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Arsenic and lead don't belong in our water. Hold the coal -fired power industry accountable for poisoning us.

Coal ash, the toxic byproduct of coal-fired power plants, makes up the nation's second largest industrial waste stream, with more than 129 million tons generated each year. It's loaded with arsenic, lead, and other toxins. Unsafe disposal methods of coal ash have poisoned water supplies across the country.

A common industry practice is to mix the pollutant-laden ash with water and dump the toxic brew into unlined or inadequately lined ponds, allowing pollutants to seep into drinking water supplies. In other instances, the ash is dumped back into coal mines, another dubious disposal method. A recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency found the cancer risk posed by common types of coal ash disposal sites is 900 times above what is defined as "acceptable."

EPA promised in 2000 to regulate coal ash disposal. But eight years have passed and officials have yet to act. And even in the face of this incriminating data, the agency is dragging its feet.

The EPA is accepting public comments on this issue until January 28. Tell the Environmental Protection Agency we need safe disposal standards for coal ash now!



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