Admin note: We recently invited ACC member and coal combustion products (CCP) management experts, Charah, Inc. to prepare an editorial for the Coalblog and monthly member update newsletter. In this article, they describe how they beneficially used CCPs to help ensure their newly constructed corporate headquarters met LEEDs program requirements. We invite you to check out the article and Charah’s website (www.charah.com) to learn more about their offerings.

Citizens for Recycling First has a good explanation of how the EPA’s recent proposal on coal ash regulation still leaves the door wide open for a “hazardous” designation under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

So, it looks like we’re not done yet. The simple facts are that it’s not reasonable to designate something as “hazardous” and then expect that people will still want to use it in the construction of their offices, homes, schools, etc.

The science doesn’t support the hazardous designation; the push for a Subtitle C designation is based in politics and special interest pressure tactics. Worse, it will cause significant damage the economy, and the environment.

Text of Coal Combustion Residuals – Proposed Rule ~ http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/ccr-rule/ccr-rule-prop.pdf. For more information on the Coal Combustion Residuals – proposed rule, see the EPA’s website ~ http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/ccr-rule/index.htm

This Citizens for Recycling First blog post discusses the EPA’s clear support for the beneficial use and recycling of coal ash

EPA Supports Coal Ash Recycling While Issuing Regulatory Options

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials voiced strong support for recycling coal ash today as they formally announced that they are considering two approaches to regulating coal ash disposal.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 4, 2010

EPA Announces Plans to Regulate Coal Ash

Agency proposals would address risks of unsafe coal ash disposal, while supporting safe forms of beneficial use

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today is proposing the first-ever national rules to ensure the safe disposal and management of coal ash from coal-fired power plants.

WOCA Call for Papers

Deadline: October 1, 2010

The World of Coal Ash organizers invite you to submit an abstract for consideration for WOCA 2011. Topics include: regulatory initiatives, flue gas desulfurization materials, traditional and non-traditional uses, disposal and land applications, new and emerging technologies, and more.

For details please visit: www.worldofcoalash.org

Organized by the American Coal Ash Association & the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research

Proposed EPA regulations to limit the recycling and beneficial use of CCPs (coal combustion products) could have some frightening implications for our economy and environment.

CCP recycling and use currently provides $6.4 – $11.4 in annual economic benefits, significant environmental benefits, reduced energy consumption, water savings, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

All of those economic, social, and environmental benefits — and many more — stem from our growing use of coal combustion products (CCP’s). However, pending EPA regulations that could classify coal ash as a “hazardous waste” could have substantial negative impacts on this growing industry.

WSJ.com describes the an internal “tussle” in the administration over coal ash.