Come on, EPA. Everyone associated with coal ash knows how hazardous it is. Ok, maybe the coal industry won’t admit it, but who’s surprised there? We’ve been waiting patiently for years to get coal ash catagorized as hazardous and it looked like it would happen within the year. But no! Again EPA has put this decision on hold.
We now demand that EPA classify coal fly ash as hazardous. How many more Kingstons do we need!
RvH
Dear Anon,
We got your letter regarding the discharge you have observed at the Memphis Zoo. Dana did a file review in Nashville and found out that they do not have a National Discharge Elimination System permit. You were right! In accordance with the Industrial Waste Survey, all of the zoo’s solid waste is taken off-site for disposal. They do have a permit for construction stormwater and we were curious to see that one of the activities they described was “drainage structures”. Drainage to where?
We are planning to look into this further. The next time we’re in Memphis we will ask to look at the construction permit to figure out what drainage structures they have and where they go. If you have photos, you need to send them to us. Digital photos are fine.
Thanks so much for thinking of us. If you want to contact me personally feel free to do so at 865.522.7007 x100. We will keep all your information confidential. Also, I’d happily join you for a visit to the zoo next time I’m in Memphis!
RvH
On this blog we’ve talked about the rumors of greater enforcement actions (see October 15 and August 5 posts). Now the Obama Administration has put their money where there mouth is and followed up.
What does this mean for Tennesseans? Well, we’re not being left out. EPA issued a demand letter to the Knoxville Utility Board for illicit discharges (illegal dumping) of sewage from 2005-2008. These dates are for the years immediately following our lawsuit.
Then yesterday we found out about an enforcement action EPA took against a developer for guess what? Stormwater runoff to the tune of $350,000! That is freakin’ huge!
Finally, we’re getting some relief!
http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=113927993
The above is a link to the transcript of the interview.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/16/business/energy-environment/16water.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=epa&st=cse
We’re not the only ones tired of pollution. Looks like the EPA will finally step up to the plate and step in if states don’t start taking care of pollution within their boundaries. ‘Bout time. Just sayin’.
