Environmentalists Claim 11 Georgia Coal Plants Leaking Chemicals

A study by environmental groups says 11 coal powered plants in Georgia are leaking chemicals into ground water.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the Environmental Integrity Project and Earthjustice released the study Thursday that says 10 of the 11 plants are owned by Georgia Power.

The utility says repeated tests in the past several years shows chemicals from any leaks have not affected the state’s water quality.

Georgia Power is working to close all 29 of its coal ash ponds at 11 plants. The company submitted plans last month to the state Environmental Protection Division for approval to either remove, consolidate or cap the ponds.

Georgia Power’s environmental affairs manager Aaron Mitchell said the company would monitor the groundwater around the ponds for at least 30 years after closure.