For more than a decade, Constellation Energy dumped toxic ash from coal-fired power plants (often called "fly ash") at a former gravel pit in Anne Arundel county. The site was designed without a liner to collect pollution, and within a few years this led to serious groundwater contamination. Many local residents complain of health problems after having consumed water for years that had toxic contaminants above health standards.
Environment Maryland investigated the details of the contamination by
analyzing documents obtained through a Public Information Act request. In 1998, BGE presented the state with studies predicting that contamination levels would only reach half the permitted level after 32 years. As a result, MDE approved expansion of the ash dumping. Less than a year later, contamination levels exceeded the permit level, and one year after that they were four times higher.
We publicized the information in the media and in public hearings, and shared it with decision makers. MDE fined Constellation one million dollars, and the company later settled a class action lawsuit for $54 million.
In another site in Charles County, a poorly designed coal ash disposal facility where Mirant dumps its ash has poisoned the adjacent wetlands. Cleanup and penalties are currently in litigation.
The Maryland Department of the Environment issued regulations last year concerning certain types of coal ash disposal sites. This year, they will issue regulations on other types of sites. We need to make sure those regulations are as strong as possible and prevent this from happening again, anywhere in the state.
