HARRISBURG — Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger reported that no structural problems have been discovered after the first round of re-inspections were completed at 11 coal waste impoundments across the state. Hanger ordered the immediate inspection of 41 high-hazard waste impoundments after two coal ash impoundments in Tennessee collapsed in late December.
The findings, according to Hanger, should reassure the public that these dams are being operated safely and in compliance with Pennsylvania’s dam safety laws.
“Pennsylvania’s dam safety and waste management laws strictly regulate the construction and operation of waste impoundments to protect the environment and the lives and property of downstream residents,” Hanger said. “DEP inspectors have conducted a thorough inspection of 10 coal ash basins across the state and a chemical sludge basin in western Pennsylvania and have noted that inspection reports are up to date and no structural problems are evident at these impoundments.”
Under Pennsylvania law, dams and impoundments that could endanger downstream residents in the event of collapse are classified as “high-hazard” dams and must be inspected annually by a professional engineer hired by the owner. These dams are also inspected each year by a DEP dam safety inspector. High hazard dam owners must create and maintain a current emergency action plan that provides a blueprint for the dam operator and local and county emergency management officials to respond to structural or other problems at the dam.
Pennsylvania has 11 coal ash slurry basins that are large enough to require dam permits. Five of those basins are classified as “high-hazard” dams. The basins hold ash that is removed from the combustion units of coal-fired power plants and stored prior to reuse or disposal. Hanger has also ordered the re-inspection of 31 other high-hazard waste impoundments, most containing coal slurry, by the end of June.
“People living downstream from dams have a right to know that these structures are being monitored and maintained properly and that required inspections are being conducted,” Hanger said. DEP regulates approximately 3,200 dams.