Coal Ash Lawyer

Coal ash is a toxic byproduct from the generation of electricity in coal-fired power plants. Fly ash, the top layer of the ash that remains after the coal is burned, has at least 11 poisonous contaminants known to be toxic to humans and animals.

These heavy metals and other toxins include arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, chromium VI, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, thallium, vanadium, dioxins and polycyclic hydrocarbons.

Potential Dangers of Fly Ash

This hazardous waste is a danger to human and animal health through direct contact and drinking water. It also threatens the land and neighboring properties. The toxic sludge has breached the walls of coal ash containment ponds, overflowing and burying hundreds of acres in coal ash sludge.

Spills Leads to Devastation

A catastrophic spill in Eastern Tennessee in December 2008 overflowed a 65-foot above-ground wall, spilling a billion gallons of sludge containing hazardous waste and creating an environmental disaster. The flood of contaminants had devastating effects, including:

buried roads
damaged homes
forced one home off of its foundation
destroyed farm land
burst a major gas line
ruined a railway

It polluted two main rivers from which the community obtained its drinking water. The giant spill was also a major threat to air quality.

Class Action Lawsuit Emerges

A personal injury lawyer filed a class action lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority seeking $5 million in damages. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had announced it would publish regulations for coal ash ponds and coal-fired power plants by last December. These regulations have yet to be made public.

An ongoing clash between representatives of industry and representatives of the environment is holding up publication of the new regulations. As of now, there are no federal regulations applying to coal ash ponds and their containing walls.

Ponds without lining or with walls made of clay are the most likely to be breached or to allow water contaminated with toxic materials to seep through into the ground water.

Exposure to Coal Ash Ponds Can be Toxic

Residents living near dumpsites are being exposed to poisons that are known to cause:

cancer
birth defects
gastrointestinal sickness

Exposure may also aggravate the health of persons with heart disease, pulmonary problems, and diabetes.

While the EPA is withholding its regulations, the health of thousands of people as well as the quality of the environment is threatened. Numerous lawsuits are being filed in the states of Tennessee, Virginia, Iowa, Alabama, Maryland, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina, among many others.

Get Legal Help

If you believe nearby ponds or landfills containing toxic coal ash are a threat to your health, our lawyers may be able to help. Contact a coal ash lawyer to discuss your circumstances today.

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