As part of a probe into the safety of coal ash storage sites in the wake of the massive Kingston, Tenn., dam burst in December 2008, EPA has released a list of 44 “high hazard potential” impoundments used to store fly ash. The “high hazard potential” rating indicates that a dam breach would likely kill people.
The list mentions sites in 10 states. Major electricity generators' coal ash impoundments topped the list, including American Electric Power, with 11 sites, and Duke Energy Corp., with nine sites. The high priority sites will allegedly receive scrutiny from EPA as the agency continues to investigate the safety of impoundments, dams or other units operated by the power industry, which contain coal combustion residuals, or coal ash. The data was released following a FOIA request from environmental groups.