National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative: Protecting Communities from Coal Ash Contamination
Problem
![Coal Ash Facility](/system/files/styles/thumbnail/private/images/2024-06/coalashfacility.jpg?itok=vLWqzUKI)
EPA is committed to reducing pollution from coal ash also known as Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR), the toxic material left behind after facilities burn coal for energy. Coal ash contains contaminants known to cause cancer and other serious health effects.
In 2021, coal-fired electric utilities generated almost 80 million tons of coal ash. There are approximately 300 regulated facilities nationwide, comprised of approximately 775 coal ash surface impoundments and landfills. Approximately 72 of the facilities are located near overburdened communities.
The impact or harm to human health and the environment from noncompliance with EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) CCR Program can be significant and can occur through catastrophic releases of contaminants, contamination of groundwater resources, impacts on nearby surface waters, consumption of contaminated drinking water, and releases of pollutants to the air.
Goals
The Protecting Communities from Coal Ash Contamination National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (NECI) seeks to identify and meaningfully reduce the most significant risks to drinking water, surface waters and groundwater resources, and air quality, from coal ash disposal.
Overview of Protecting Communities from Coal Ash Contamination NECI Goals
Goal |
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1 |
Focus on investigated high-risk facilities in each EPA Region, with priority given to those facilities that may significantly impact vulnerable or pollution-burdened communities. |
2 |
Reduce noncompliance with the CCR regulations by identifying violations through compliance monitoring and resolving these violations through enforcement actions that seek appropriate injunctive relief and mitigation of past harm, including achieving pollutant reductions at facilities that may impact vulnerable or pollution-burdened communities. |