Coal ash waste at Illinois’ coal-fired power plants has severely polluted the underlying groundwater. Coal ash, also known as coal combustion residuals (CCR), is the byproduct of burning coal and it contains a brew of hazardous pollutants which can severely harm human health, fish and wildlife.
As Illinois’ coal plants close, or near closure, the coal companies are considering the clean-up or the “closure” of the coal ash ponds at the site. Illinois regulates coal ash clean-up and closure through the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act and associated Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) rules. Companies are required to have closure plans approved through a permitting process by IEPA.
This information was prepared to help communities understand and engage in the public process for cleaning up and closing coal ash facilities.
Where are the coal ash facilities in Illinois?
The IEPA maintains an Ash Pond Map, where users can see the location and details about coal ash ponds, like whether they have a liner and a closure plan. The Coal Ash Map is a tool designed to provide comprehensive information about coal ash impoundments at Illinois power plants. By clicking on any power plant, users can access detailed information about specific coal ash impoundments, including site documentation created by the company to comply with federal and state laws, documents from the IEPA and closure permits.
Where can information be found about groundwater pollution at coal ash ponds?
Luminant, Vistra’s parent company, is required to share groundwater data reports on their website, however, unfortunately the data is cumbersome to collect and review. PRN and partners completed a coal ash groundwater analysis report in 2019 and it provides information about groundwater contamination at coal ash ponds across Illinois. You can find that report here. Although the report is outdated it can still provide a good summary of the groundwater pollution at each site.
What does clean-up and closure of coal ash entail?
Coal ash closure methods involve two main approaches, cap-in-place and removal. Each method has different environmental, financial, and long-term implications. Coal ash ponds have long been closed through a process called cap-in-place. Under this process, a coal ash pond is almost entirely dewatered, then an impermeable liner and earthen material, or a “cap,” is placed on top of the waste and vegetation is established. Many coal ash ponds are unlined and, under these closure plans, will remain unlined, leaving the coal ash exposed to groundwater. Further, merely “capping” these ash ponds means that these massive waste repositories will remain near rivers, lakes, streams and other water sources throughout the state – in perpetuity. In contrast, removal involves excavating coal ash and transporting it to a lined landfill or repurposing it for beneficial reuse in construction materials like concrete and wallboard. This method eliminates the potential for future groundwater contamination at the original site and allows for land restoration or redevelopment.
How do coal-ash clean-up methods impact future re-use of the site?
The choice between cap-in-place and removal significantly impacts the future reuse potential of a coal ash site. With cap-in-place, the coal ash remains on-site, limiting redevelopment options due to the need for long-term monitoring and restrictions on excavation or heavy construction. In contrast, removal allows for a much wider range of future land uses by eliminating contamination concerns. Once the coal ash is excavated and the site is properly restored, it can be redeveloped for residential, commercial, industrial, or even ecological purposes. This approach is particularly beneficial for communities seeking to repurpose former coal plant sites for economic development. Ultimately, while cap-in-place may be a quicker and more affordable solution, removal provides greater long-term flexibility and safety for future land use.
What questions should communities ask the company and IEPA about coal ash in their community?
- Where is the coal ash currently stored, and how much is there?
- Has the company conducted groundwater monitoring, and what do the results show? What are the known contaminants in the coal ash at this site?
- How close is the coal ash to drinking water sources, rivers, or groundwater?
- Is the coal ash stored in an unlined pond, and if so, how does the company plan to prevent contamination?
- What closure method is the company planning to use—cap-in-place, removal, or another approach?
- If cap-in-place is used, how will the company ensure long-term safety, especially in the event of flooding or erosion? Will the coal ash still be exposed to groundwater?
- If removal is chosen, where will the coal ash be transported, and how will the company prevent dust and air pollution during excavation and transport?
- Are there opportunities for local workers to be employed in the coal ash cleanup process? Specifically, how many jobs could be created if the coal ash were removed and transported to an offsite lined landfill?
- How will the closure method affect future land use and economic development in the community?
- Will the company provide financial support or technical assistance for communities looking to repurpose the site after closure?
What does the clean-up and closure permitting process entail?
The process includes several key steps, with multiple opportunities for public input. Here’s a breakdown:
- Groundwater Monitoring & Draft Closure Plan Development – Coal companies are required to monitor groundwater and prepare a draft closure plan that meets the requirements of state rules.
- Public Meeting Before Permit Submission – Before submitting a closure plan permit application to IEPA, the company is required to hold a public meeting to present its closure plan. Residents can ask questions, voice concerns, and provide input on the proposed closure plan.
- Permit Application & Closure Plan to IEPA – Owners/operators of coal ash sites must submit a closure plan and permit application to the IEPA.
- Public Notice & Public Comment Period – Before approval, the IEPA must hold a public comment period (at least 30 days). Residents and stakeholders can submit written comments or request a public hearing.
- Public Hearing (if requested) – If a hearing is requested, IEPA schedules a public meeting to allow for verbal comments.
- IEPA Review & Decision – After considering public input, the IEPA can approve, modify, or reject the closure plan.
- Post-Closure Care & Long-Term Monitoring – Implement the proposed closure plan.
