Cleaning Up Toxic Coal Ash in the Potomac & Shenandoah
For more than a decade, Potomac Riverkeeper Network has investigated leaking coal ash sites, led legal action to stop contamination, and pushed for stronger state and federal protections. Here’s what we’ve achieved—and what comes next.
What is coal ash and why it matters
Coal ash (coal combustion residuals) is the toxic waste left after burning coal for electricity. Without strong rules and enforcement, unlined pits and legacy impoundments can leach arsenic, mercury, chromium, selenium and other pollutants into groundwater and rivers. Our watershed hosts multiple legacy sites near communities and drinking water sources.
Fast Facts
Legacy coal ash pits exist along key tributaries feeding the Potomac & Chesapeake Bay, often in floodplains.
EPA’s 2024 Legacy CCR Rule extends groundwater monitoring, corrective action, and closure requirements to inactive sites.
States like Maryland are moving to codify and enforce these protections to accelerate cleanup timelines
Milestones
2014–2018
Exposing Possum Point leaks & contamination
PRKN investigations and expert analysis documented leaks and groundwater contamination from Dominion’s coal ash ponds at Possum Point and called for safe disposal and beneficial reuse.
2015–2021
Public awareness & policy advocacy
Keeper blogs, community meetings, and coalition reports pushed Virginia and federal regulators to strengthen oversight and consider excavation/recycling of legacy ash. Read more
May 2022
Filed federal suit vs. City of Alexandria
PRKN filed suit to stop long‑running discharges of coal tar/creosote into the Potomac and require full remediation at Oronoco Bay. Read more
Nov 2023
Settlement to remediate coal tar in Alexandria
PRKN and the City reached a settlement to investigate and remediate historic coal tar contamination along Alexandria’s waterfront. Read more
May–Nov 2024
EPA finalizes Legacy CCR Rule
The rule closes gaps in the 2015 coal ash rule by covering legacy impoundments—key for our region’s inactive sites. Read more
2025
Statehouse leadership in Maryland
PRKN supported HB902/SB425 to codify and implement the federal Legacy CCR protections in Maryland and accelerate cleanup. Read more
Enforcement & Legal Action
We build strong cases with field investigations, expert analysis, and community reports to stop illegal discharges and compel full cleanup.
Report PollutionPolicy & Legislation
Read Our Policy WorkScience & Public Education
From FAQs to technical briefs, we translate complex CCR rules and site data into clear guidance for impacted communities.
Coal ash faqOngoing & Future Work
Map & Prioritize Legacy CCR Sites
Create a public map of legacy ash impoundments and landfills across the watershed, tracking groundwater impacts, cleanup status, and community risk.
Push for Excavation/Beneficial Reuse Where Feasible
Advance site‑specific solutions that remove ash from floodplains and leaky impoundments, with protective liners and recycling where safe.
Ensure State Adoption & Enforcement of CCR Rules
Work with Maryland, Virginia, and DC to fully implement the 2024 Legacy CCR Rule and close remaining loopholes.
Long‑Term Monitoring & Community Right‑to‑Know
Secure binding post‑closure monitoring and transparent data portals so residents can track progress for decades to come.
