GMA comments at first EPA coal-ash hearing

September 1, 2010 | Ron Bygness and Andrew Aho

As its hearings continue through September 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments regarding the regulation of coal ash containment sites. The Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) was among the first in line to address the issue Aug. 30 at the EPA’s initial hearing in Arlington, Va.

The major issue in the proposed EPA regulations is how coal ash should be classified—as solid waste just as household garbage is regulated or as hazardous waste.

GMA has long maintained a position that coal combustion residuals (CCRs) can be safely contained as solid waste and that a designation as hazardous waste would be overkill. However, regardless of the designation the EPA eventually makes, it is clear that through advocacy efforts by GMA and others, the use of liners will be required in the disposal of coal ash waste.

GMA’s comments regarding the coal ash disposal regulations were prepared for the EPA’s seven public hearings around the country in August and September. The EPA’s hearings were scheduled in Arlington, Va., Denver, Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Louisville.

In addition to the Aug. 30 Arlington hearing, GMA members planned to issue public comments at hearings in Denver on Sept. 2, Dallas Sept. 8, Charlotte Sept. 14, Chicago Sept. 16, Pittsburgh Sept. 21, and Louisville on Sept. 28.

In addition, GMA drafted written comments on this issue. (GMA’s comments can be found at: http://geosyntheticsmagazine.com/news/gmaupdate)

In addition to the public hearings and written comments, GMA plans to bolster support for geosynthetic lining of coal ash sites during its Capitol Hill meetings with U.S. House and Senate staffs during GMA’s Lobby Day activities Sept. 15.

Click here to read the comments made by GMA members during the Aug. 30 EPA hearing in Arlington, Va., just outside Washington, D.C..

Ron Bygness is the editor of Geosynthetics magazine. Andrew Aho is the managing director of the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA).

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