Coal ash contaminates groundwater near US plants

WASHINGTON, Mar 04 (Reuters): More than 90 per cent of US coal-fired power plants that are required to monitor groundwater near their coal ash dumps show unsafe levels of toxic metals, according to a study released on Monday by environmental groups, which cited the potential harm to drinking water.

The groups, led by the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice, said their findings show that stronger regulations are needed for coal ash.

Data made public by power companies showed that of the 265 plants subject to the monitoring requirement, 241 - or 91 per cent - showed unsafe levels of one or more coal ash components in nearby groundwater compared to EPA standards, according to the analysis by the groups.