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

Search for:

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

My experience with Lion training, both online and in the classroom, is that they are far better organized and provide a better sequential explanation of the material.

Robert Roose

Manager, Dangerous Goods Transportation

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

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 will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Explore ten hazardous waste management errors that caused generators in California the most trouble last year.

Download

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.