Coal Ash Essay

Coal Ash

Introduction

On February 2, 2014, a coal ash spill occurred in Eden, North Carolina which affected the Dan River; wildlife, drinking water, and other surroundings were destroyed or contaminated. The spill was caused by a leaky 48-inch storm water pipe located in a defunct steam station. The spill not only devastated its surroundings, but “sent millions of gallons of sledge” into the river which is used by North Carolina and Virginia citizens for drinking water (Shoichet, 2014). The leak was eventually patched, but left traces of copper, aluminum, iron, and arsenic that state environmental officials stated were “above state standards for surface water” (Shoichet, 2014). At the time, the article was published by CNN, environmental officials were working on a plan for cleaning up the river and remaining pollutants. Although the spill was not a major spill, the future effects that coal ash may have on the river, wildlife and citizens of North Carolina and Virginia are unknown.

Potential effects that citizens and wildlife may encounter include genetic defects for water life, cancer, and poor water quality. There have been coal ash spills that have affected other states besides North Carolina and Virginia. In December of 2008, a coal ash spill took place in Tennessee, spilling 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash across the city of Kingston. Known as the biggest toxic waste spill in American history, this disaster mixed ash with water, closed down roads and ruined homes (“Tennessee”, 2014). In this synthesis, I will discuss what coal ash is, the health and environmental effects of coal ash spills, an analysis of the laws and regulations regarding coal ash and how coal ash effects Indiana. Some organizations may consider coal as a ha...

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...d of in liquid form at large surface impoundments and in solid form at landfills. When burned it releases toxins into the air causing air pollution. When spilled it can release arsenic, lead and mercury into local drinking water systems contaminating water and causing deformities in water life. On the other hand, some see it as a valuable resource for constructing buildings and saving taxpayer’s money. However way coal ash may be viewed, there is evidence that serious health and environmental effects are a result of leac. There have been Overall, coal ash can present major health and environmental problems for the present and future if regulation is not established. Coal ash contains many harmful toxins that can negatively affect residents that live near coal ash disposal sites. These effects can result in cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory.