The purpose of the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) webpage is to provide State and Federal resources and updates regarding implementation of the final EPA rule, Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals from Electric Utilities. The webpage also provides links to legislative activities regarding the rule’s implementation. In addition to information focused on CCR rule implementation, the page also includes a link to federal research regarding coal and its by-products.
EPA Information Sources
EPA Webpage: Coal Ash (Coal Combustion Residuals, or CCR)
State CCR Permit Program Applications for EPA Approval
A portion of the EPA webpage addresses EPA approval of State CCR permit program applications, as authorized by the 2016 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.
Current EPA Proposed Rules
Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of CCR; A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternate Demonstration for Unlined Surface Impoundments; Implementation of Closure
-Comments to EPA must be received on or before April 17, 2020
Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program
-Comment Period Extended to May 20, 2020
ASTSWMO Information Sources
Legislation
S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation’s Act, was passed by both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate as of December 10, 2016, and was signed into law by the President on December 16, 2016, becoming Public Law No. 114-322. A provision in the law amends RCRA Subtitle D to give EPA the authority to approve coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit programs or other systems of prior approval and conditions that States may establish for the EPA CCR rule and submit to EPA for approval. The CCR legislative language is in Title II, Subtitle C, Section 2301.
Additional Information
The American Coal Ash Association released its Coal Ash Production and Use Survey 2017 on November 13, 2018. Additional information is available here.
Utility Solid Waste Activities Group (USWAG) Petition to EPA re: Coal Combustion Residuals Rule
Note: This petition is posted strictly for informational purposes.
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held briefings in January and February 2016 to examine EPA’s work under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 12898 with a focus on the civil rights implications of the placement of coal ash disposal facilities near minority and low income communities. The briefings related to the Commission’s 2016 Enforcement Report, Environmental Justice: Toxic Materials, Poor Economies, and the Impact on the Environment of Low-Income, Minority Communities.
Press releases regarding the briefings:
http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_EnvJustice_Final.pdf
http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_PartialBriefing.pdf
http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_EnvJusticeforMinorities.pdf
U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory
National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) research and development program to develop technologies for the recovery of rare earth elements from coal and coal by-products: