"Report Says Fly Ash Sites Leak Chromium Into Water"

"Two southwestern Pennsylvania fly ash disposal sites are among 28 such sites in 17 states that have contaminated groundwater by leaking toxic, cancer-causing hexavalent chromium, according to a new report by Earthjustice and two other environmental groups.

Unsafe hexavalent chromium levels were found in groundwater near a landfill used by Allegheny Energy's 1,710-megawatt Hatfield's Ferry power plant in Greene County; and around an unlined pond and landfill near the GenOn's Seward power plant in New Florence, Indiana County, the report found.

Another Pennsylvania fly ash disposal site, an unlined pond used by PPL's Martins Creek power plant in Northhampton County, in the eastern end of the state, was also on the report's list.

Hexavalent chromium was made famous by the 2000 film 'Erin Brockovich.'"

Don Hopey reports for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette February 2, 2011.