DEP Re-Inspects Large Coal Waste Basins, Other High-Hazard Dams to Ensure Public Safety

In the wake of a disastrous December 22 coal ash impoundment failure in Tennessee, the Department of Environmental Protection is re-inspecting all coal ash slurry basins in Pennsylvania, according to Acting Secretary John Hanger.

 

The re-inspections are expected to be completed by the end of January.

 

“We are committed to doing everything in our power to avoid a similar catastrophe and to protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians living near these structures,” Acting Secretary Hanger said.

The basins hold ash that is removed from the combustion units of coal-fired power plants and stored prior to reuse or disposal.

 

Pennsylvania has 10 coal ash slurry basins that are large enough to require dam permits. Five of those basins are classified as “high-hazard” dams, or those which pose a risk to lives or property in the unlikely event of a dam failure.

 

The coal ash basins include-- Armstrong: Cooling Pond A,Beaver: Little Blue Run Dam,

Lancaster: Holtwood Ash Basin #2,Montour: Montour Ash Basin,Northampton: Martin’s Creek Ash Basin #1 and Martin’s Creek Ash Basin #4,Snyder: Sunbury Ash Pond #1, Sunbury Ash Pond #2, and Sunbury Ash Pond #3,Westmoreland: Mill Service #6 andYork: Brunner Island Ash Basin #6

Acting SecretaryHanger also ordered the re-inspection of 31 other high-hazard waste impoundments, most containing coal slurry, over the next six months. In addition, the department will inspect a Westmoreland County dam containing chemical sludge in this month.

 

“While all five of the high-hazard dams in the state have been inspected in the last year by the owner’s engineer as required by law and by the department, I want to make sure that our department is taking the precautions necessary to keep our communities, businesses and families safe,” Acting Secretary Hanger added.

 

For more information, visit DEP's Coal Ash webpage.