"Study: Wisconsin Groundwater Contaminated By Coal Ash"

"The 'beneficial reuse' of coal ash, often touted as a way to keep the material out of landfills, is potentially causing serious contamination of drinking water in southeast Wisconsin and possibly across the state, according to a report released today by Clean Wisconsin.

By classifying coal ash as an 'industrial byproduct,' as report author Tyson Cook says, companies are able to place contaminant-laden coal ash in the ground — as structural fill in and below roads, trails, parking lots, buildings, and bridges — with no lining or monitoring.

About 85 percent of Wisconsin’s coal ash is reused, compared to about 50 percent nationwide. Congress has even called Wisconsin the 'gold standard' on this front."

Kari Lydersen reports for Midwest Energy News November 18, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Environmental Group Links ‘Beneficial Reuse’ of Coal Ash To Southeastern Wisconsin Well Contamination" (Wisconsin Watch)