Boxer Complains EPA Will Not Reveal Most Hazardous Coal Ash Sites

Date: June 12, 2009

Source: News Room

Environment and Public Works Committee Chairwoman US Sen. Barbara Boxer complained at a recent press conference that the Department of Homeland Security will not allow her to discuss the location of 44 coal ash waste impoundments across the country deemed by the EPA be highly hazardous. DHS says that revealing their locations could be a security hazard, although the agency would not detail their security concerns with the Senator. Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal and often contains toxic chemicals that can cause birth defects, cancer and other health problems. Boxer said "We are losing what we cherish in America, the public's right to know," and that residents of the communities involved have a right to know if a threat exists in their neighborhood. Her committee began investigating coal ash impoundments after more than 1 billion gallons of coal combustion waste covered more than 300 acres near the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston power plant in December last year.

See also: EPA Identifies Most Dangerous Coal Ash Sites (www.wasteinfo.com/news/wbj20090505I.htm).

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