The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has published a proposal that will revise the regulation of coal combustion product (CCP) disposal. The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposal until September 20, 2010. Not only is disposal addressed in this document, but some beneficial uses are being questioned as legitimate and there is the possibility that fly ash intended for disposal will be designated and regulated as a hazardous waste. Such a designation may adversely affect the ability to market and sell fly ash.
Industry support for continued beneficial use of CCP should be heard by the EPA. If you wish to be part of that support, here is how you can help:
IMMEDIATELY SEND A QUICK LETTER FOR ENTRY INTO THE PROPOSAL DOCKET (EPA).
Two websites have model letters and instructions for your use. The Utility Solid Waste Activities Group and Citizens for Recycling First have set up an easy-to-use process. Links to these sites are below. Just click on the link, fill out your required information, edit the letter if you like, and send it.
If there are others in your company who feel inclined to voice opinion to the EPA, please forward this information to them. The volume of these letters submitted to the docket (EPA) is critical. Environmental advocacy groups have mounted similar campaigns. Earthjustice has set a goal of 50,000 letters supporting hazardous waste regulations. They are only one of the groups opposing continued beneficial use of fly ash.
Everyone with an internet connection can participate in this effort. Here are links to Citizens for Recycling First and USWAG:
Courtesy of Dave Allen, Boral Material Technologies, 602-861-5100