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X-WR-CALNAME:IDEM Advances State-Led Program to Strengthen Coal Ash Oversig
 ht
X-WR-TIMEZONE:Indiana (East)
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DTSTAMP:20260809T043753Z
UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53301623124834
DTSTART:20260630T135500Z
DTEND:20260630T145500Z
DESCRIPTION:FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\nJune 30\, 2026\n\n     IDEM Advances Sta
 te-Led Program to Strengthen Coal Ash Oversight\n\n\nINDIANAPOLIS –  The
  Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has submitted its p
 roposed Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) permitting program to the U.S. EPA
 . The submission positions Indiana among the first states pursuing authori
 zation for a comprehensive\, state-led framework for coal ash disposal and
  management that aligns with new federal CCR requirements.\n\nCoal combust
 ion residuals\, also known as coal ash\, are a byproduct produced primaril
 y from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants. Coal ash can contai
 n contaminants\, such as mercury\, which may negatively impact soil and wa
 ter sources if not properly managed and contained.\n\nCurrently\, IDEM est
 imates that more than 100 CCR units across Indiana would require permittin
 g under the proposed rule\, which\, once approved\, would make Indiana the
  largest CCR permitting program in the country.\n\n“Indiana took early\,
  decisive action to address the emerging need for a coal ash permitting pr
 ogram\,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “I am proud of the quick work of IDEM
 ’s team in developing a Hoosier led oversight system that strengthens pr
 otections for Indiana communities.”\n\nIn December 2025\, Indiana’s en
 vironmental rules board approved IDEM’s CCR rule\, creating a path for p
 rogram development. Over the past six months IDEM’s Office of Land Quali
 ty\, which would manage the permitting program\, has been finalizing the t
 echnical and administrative components of the program\, including drafting
  the authorization application and working with EPA program staff to ensur
 e a smooth authorization process.\n\nThe submitted plan directs idem to cr
 eate a permitting section with dedicated staff to address CCR impoundment 
 closure permit applications. Any facility in Indiana with CCR units as def
 ined by federal rule at 40 CFR 257\, Subpart D would be required to obtain
  a state permit. The program includes requirements for design\, operation\
 , groundwater monitoring\, closure\, recordkeeping\, and financial assuran
 ce.\n\n"This program will give Indiana greater control and transparency in
  how coal ash is managed\," said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. "It will e
 nsure facilities are meeting protective standards and gives communities co
 nfidence in how these sites are monitored and managed."\n\nThe U.S. EPA fi
 rst established national coal ash standards in 2015\, and Congress later c
 reated a framework for states to run their own programs with U.S. EPA auth
 orization. IDEM began rulemaking in 2021 and revised its draft in 2025 to 
 reflect the latest federal updates. With the ERB’s adoption of IDEM's CC
 R rule\, Indiana joined a small group of states pursuing their own federal
 ly authorized CCR programs. To date\, just five states have received U.S. 
 EPA approval.\n\nOnce U.S. EPA confirms receipt of a complete application\
 , they have up to 180 days to review Indiana’s CCR permitting program be
 fore issuing a final decision.\n\nIndiana's full CCR Permit Program Applic
 ation is available here.\n \n\n-30- \n\n \n\nAbout IDEM: IDEM (idem.IN.g
 ov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Th
 rough compliance assistance\, incentive programs and educational outreach\
 , the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens to protect Hoosie
 rs and the environment.
LOCATION:
SUMMARY:IDEM Advances State-Led Program to Strengthen Coal Ash Oversight
URL;VALUE=URI:https://events.in.gov/event/idem-advances-state-led-program-t
 o-strengthen-coal-ash-oversight
CATEGORIES:Press Releases
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