The VDT article never said “landfill” even though landfills were one of the main topics of the bills and of the discussion, including specifically the active landfill in Lowndes County, which has already received coal ash from Tennessee and Florida. Maybe you’d like to come mention that to Valdosta City Council Thursday evening.

Daniel DeMersseman, Valdosta Daily Times, 7 March 2017, Groups want coal ash regulation,

VALDOSTA — Georgia Interfaith Power & Light recently sponsored a presentation on the dangers of improperly stored coal ash.

Members of GIPL, No Ash at All, and Suwanee Riverkeeper joined together to discuss proper coal ash storage.

Picture by John S. Quarterman for WWALS Watershed Coalition, 2017-03-01.

“Coal ash contains mercury, lead, and other heavy metals and is stored in unlined, uncapped ponds on utility company property near waterways,” said the Rev. Leeann Culbreath of GIPL.

“We’re looking at legislation currently to regulate coal ash storage,” Culbreath said.

“Coal ash is produced primarily from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants,” according to the EPA’s website.

“Without proper management, these contaminants can pollute waterways, ground water, drinking water, and the air,” according to the site.

“There can be air exposure, too, as it’s transported,” Culbreath said.

Three bills address coal ash storage, HB 387 and 388 in the House and SB 165 in the Senate, Culbreath said.

Unfortunately, none of those bills even made it out of committee. The Georgia House Natural Resources and Environment Committee (HNRE) did appoint a study committee, on which we need to get some of our local state reps.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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