Regulate Harmful Coal Ash Waste

Dear EPA Administrator,

Coal ash waste is full of toxic substances and heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and selenium that are known to cause cancer and birth defects as well as other health problems. And in light of Tennessee's recent rupture of a coal ash waste pond, I ask that you immediately begin regulating coal ash waste.

From December's toxic spill, 1 billion gallons of sludge containing harmful byproducts of burning coal were unleashed into the Emory River. People are not the only ones affected by coal ash waste; bird and frog populations in range coal waste dumping areas are diminishing and suffering from developmental problems.

It is your job to regulate chemicals and protect human health by safeguarding the natural environment. And even though coal ash is proven harmful to people and the environment, it still goes unregulated. There are more than 1,300 dump sites similar to the one that failed in Tennessee, putting innumerable areas in danger.

You should know that coal ash can be disposed of in much safer and sustainable ways. It can be recycled and used in place of cement for concrete, which fastens the heavy metals and prevents them from escaping. Coal ash can also be used as a base for roads, which puts a protective layer over the harmful toxins.

[Your comment here]

Please regulate unsafe coal ash waste. It is your job to protect human health as well as the environment.