While area lawmakers hoped new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules governing coal ash would prompt NRG Generation to do more to remediate it at its Waukegan generating plant, the utility has decided to do less than they were asking.
Now required by the EPA to deal with a Coal Combustion Residuals Management Unit at the Waukegan site known as the grassy area, state Rep. Rita Mayfield, D-Gurnee, hoped NRG would remove two coal ash ponds rather than the utility’s previously announced plan to cap one and remove the other.
However, in saying capping a pond is more environmentally sound and safer for the public, Ann Duhon, a senior manager for generation communications with NRG, said in an email the company now plans to cap both ponds, but remove neither.
“There are a number of risks associated with removing the coal ash including the risk for exposure to people, the environment and our community,” Duhon said in the email.
NRG disclosed in an email Thursday it is developing an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to approve its plan to cap both coal ash ponds at its Waukegan generating station now used only for backup purposes.
Duhon said “extensive study and evaluation” show capping the ponds and monitoring them is a quicker solution with less risk of groundwater and environmental contamination. There will be less truck traffic through the community moving the coal ash, she said.
“The more you disturb coal ash, the more risk you create,” Duhon said. “Capping is a safe option, and removes the risks associated with removing coal ash from the site.”
Dulce Ortiz, a co-founder of Clean Power Lake County and a Waukegan Township trustee, said capping rather than removing the ponds does not remove the danger posed by coal ash. It makes it worse.
“Saying capping in place is ridiculous,” Ortiz said. “They’ll pollute our water and our soil, and they won’t be accountable. There is already groundwater contamination, and capping in place will only make it worse. They’re hypocrites, and they don’t want to be held accountable.”
Mayfield said she is working on legislation to require removal of the ponds. It is making its way through the Illinois General Assembly. She said Thursday NRG’s change of plans worsens the situation and risk.
“They have a lack of regard for the environmental issues,” Mayfield said. “They are refusing to be good corporate citizens.”
On the federal level, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park, said in an email Thursday the new EPA coal ash rules will help ensure coal ash sites like the ones in Waukegan will be properly contained. He opposes capping in place.
“NRG can try all it wants to avoid responsibility for cleaning up its mess, but the fact is we are going to hold polluters accountable,” Schneider said. “I will continue to fight for the clean-up of the Waukegan site until the people of this community have the clean water and coastline they deserve.”
State Sen. Adriane Johnson, D-Buffalo Grove, also supports removal of the coal ash ponds. Pushing to have both ponds removed, she was disappointed by NRG’s move to cap both rather than one. She opposes capping either pond in place.
“My primary concern is for the environment and health of the residents of Waukegan and Illinois,” Johnson said. “That is my top priority. The risk of flooding will create an environmental hazard.”
Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor has pushed for removal of the coal ash ponds and remediation of the grassy area since before she took office in 2021. She said in an email Thursday the situation prompting the Illinois Pollution Control Board to cite NRG for groundwater contamination remains “dire.”
Taylor said NRG is “seemingly” trying to avoid its legal and moral responsibilities to protect Lake Michigan. She is working with Johnson and Mayfield to help gather support for legislation to require removal of the ponds.
“We stand united in our call for NRG to fulfill its responsibilities as a good neighbor, stop seeking exceptional ‘adjusted standards,’ and take immediate action to clean up its coal ash,” Taylor said. “It is an environmental justice matter that affects us all.”
Meanwhile, the new EPA rules require NRG to take remedial action on the grassy area which also contains coal ash. It must monitor the groundwater and develop a plan to remediate the situation, according to the rules.
Duhon said NRG is monitoring the groundwater, studying the rules and developing a plan to deal with the grassy area.
“We are still evaluating its impact on our operations, but support policies that encourage innovative solutions that are aligned with our vision for a smarter, cleaner and more connected future,” she said.
