Alabama Power’s Actions Threaten the ‘American Amazon’ Ecosystem

Recent actions by Alabama Power pose significant threats to the ecology of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, often referred to as the “American Amazon.” This unique ecosystem is recognized as one of the most biodiverse areas in the United States, spanning parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Unfortunately, the legacy of coal ash pollution threatens its delicate balance.

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta: An Environmental Treasure

The Mobile-Tensaw Delta serves as a confluence of several major rivers, including the Mobile, Tensaw, and Blakely Rivers. This region not only showcases impressive biodiversity but also holds historical significance, featuring the Bottle Creek mounds, which were central to the Pensacola Indigenous culture prior to European contact.

Coal Ash Pollution Concerns

Alabama Power has been storing over 21 million tons of coal ash at its Plant Barry, located approximately 25 miles north of Mobile Bay. This toxic waste material poses a considerable risk to the surrounding waterways and ecosystems.

Coal Ash Lagoon Environmental Risks

• Plant Barry’s coal ash site is a substantial concern, with projections indicating that failure of the earthen dikes could affect 25 square miles of the delta.
• More than 117 million tons of coal sludge are likely to be impacted across Alabama, endangering the groundwater and health of local communities.

Regulatory Challenges and Controversies

The federal government has expressed reservations about Alabama Power’s coal ash management plan. In 2024, the EPA denied a proposal allowing continued storage of this toxic material in unlined pits, citing inadequate groundwater protection measures.

Environmental Advocacy and Urgent Calls to Action

Local environmental advocates, such as Cade Kistler from Mobile Baykeeper, emphasize the potential long-term damage posed by the coal ash threat. A coal ash breach could lead to irreversible pollution, affecting livelihoods in the region.

Historical Context of Coal Ash Disasters

Much attention has been drawn to previous coal ash incidents, notably the Kingston disaster in 2008, which resulted in extensive environmental devastation. The implications are concerning, especially considering that the amount of coal ash stored at Plant Barry exceeds that involved in the Kingston spill.

Looking Ahead: Mitigation Efforts

There are faint signs of progress, as Alabama Power recently confirmed plans to collaborate with Eco Materials for coal waste recycling. The timeline for implementing these measures, however, remains uncertain, with full operations expected by early 2026.

Continued Monitoring and Regulatory Compliance

• The EPA has issued notices regarding Alabama Power’s compliance with federal coal ash regulations due to inadequacies in monitoring and emergency planning.
• In response, Alabama Power is working on enhancing its emergency action plans and groundwater monitoring systems.

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

Local residents and community groups are actively lobbying for greater accountability from Alabama Power regarding coal ash management. The urgency for transparency and action cannot be overstated, as the health of the delta and surrounding communities hangs in the balance.

In summary, Alabama Power’s operations and management of coal ash directly threaten the ‘American Amazon,’ highlighting an urgent need for regulatory reform and environmental safeguards to protect this invaluable ecosystem.