Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a danger to human health?
We have no reason to believe that there is any danger to human health. This includes recreational use of the river. Our screen results demonstrate that levels of all coal ash constituents are below health-based water quality standards. Our river tests show we do not exceed any Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) water quality standards for river water (human health and aquatic life criteria set by the DEP). Our tests of Easton’s drinking water show that it meets the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Pennsylvania DEP drinking water standards for all coal ash constituents. In addition, our tests of all wells to date show that they meet the EPA drinking water standards for constituents of concern in coal ash — arsenic, selenium and mercury.

Is the coal ash harmful?
Our coal ash has been thoroughly tested and meets EPA standards for nonhazardous waste. In fact, Pennsylvania DEP has established provisions for this material to be beneficially used.

Is it safe to swim and fish in the river?
We have no reason to believe there is any danger to human health. We have investigated reports of impacts on plants and wildlife, but have not been able to confirm these reports. We have not seen any impacts ourselves. Dr. Cynthia Goodman, public health physician with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, has said:

"Regarding possible exposure to arsenic, the organic form of arsenic is less toxic than the inorganic form. Fish taken from the river would have the less toxic organic form of arsenic and would, therefore, be okay to eat. There is no concern about swimming because of the spill. If you were swimming during the spill, don’t worry that your health will be affected down the road. Any exposure to arsenic was very minimal."

What about arsenic?
Preliminary analysis of ongoing water sampling taken from the Easton Water Authority distribution system shows arsenic to be well below the drinking water standard. This is also true of all the wells we have tested. Water screening results by the Easton Water Authority, Pennsylvania DEP and New Jersey DEP are consistent with ours. We'll continue to monitor water quality closely for as long as needed.

Are the arsenic levels exceeding EPA’s new arsenic standards of 10 ppb?
Normally there are two standards – a drinking water standard for water that is distributed for drinking and a water quality standard for the river. Regarding the drinking water standard, EPA has decided that the drinking water standard for arsenic should be revised from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb. The compliance date for the revised standard is January 2006. In the meantime, the applicable standard is 50 ppb for those that supply drinking water. The DEP also uses this standard for drinking water in Pennsylvania. The DEP plans to lower the water quality standard for the river to 10 ppb after the new EPA limit goes into effect.

Who is analyzing the water samples? 
All water analysis and testing has been done by two National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Council (NELAC)-certified laboratories – Analytical Laboratory Services, Inc. of Middletown, Pa., and Lancaster Laboratories of Lancaster, Pa. 

How long will you keep testing the water?
We will test residential wells quarterly until August 2007.

Why did the Easton Water Authority have mandatory water restrictions in place?
The Easton Water Authority lifted its water restrictions Aug. 29, 2005. During the leak, the water authority made a conservative decision to stop drawing water from the river until water samples could be tested. After evidence showed there was no reason for concern, the authority kept the water restrictions in place until its reservoirs were refilled.

How is this affecting the ground water and well water around the plant?
All water sampling and well test results received to date from the sampling of residential wells show that the water meets EPA and DEP drinking water standards for the constituents of concern in coal ash — arsenic, selenium and mercury.