Search

RCRA Solid Waste Rules for Coal Ash Proposed

Posted on 5/24/2023 by Nick Waldron

US EPA proposed to establish regulatory requirements for coal combustion residuals (CCR), also known as “coal ash,” in inactive surface impoundments at inactive facilities (i.e., “legacy impoundments”). 

The agency is also proposing new measures for other CCR management units at regulated facilities regarding:

  • Groundwater monitoring,
  • Corrective action, and
  • Closure requirements and post-closure care requirements. 
Last, the rule makes technical corrections and clarifies details in the existing coal ash requirements. The solid waste management requirements EPA is revising are found in 40 CFR Part 257, Subpart D.

EPA will take public comments on the proposed rule until July 17, 2023. 

RCRA Solid Waste Rules for Coal Ash Proposed

What is Coal Ash?

Coal ash is a byproduct of coal burning in coal-fired power plants and is regulated due to its ability to pollute air and water. Coal ash contains mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other contaminants. 

Per the American Coal Ash Association, more than 35 million tons of coal ash was beneficially used in 2021, mainly in concrete products and gypsum panels (EPA webpage: Coal Ash Reuse). Benefits of re-use include reduced cost of coal ash disposal, and reduced extraction of raw materials from the earth.

Why Did EPA Write a New CCR Rule?

In 2015, EPA established regulations for coal ash with a Final Rule, creating national minimum criteria for CCR landfills added responsibilities for coal-burning power plants.

The rule included an exemption for “legacy impoundments”—meaning inactive impoundments at inactive facilities. An industry group challenged the exemption in court, and in 2018 the exemption was vacated in Utility Solid Waste Activities, et. al.. v EPA. This decision required EPA to create new regulations to cover these no-longer-exempt impoundments. 

 

 

Tags: coal ash, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I have over 26 years of environmental compliance experience, and it has been some time since I have attended an environmental regulations workshop. I attended this course as preparation for EHS Audits for my six plants, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Frank Sizemore

Director of Regulatory Affairs

I have attended other training providers, but Lion is best. Lion is king of the hazmat jungle!!!

Henry Watkins

Hazardous Waste Technician

Amazing instructor; real-life examples. Lion training gets better every year!

Frank Papandrea

Environmental Manager

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

This training broke down the regulations in an easy-to-understand manner and made them less overwhelming. I now feel I have the knowledge to make more informed decisions.

Amanda Oswald

Shipping Professional

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Decrease spill, release, and injury risk and increase savings with these "source reduction" strategies to prevent unused chemicals from becoming regulated as hazardous waste.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.