Georgia Power is seeking approval from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
for Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) permits to cap nearly 50 million tons of toxic coal ash in
place in unlined pits, starting with Plant Hammond’s 1 million ton Ash Pond 3 in Rome, GA.

Plant Hammond’s Ash Pond 3 is partially located in the 100-year floodplain and regularly interacts with groundwater. As a result, this closure plan will allow toxic components of coal ash (such as arsenic, cadmium, selenium, and more) to leak into the Coosa River and Weiss Lake for decades to come.

EPD can and should use its authority to require Georgia Power to excavate this ash pond and move it to a dry, lined facility away from the Coosa River.

Virtual Hearing

EPD proposes to grant a permit for the permanent disposal of over a million tons of toxic coal
ash near the shores of the Coosa River at Plant Hammond’s AP-3, and is holding a virtual public
hearing soliciting comments via Zoom at 6 PM on August 10 to consider this proposal. To
participate in the virtual hearing and make your voice heard, click the link above or find more resources here.

Written Comments

EPD still has the opportunity to change course and require disposal of this industrial waste in a
modern, lined landfill that will adequately protect Georgia’s waters and communities.
Take action today by submitting a comment to EPD to demand that Georgia Power responsibly
dispose of coal ash at all of its sites, starting with Plant Hammond. Submit online comments by
September 8.

Click here to submit comments online or you can write and submit your own comments directly to epdcomments@dnr.ga.gov with “Plant Hammond AP-3 CCR Permit” in the subject line.