Gadsden Steam Plant Coal Ash Pond Closure and Groundwater Contamination

closed but contaminating

The Gadsden Steam Plant in Alabama ceased coal burning and was demolished, but its unlined coal ash pond remains and continues to leach harmful substances like arsenic, boron, chromium, and cobalt into the groundwater. The pond was covered in 2018 as part of a closure plan but still contaminates groundwater at levels exceeding legal standards. Environmental groups have filed a notice of intent to sue Alabama Power to compel cleanup and relocation of the coal ash to a lined landfill.