It is so hard to regulate Coal Ash...

The heavy-metal laden waste created from the burning of coal avoids reasonable control. As a result it seeps around and into the environment through paths of least resistance. IT becomes a reflection of the environmental justice impacts of our carbon fuel based economy. This summer the EPA asked for public comment on proposed rules. EPA has gone silent to such an extent that the Federal Courts have intervened to demand a schedule. http://www.publicintegrity.org/2013/10/29/13650/epa-under-gun-regulate-coal-ash AS we wait for a federal policy states continue to ask under programs that are usually just guidelines. In Pennsylvania the Bruce MAnsfield plant's coal ash dump site of Little Blue Run has been used since 1974 and can be seen from space. Finally reason has prevailed and it must be closed (but not necessarily cleaned up). The proposed beneficial use is barging it to a waste site on a former mine site in Fayette County, 90 miles by barge.

DEP inteferes with Citizen Action on behalf of the Allegheny River in Warren

This DEP action is more of a help to the WAste Treatment Corp than a punishment. There are times when DEP should empower citizen suits such as Clean Water Action's suit for these same violations. In this case DEP is providing cover to the polluter. The penalty is minimal and the company is given a license to pollute the Allegheny for two more years. The River would have been better served with citizen action through the Courts. http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2013/11/28/DEP-aims-to-reduce-company-s-discharges-into-river/stories/201311280176