What is EPA’s position on the effectiveness of existing state programs regulating coal ash disposal?
While a number of states have good programs, we are seeing gaps in coverage that indicate that we need consistent federal standards and a level playing field. According to a 2009 ASTSWMO (Association of Solid and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials) survey of states with coal ash generation, of the 42 states with coal fired utilities, 36 have permit programs for landfills used to manage CCRs, and of the 36 states that have CCR surface impoundments, 25 have permit programs. With regard to liner requirements, 36% (15 of the 42 states that responded to this question) do not have minimum liner requirements for CCR landfills, while 67% (24 of the 36 states that responded to this question) do not have CCR liner requirements for surface impoundments. Similarly, 19% (8 of the 42 states that responded to this question) do not have minimum groundwater monitoring requirements for landfills and 61% (22 of the 36 states that responded to this question) do not have groundwater monitoring re
