Residents Ask EPA For Stricter Fly Ash Regulations

On Tuesday, local residents took their fight against coal ash in front of federal officials, pleading for more regulations. But power officials are pushing back, saying stricter rules could cost local jobs.

Many Hancock County residents have said First Energy is dumping the dangerous cancer-causing material in their back yards at the Little Blue Run impoundment in Greene Township.

Now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering stricter regulations and two ways of regulating coal ash. Prior to making its decision, the agency is holding public hearings nationwide.

Hundreds of people packed into the Omni William Penn Hotel on Tuesday for one such hearing, and the feelings were fierce.

"Would you feed this to your children? Arsenic? Would you put this on their food? I brought you blackberry ginger syrup. I want you to think, would you put this on your crepes?" said Elisa Young, of Meggs County, Ohio.

People who live near coal power plants and impoundments said coal ash -- also called fly ash -- is a toxic substance that's poisoned and polluted their well water.

"We carry 15-20 gallons a week (of water) to drink and cook with because it taste like salt and smells like rotten eggs," said Barb Reed, of Greene Township. "The water erodes our water tank, faucets and pipes."

But not everyone is for stronger EPA regulations. While some power plant employees said the ash makes them ill, others said the only thing spreading is fear.

Dennis Waldron, Local 457 president, said, "I've been at (the W. H. Sammis Power Plant) for about 30 years and I've been in contact with fly ash for the entire 30 years I've worked here." When asked if he or his co-workers have had any physical side effects, he said, "Not that I'm aware of. I've had none."

Waldron and other local workers said they are worried. "It's scary to think what could happen to our jobs, the plant or the Valley."

But local residents also said they want their worries heard.

"I've also had three benign tumors on my left breast. It's a lot different than the pretty brochure 36 years ago," said Debbie Havens, of Chester.

Young said the ash goes "into our pastures, our dairy cattle, our beef cattle, our gardens. When I go to pick a zucchini or tomato it is covered in grit."

The EPA will hold another public hearing next week in Kentucky. There is no timeline on when federal officials will make a decision.

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Previous Stories: September 2, 2010: Residents Want Stricter Coal Ash Monitoring August 26, 2010: Researchers: Coal Ash Sites Contaminate Water