EPA releases report detailing problems with waste impoundments at W.Va. power plant

EPA report details problems at W.Va. power plant

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a draft report detailing previously reported problems with two waste impoundments at an American Electric Power coal-burning plant in West Virginia.

The report issued Monday describes the “poor” condition of the impoundments at AEP’s Philip Sporn plant in New Haven. Among other problems, EPA says it found erosion and potentially unstable construction materials in both impoundments.

EPA says the utility has agreed to conduct several studies to make sure the impoundments are safe. The agency says it doesn’t believe the impoundments pose an immediate threat.

A spokesman for Columbus, Ohio-based AEP did not immediately return a call seeking comment.