Cap the coal ash or truck it out? ADEM holds public hearing in Shelby County

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBMA) — In Shelby County Thursday night, ADEM gave people in the community a chance to speak up about what they think should be done with the coal ash at Alabama Power's Gaston steam plant in Shelby County. The meeting is the second public hearing this week.

"That stuff is poison," says long time Wilsonville resident Will McCarty.

McCarty is one of many community members hoping ADEM doesn't give Alabama Power the permit the company is seeking.

"To cap or not to cap the coal ash pond?" is the question.

SEE ALSO: Environmental groups want Alabama Power's toxic coal ash moved away from waterways

Coal ash is the by product of burning coal at power plants.

Supporters of capping like Blake Hardwich of the Energy Institute of Alabama, say capping is what's best for the community.

"Safe, secure, technically reliable, and sound to close in place instead of trucking, which is another option. Trucking and excavating coal ash and taking it through state highways and in communities where you could cause even more environmental damage," says Hardwich.

On the other hand, some people in the community would like to see the coal ash moved.... Citing research showing coal ash leaks into groundwater around its ponds and creates public health problems.

"It's irresponsible, and so we're here to speak up to ADEM and ask them to tell Alabama Power to move this ash off of our waterways," says Justinn Overton, executive director of Coosa Riverkeeper.

Overton says the best outcome would be moving it.

SEE ALSO: Citizens want Alabama Power's toxic coal ash moved away from waterways

"In other states like Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina.... this ash is being moved in a reasonable time period and under budget to upland lined modern landfills away from our waterways," she says.

One by one, people were allowed to tell ADEM representatives their concerns.

ADEM will continue accepting questions until April 8th at 5 pm, and responses to the questions will be delivered when ADEM decides what will be done.

If you wanted to be there, but were not able to attend, the meeting will be available to watch online starting Friday on ADEM's Youtube channel.