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Governor Northam signs coal ash clean up legislation

Newly-approved bills will protect water quality by removing over 27 million cubic yards of coal ash from unlined ponds in Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

RICHMOND, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam signed legislation Wednesday to clean up more than 27 million cubic yards of coal ash from unlined ponds in Virginia.

RELATED: Gov. Northam, political leaders announce coal ash clean up agreement

Senate Bill 1355 and House Bill 2786 require the closure and removal of any coal combustion residuals units defined in the bills to include coal ash ponds or landfills, within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. 

Coal ash is waste left from burning the fossil fuel to produce electricity.

The legislation will clean up four sites in Chesapeake City and the counties of Prince William, Chesterfield, and Fluvanna by moving coal ash to lined landfills on site or recycled in a safe manner.

The signed bills also include major components like a ban on so-called “cap-in-place” closure of the unlined ponds and a requirement to recycle at least 25 percent of the ash into encapsulated beneficial uses. Concerns about using “cap-in place,” an approved, but potentially inadequate closure method led the General Assembly to impose a moratorium on closure the last two years while alternatives were explored.

“The potential risks to public health and water quality posed by unlined coal ash ponds in the Commonwealth are far too great for us to continue with business as usual,” said Governor Northam. “This historic, bipartisan effort sets a standard for what we can achieve when we work together, across party lines, in the best interest of all Virginians. I am proud to sign this legislation into law.”

The ponds are expected to be cleaned within the next 15 years. The bill also requires water testing or an offer to provide a connection to a municipal water supply for every residence within one-half mile.

RELATED: Virginia's General Assembly pass coal ash cleanup bill

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Rebecca Tomazin released the following statement about the legislation signing:

“This marks historic progress towards cleaning up toxic coal ash that for too long has threatened Virginia waterways and public health. Moving coal ash out of dangerous unlined pits will prevent pollution from reaching Virginia’s major rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.

We thank all of the concerned residents, conservation groups, and elected officials who have worked for years to address threats from coal ash. The support of Virginia’s legislators, the conservation community, the Administration, and Dominion Energy has been key to this landmark agreement.”

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