Va. OKs Coal-Ash Water Permit For Chesterfield Plant; Enviros Object

"The State Water Control Board unanimously approved a complex and expansive permit Thursday that will allow Dominion Virginia Power to drain millions of gallons of wastewater from the coal ash ponds at its Chesterfield Power Station, the largest fossil fuel plant in Virginia, then treat it and discharge it into the James River.

The decision came over the objections of environmental groups that wanted tighter requirements related to discharges from cooling water, stricter effluent limits for heavy metals, and protections for endangered fish that may be spawning near the plant.

In a statement, Dominion Virginia Power, which is closing coal ash ponds across the state in response to new federal regulations, said the permit is 'fully protective of human health, water quality and aquatic life in the James River.'"

Robert Zullo reports for the Richmond Times-Dispatch September 22, 2016.