Xcel plans Colorado coal ash cleanup as toxins seep into groundwater

In 2017, Xcel Energy ceased burning coal at its Valmont Power Station, leaving behind 1.6 million tons of toxic coal ash. This coal ash is now seeping hazardous metals into groundwater, posing a threat to nearby drinking-water wells.

Xcel’s plan involves extracting most of the coal ash from a landfill at the site and repurposing it as an ingredient in concrete to be sold in the Denver area. This project is pending approval from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The company expects to allocate $24 million over the next decade to remove the ash and address contaminated groundwater. Boulder County Public Health officials support this coal-ash cleanup initiative, citing the benefits of recycling hazardous waste into a useful product while eliminating a toxic substance from the site.

While Xcel is taking steps to clean up the Valmont site, environmentalists express skepticism about other utility companies taking similar actions without regulatory enforcement. Most utility companies tend to meet minimum compliance standards without undertaking extensive cleanup efforts.

Coal ash disposal has been a longstanding issue in the United States, with billions of tons of coal ash generated over the years. The lack of regulation led to groundwater contamination and health risks associated with hazardous chemicals present in the ash.

The EPA implemented rules for coal-ash management in 2015 following the Kingston TVA coal ash spill. Despite some progress, enforcement of these regulations has been inconsistent, with the Trump administration showing little interest in upholding coal-ash disposal rules.

In Colorado, there are 12 known coal-ash waste sites, with Valmont, Tri-State’s Nucla station, and Xcel’s Hayden station among the most contaminated in the country. These sites have been sources of groundwater pollution due to inadequate containment measures.

Xcel’s efforts to convert coal ash into cement at Valmont represent a unique approach to addressing the issue. The company aims to recycle the ash on-site and sell the cement locally, reducing the need for cross-regional transport.

Despite the progress at Valmont, challenges remain in addressing the millions of tons of coal ash buried in landfills and retention ponds across Colorado. Groundwater remediation efforts are ongoing, with a focus on preventing further contamination and protecting public health.

The state health department is actively monitoring coal-ash waste sites to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent environmental harm. Collaborative efforts between regulatory agencies, utility companies, and local communities are essential in addressing the long-term impacts of coal ash disposal.

Overall, the cleanup at Valmont serves as a model for responsible coal-ash management, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to safeguard both the environment and public health.