Regulate Harmful Coal Ash Waste

  • by: Care2
  • recipient: Stephen L. Johnson, EPA Administrator
A coal ash waste dumping pond in Tennessee ruptured in December, unleashing toxic substances known to cause cancer, birth defects and other health problems. But the EPA is not doing anything to regulate it! As a result of the spill, 1 billion gallons of sludge containing the heavy metals arsenic, lead, mercury and selenium were leaked into the Emory River.

Coal ash waste isn't just detrimental to people. It is also responsible for diminishing populations of birds and frogs near dumping areas. The remaining animals are at risk of developmental problems, like tadpoles without teeth and fish with deformed spines.

What's more, coal ash is recyclable. It can act as cement for concrete or as a base for roads, making it useful and non-harmful. But the recycling process would need to be closely monitored to ensure no harm to humans or the environment.

Tell the EPA to regulate coal ash waste that threatens water supplies and human health. It's their job.
Dear EPA Administrator,

Coal ash waste is full of toxic substances and heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and selenium that are known to cause cancer and birth defects as well as other health problems. And in light of Tennessee's recent rupture of a coal ash waste pond, I ask that you immediately begin regulating coal ash waste.

From December's toxic spill, 1 billion gallons of sludge containing harmful byproducts of burning coal were unleashed into the Emory River. People are not the only ones affected by coal ash waste; bird and frog populations in range coal waste dumping areas are diminishing and suffering from developmental problems.

It is your job to regulate chemicals and protect human health by safeguarding the natural environment. And even though coal ash is proven harmful to people and the environment, it still goes unregulated. There are more than 1,300 dump sites similar to the one that failed in Tennessee, putting innumerable areas in danger.


You should know that coal ash can be disposed of in much safer and sustainable ways. It can be recycled and used in place of cement for concrete, which fastens the heavy metals and prevents them from escaping. Coal ash can also be used as a base for roads, which puts a protective layer over the harmful toxins.

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Please regulate unsafe coal ash waste. It is your job to protect human health as well as the environment.
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