New report puts Alabama Power coal ash ponds back under scrutiny near Mobile-Tensaw Delta
Alabama Power is storing over 21 million tons of coal ash in an unlined pond at its James M. Barry plant on the Mobile River, according to an Inside Climate News investigation. The EPA finalized a settlement in 2024 requiring more groundwater monitoring at the site after alleged violations. Alabama Power says it complies with regulations. A lawsuit over the plant’s closure plan is pending at the 11th Circuit.