On Monday, EPA published its proposed coal ash regulations in the Federal Register. If you happen to be going to the beach this weekend here is the link to this light summer reading. Of course you can also check out a brief summary at earthjustice.

For North Carolina and our 17 coal ash sites, it's imperative that the EPA regulate coal ash as a 'special waste'. This stronger regulation will close wet ponds within 5 years, mandate groundwater monitoring and most importantly allow for federal oversight and enforcement. The other weaker option, would only suggest recommendations that would not be enforceable by EPA.

RISK REMEDIATION
House Bill 1575: Accelerate Remediation of Manufacturing Sites

Remediation refers to the restoration of a contaminated environmental site to the condition where it does not threaten human health or other life forms. Risk-based remediation requires a clean up according to the anticipated future use of the site, meaning partial cleanups may occur and the site may stay at unhealthy contamination levels.

Today the NC Sierra Club released a report detailing the dangers associated with "beneficial" coal ash. Here's the rundown:

Each year North Carolina dumps 800,000 tons of coal ash into unregulated,unlined structural fills. Coal ash contains toxic metals like, mercury, selenium, cadmium, and arsenic, all of which can cause cancer and serious damage to the nervous system. Even with these risks known, federal oversight is non-existent and state regulations are weak. With over 20 counties in NC hosting these structural fill sites this is a little known problem, that could have serious consequences.

As we all know, this morning President Obama announced plans to lift a 20 year ban on offshore drilling. Executive Director of the Sierra Club Michael Brune put it best when he said,

“Drilling our coasts will doing nothing to lower gas prices or create energy independence. It will only jeopardize beaches, marine life, and coastal tourist economies, all so the oil industry can make a short-term profit.” And that's the double truth, Ruth!