GASP wants the health department to make good on its promise to strengthen rules to deal with hydrogen sulfide, the stinky pollutant that smells like rotten eggs.
The rules include an extension for the closure of unlined coal ash lagoons. A recent study has shown more than 90% of these sites are leaking arsenic and other toxins at levels exceeding EPA health standards.
When it became clear that coal ash waste from a nearby power plant was making them sick, residents of one West Virginia town mobilized. But activists fear weakened regulations will make it harder for others to do the same.
Mike Campbell and Sister Pat Lupo started Hold Erie Coke Accountable to keep an eye on the plant. DEP tried to shut it down due to violations, but a court order is keeping it open.
The groups will drop their appeal of the plant's air permit in exchange for additional monitoring and disclosures. If built, the Ohio plant would be similar to Shell's cracker in Pa., shown above.
