Pollution Facts:

Primary By-Products of Burning Waste Coal:

Fly Ash:

"Mercury is a potent neurotoxin shown to cause lowered intelligence and learning and memory problems even at low levels of exposure." --Autistic Society

Fly Ash, a by-product of burning waste coal, is a fine particulate with high concentrations of radiation and arsenic, both cancer-causing agents. This particulate can easily enter the environment as airborne particles or by leaching into local water supplies.

• Fly Ash pollution in the Delaware River
• Arsenic Contamination Found in Pennsylvania Fly Ash Spill
  (Requires Adobe Acrobat reader to view.)
• Fly Ash landslide contaminates water in Forward Township
  (Update of previous item.)
• Safety concerns linger in Forward Twp
  another update on the fly ash concerns in Forward Township

Mercury:

Mercury, one of the primary pollutants released by the processing of waste coal, is believed by many experts to be a leading contributor to the development of autism in children. The CDC recognizes this, and the EPA released the Clean Air Mercury Rule on March 15, 2005, directed at reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.

• Fact Sheet detailing risks of mercury exposure
• Study Links Autism to Mercury Emissions
• For the Sake of Our Children
  A call to action to address environmental pollution.

Community Impact:

The American Lung Association gave a grade of "F" for soot pollution in 11 Pennsylvania counties, including five in Southwestern Pennsylvania. People who might otherwise consider moving to this region to take advantage of our technology centers and other economic opportunities will certainly think twice when they discover the magnitude of the air pollution here. 

In addition to the more broad economic picture, our individual property values will suffer living in the shadows of a waste coal power plant. What was once an extremely appealing area to live may soon be looked upon as a toxic region to be avoided.

RAPP (C) 2005