Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Battle over coal ash continues in Illinois, with hearings underway

Midwest Energy News: After five years of deliberation over the storage of coal ash at Illinois power plants, advocates say water pollution threats remain and are seeking stronger remedies.

For decades, coal ash produced at coal-fired power plants in Northern Illinois was stored on the plants’ grounds, in ponds, pits and other areas, and was used as structural fill.

Environmental watchdogs have long feared the coal ash could be contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies, including Lake Michigan. Groundwater testing starting in 2010 showed evidence of such contamination, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which issued violations. The owner of the plants at the time, Midwest Generation, entered an agreement with the state government and took steps to remedy the problem.

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