Alabama Power Takes Steps to Address Coal Ash Issues, Full Solution Unclear

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Alabama Power has reached an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about how it handles coal ash at Plant Barry, near Mobile.

This settlement comes after concerns about millions of pounds of coal ash stored in unlined ditches at the plant.

While some issues have been addressed, the bigger question of coal ash sitting in groundwater remains unresolved.

The coal ash lagoon at Plant BarryPhoto byMobile Baykeeper

What's in the Agreement?

Under the agreement, Alabama Power will pay a $278,000 fine and improve safety measures at the site.

This includes adding more groundwater monitoring wells and updating its emergency action plan to deal with severe weather, which is crucial in a hurricane-prone area like Mobile.

These steps follow a visit from the EPA earlier this year, when officials raised concerns about the company’s plan to store coal ash at the site instead of moving it.

However, the settlement doesn’t require Alabama Power to remove the 21 million cubic yards of coal ash already at Plant Barry.

Environmental groups like Mobile Baykeeper have been pushing for the ash to be excavated, saying leaving it in place could lead to contamination of nearby rivers and bays, including the Mobile River and Mobile Bay.

Why Is Groundwater a Big Deal?

One of the main concerns is that the coal ash at Plant Barry is in contact with groundwater.

Coal ash contains harmful toxins like mercury and arsenic that can seep into water sources, posing a risk to public health and the environment.

The EPA has flagged this issue in the past, saying Alabama’s plan doesn’t fully meet federal safety standards.

For locals, this could mean potential long-term risks to drinking water and local ecosystems if the coal ash leaks.

Environmental groups worry that a big storm or flood could cause a disaster, sending toxic coal ash into local waterways, as seen in similar incidents in Tennessee and North Carolina.

More Monitoring and Safety Measures

As part of the settlement, Alabama Power will add more groundwater monitoring wells to the 38 already in place.

These wells will help detect any signs of contamination early on.

The company is also updating its emergency action plan to be better prepared for extreme weather, a key concern for residents along the Gulf Coast.

With hurricanes a regular part of life in Mobile, these updates are intended to prevent any coal ash from leaking into local rivers or bays during severe storms.

While this adds an extra layer of protection, some locals are still uneasy about the coal ash staying where it is, especially since the area is known for flooding.

Environmental Groups Push for More

Though the settlement brings improvements, many feel it doesn’t go far enough.

Groups like Mobile Baykeeper are still pushing for Alabama Power to remove the coal ash entirely, arguing that as long as it’s in contact with groundwater, there’s a risk of contamination.

They point out that the coal ash pond isn’t lined, and the site is highly vulnerable to flooding, which could lead to toxic materials spilling into the river.

The EPA had previously revoked Alabama’s coal ash management plan, saying it didn’t meet federal standards.

This has increased pressure on Alabama Power to come up with a long-term solution.

The company estimates that covering the coal ash with protective liners, rather than moving it, would cost $3.3 billion—moving the coal ash would cost even more.

What This Means for Mobile

While Alabama Power says it’s committed to protecting the community, the coal ash issue at Plant Barry is far from over.

For people living in Mobile, the settlement brings some reassurance that more safety measures will be in place.

However, the fact that the coal ash remains in contact with groundwater—and in a flood-prone area—leaves lingering concerns about the future.

With hurricanes and heavy rains always a possibility, there’s still a risk of contamination that could impact local waterways and potentially even drinking water supplies.

Local environmental groups are determined to keep pushing for more action, so this is something Mobile residents will likely hear more about in the future.

For now, though, the agreement is a step toward better monitoring and safety, even if the bigger issue of fully dealing with the coal ash is still up in the air.

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Sources:

• EPA fines Alabama Power, requires more testing wells
• Alabama Power settles with EPA over coal ash pond near Mobile
• Alabama Power settles with EPA over Plant Barry