EVANSVILLE — Coal plant operators now have even longer to clean up coal ash ponds across the United States under an updated rule from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Coal ash, toxic waste left after coal is burned for electricity, is one of the largest industrial waste streams in the United States. The ash is typically dumped in unlined ponds and landfills and can leak contaminants into groundwater.
In February, the EPA extended the deadlines for coal plants to comply with coal ash regulations, which environmental advocates say means more contamination in local communities…