WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Earlier this month, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved to loosen a 2015 regulation regarding coal ash disposal. According to the Associated Press, some of the rule changes would push back the deadline to close problematic ash dumps. Other changes weaken drinking water protections by removing some contamination limits. State officials would be allowed to end groundwater monitoring.
The EPA says the changes give states more flexibility in managing coal ash, and will save between $28 and $31 million a year in regulatory costs.
The EPA’s press release didn’t mention any benefits to the environment or public health from the regulation changes.
The state of Indiana produces seven million tons of coal ash each year, making it the state with the most coal ash ponds in the country.
Dr. Indra Frank is the Director of Environmental Health and Water Quality for the Hoosier Environmental Council. Dr. Frank spoke with WFHB News Director Wes Martin about the rule changes. She says they set Indiana up for more groundwater contamination, and will reduce the number of contaminated sites that get cleaned up.
