Activists oppose Alabama Power's coal ash remedy at Gorgas plant due to regulatory failures

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) held a public hearing on May 2, 2025, regarding the Alabama Power Company’s Plant Gorgas and its management of coal combustion residuals (CCR). This meeting was a continuation of discussions initiated on December 16, 2021, focusing on the environmental implications of the plant's operations and proposed remediation strategies.

The hearing featured critical commentary from environmental advocates who raised concerns about the ongoing violations related to groundwater contamination around the plant's ash pond. Speakers highlighted that increased drilling of wells has consistently revealed violations of groundwater protection standards, with toxic substances such as arsenic, lithium, and molybdenum detected. Notably, past violations included radium and fluoride, raising alarms about the plant's impact on local water sources.

A significant point of contention was Alabama Power's proposed remedy of monitored natural attenuation (MNA). Critics argued that this approach, which essentially involves minimal intervention while continuing to monitor groundwater, lacks the necessary site-specific data to justify its effectiveness. They emphasized that MNA could take decades to potentially remediate the contamination, if it works at all. Furthermore, concerns were raised about whether the aquifer has the capacity to support this method of attenuation.

The speakers urged ADEM to reconsider the permit application, asserting that it does not comply with federal and state regulations. They called for a more effective solution, such as the excavation of coal ash to a lined landfill or recycling it for beneficial uses, which has been adopted by other states facing similar issues.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing groundwater contamination at Plant Gorgas and the need for a more robust remediation plan. The discussions highlighted the community's demand for accountability and effective environmental protection measures from Alabama Power. The next steps remain to be seen as ADEM reviews the feedback and considers the implications for the permit process.