These ponds collectively contain tens of millions of tons of coal ash – a byproduct of burning coal to generate electricity. Coal ash is loaded with a large number of toxins, carcinogens, and heavy metals that can migrate out of these ponds when exposed to water.
“Georgia Power has already shown that excavation and removal is appropriate and feasible, including a recent decision to excavate additional sites that are substantially larger than any of these ponds in question,” said Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, Executive Director and Riverkeeper for the Coosa River Basin Initiative.“As other Southeastern utilities have committed to handling this waste responsibly, it’s past time for Georgia Power to extend its commitment and remove all of its coal ash to modern, lined, and permitted landfills away from Georgia’s waters.”
Georgia Power currently plans to leave one unlined coal ash pond capped in place at Plant Hammond right next to the Coosa River.
Follow this link for more details and to access the letter SELC submitted on behalf of CRBI, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Altamaha Riverkeeper to EPD, urging them to deny these permits.