Plant Hammond Archives - Coosa River Basin Initiative

Big News on Coal Ash from EPA

January 11, 2022

Advocacy, Blog Posts, Plant Hammond, Press Releases

Today, EPA took an enormous step toward addressing the real-world pollution concerns surrounding coal ash pond closure. In offering determinations on a handful of specific closure plans, EPA sent clear guidance on how the CCR (coal ash) Rule is to be implemented. From EPAs press release on January 11, 2022: “the proposed determinations re-state EPA’s consistently held position that surface impoundments or landfills cannot be closed with coal ash in contact with groundwater.” The press release further states that “Closure…

EPD Hears Concerns from Citizens at Virtual Hearing

August 11, 2021

Advocacy, Coverage

Coverage from EPDs virtual hearing on the closure plan for Plant Hammond’s AP-3.

Georgia Recorder Article Paints Grim Picture of Coal Ash in Georgia

August 9, 2021

Advocacy, Coverage

Here is an excellent overview of the coal ash problem across the state from Jill Nolin at Georgia Recorder.

GA Power Plans to Leave Toxic Coal Ash in Groundwater at Plant Hammond

August 5, 2021

Advocacy, Blog Posts

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 inplace 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…

New Evidence Confirms Georgia Power Coal Ash Pits Slated for Cap in Place Submerged in Groundwater

August 8, 2019

Advocacy, Plant Hammond, Press Releases

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,…

Coal Ash Pond Problems at Hammond and Bowen

December 13, 2018

Advocacy, Coverage, Plant Hammond

Coal Ash is the byproduct of burning coal to generate electricity. It also contains several toxic, harmful substances that are known to cause cancer, impact child development, cause kidney and liver failure, and a litany of other health problems. Traditionally, this material has been held in coal ash ponds that surround the coal-fired power plants. Unfortunately, Georgia Power’s coal ash ponds across the state are not lined and a recent report from Earthjustice, utilizing Georgia Power’s data from test wells,…