MUSCATINE, Iowa (AP) - The city of Muscatine is using coal ash on its streets to conserve salt this winter, a development that has some people concerned about pollution.
The material, known as bottom coal ash, is waste from burning coal from one of the facilities owned by Muscatine Power and Water. The utility is providing it to the city for free, the Muscatine Journal reported (https://bit.ly/MA9ks0 ).
The material means city streets have a darker hue. The coal ash is easier to clean up than sand, said Public Works Director Randy Hill. He added that it’s helped absorb sunlight and reduce glare on the roads, which has helped the melting process.
Some people have expressed concern about whether the coal ash is safe to use on city streets. The material is known to contain levels of heavy metal pollutants, including lead and mercury.
“We are concerned about exposing this to the elements,” said John Crotty of the Iowa Environmental Council, a statewide environmental advocacy coalition.
State and utility officials say the city and company have been following state laws that govern the use of coal ash. Chad Stobbe, an environmental specialist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said bottom coal ash can be used as a traction agent for surfaces used by vehicles.
Erika Cox, director of employee and community relations for Muscatine Power and Water, said the utility has been finding others uses for coal-burning byproducts for decades. She said it’s actively finding ways to recycle coal ash to save on landfill space that it owns.
“We’re committed to being a responsible neighbor and wouldn’t put anything back into the community that exceeds allowable limits,” she said in a written statement.
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Information from: Muscatine Journal, https://www.muscatinejournal.com
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