Deadline nears for comments on Pa. fly ash regulation

Environmental advocates are urging Pennsylvania citizens to weigh in on the need for enforceable regulations of coal combustion waste disposal at mine sites. According to the Sierra Club:

The major point to be made is that ENFORCEABLE REGULATIONS are essential for the placement of Coal Combustion Wastes at mine sites, NOT technical guidance

These ENFORCEABLE REGULATIONS should include:

* Characterization of all CCW.
* Isolation of ash from all water sources.
* Long-term, comprehensive monitoring of all ash sites.
* Clear standards for corrective actions written into all permits.
* Bonds for monitoring and clean up.
* True public involvement in all CCW permitting decisions.

Citizens are asked to submit brief comments by the close of the business day on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Comments should be sent to Keith Brady (kbrady at state dot pa dot us) as well as Acting DEP Secretary John Hanger (jhanger at state dot pa dot us).

For more information, contact Lisa Graves Marcucci (lisagmarcucci at gmail dot com).