EPA Announces Plans to Regulate Coal Ash

EMSL Analytical provides testing solutions for coal ash as well as combustion byproducts including soot, char and ash.

Westmont, NJ

Earlier this week the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposal to regulate coal ash. Coal ash is a toxic byproduct of burnt coal that is created in large quantities at coal fired power plants across the nation.

To the dismay of many environmentalists the agency deferred a decision on whether coal ash needs to be treated as hazardous waste. At this point the EPA has offered two options: to treat the coal ash with strict hazardous waste rules or with weaker rules similar to how household garbage is regulated. The EPA’s announcement is the first time in the nation’s history that coal ash will be federally regulated.

There have been several cases of environmental disasters occurring from coal ash ponds rupturing, including a 2008 case in Tennessee that saw 5.4 million cubic yards spill into the environment. Coal ash can easily contaminate surrounding environments and groundwater since it is composed of many toxic chemicals which may include: arsenic, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, selenium, strontium, thallium, vanadium, dioxins and PAHs.

EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories, provides testing services for coal ash. Their network of over 30 laboratory locations in the United States and Canada also provides testing services for soot, carbon black and combustion byproducts testing using a combination of analytical techniques in culmination with Electron Microscopy.

“Coal ash can cause great harm to the environment and people if not properly handled and disposed of properly,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President for EMSL Analytical. “Our laboratories provide testing services for coal ash and its toxic components to help ensure the environment is safe for people and animals,” Frasca continued.

To learn more about coal ash, soot, carbon black or combustion byproduct analysis please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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