EPAProposed Rule

North Dakota: Approval of State Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program

EnergyEnvironment

Summary

The EPA is proposing to let North Dakota manage its own program for safely handling ash and residue left over from burning coal at power plants. This ash can contain harmful chemicals, so the EPA wants to make sure it's stored, disposed of, and monitored properly to protect groundwater and public health.

Key Points

  • 1North Dakota would take over responsibility for permitting and overseeing how coal power plants handle their waste ash instead of the EPA doing it directly
  • 2The state must follow federal safety standards to prevent ash from contaminating drinking water and soil with metals like arsenic and mercury
  • 3Power plants would need permits from North Dakota explaining how they'll store, transport, and dispose of coal ash safely
  • 4The EPA is accepting public comments until August 27, 2025, before deciding whether to approve North Dakota's plan
  • 5This applies to coal-fired power plants operating in North Dakota and their waste management practices going forward

Key Dates

Published

August 11, 2025

Comment Deadline

August 27, 2025

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This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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