of an Obama-era rule to regulate storage of coal waste. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2019 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071