Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed an enforceable agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to oversee the removal of coal ash from its east Tennessee fossil fuel plant where a coal ash impoundment breached and dumped more than a billion gallons of toxic coal ash on to a neighboring community and into the Emory River. The TVA was also ordered to reimburse the EPA for any costs associated with its oversight of the cleanup.

As part of the oversight, TVA is required to perform a comprehensive cleanup from the Emory River and surrounding areas. The utility’s work will be subject to review and approval by the EPA, which will consult with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Any remaining contamination will be assessed and determination will be made whether additional actions are needed.

The agreement was reached under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or Superfund law, which gives the EPA the authority to step in and force responsible parties to take action at hazardous waste sites and ensure community involvement.

Residents near the damaged spill site say they see the move as positive. “I just don’t think the TVA has the know-how to do this work,” one resident said to WBIR-TV. “It’ll be better with the EPA taking over. I think they’ll do the right thing.”

“TDEC welcomes EPA’s action and the continued collaborative partnership between our agencies,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Paul Sloan. “This successful partnership is vital to the cleanup of the TVA ash spill and we will continue to work with EPA to ensure the cleanup in Roane County is thorough and protective of both public health and the environment.”

Source:
EPA

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