Edwards coal ash pond looking toward the northeast

The Illinois Pollution Control Board will hold a second public hearing with phone-in or computer access public comment opportunities at the end of September and October 1st. The hearings are on proposed state regulations for coal ash impoundments or ash ponds at coal-fired power plants. There are five power plants in our area: Hennepin, Edwards, Powerton, Duck Creek and Havanna. These regulations will determine how locations are left after the plant shuts down. For a plant such as Edwards, at stake is whether the coal ash remains as a ticking time-bomb of toxic heavy metals leaching into the groundwater next to the Illinois River or if, and how it will be cleaned up.

An updated online issues briefing is expected. Use this handy form to indicate your interest.