Indiana receives proposed approval for Coal Ash Permit Program following EPA leadership visit

 Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined U.S. EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi and state environmental leaders Tuesday to announce the federal government’s proposed approval of Indiana’s coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program application. The proposal, once finalized, would position Indiana to oversee the nation’s largest and most robust CCR permitting program.

Coal combustion residuals, also known as coal ash, are a byproduct produced primarily from burning coal in coal fired power plants. Coal ash can contain contaminants, such as mercury, that may negatively impact soil and water sources if not properly managed and contained.

“Today’s announcement is a significant step that allows Indiana to apply site specific solutions through transparent, locally guided oversight,” said Gov. Braun. “Hoosiers benefit when those closest to on the ground conditions make decisions that protect our communities and natural resources.”

EPA’s proposed approval of Indiana’s management program would allow the state to begin establishing a permitting program for legacy CCR sites statewide. Any facility in Indiana with CCR units as defined by federal rule at 40 CFR 257, Subpart D would be required to obtain a state permit. The program includes requirements for design, operation, groundwater monitoring, closure, recordkeeping, and financial assurance.

The submission positions Indiana among the first states pursuing authorization for a comprehensive, state-led framework for coal ash disposal and management that aligns with federal CCR requirements. Currently, IDEM estimates that approximately 100 CCR units across Indiana would require permitting under the proposed rule.

“After thoroughly reviewing the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s application, EPA is proposing to conclude that the program meets all the standards for approval,” the agency announced.

“We appreciate EPA’s quick and careful review of Indiana’s coal combustion residuals program application. This step underscores how strong cooperative federalism can address complex environmental challenges,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “IDEM is excited to take on the responsibility of overseeing what will be the nation’s most extensive CCR permitting program.”

Tuesday’s announcement capped two days of productive discussions and site visits between IDEM, Deputy Administrator Fotouhi, and EPA leadership.

On Monday, IDEM officials joined Fotouhi and EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel for a roundtable in Northwest Indiana with local business leaders to discuss regional economic priorities and opportunities for collaboration. The group then toured the Cleveland Cliffs steel mill in East Chicago and visited locations within the Grand Calumet Area of Concern, where ongoing remediation has removed more than 2 million cubic yards of sediment from the river.

“Effective partnerships breeds success,” said Commissioner Woods. “When federal, state, and local partners come together, we can address challenges more effectively and ensure sustainable, practical solutions for Indiana.”

The EPA will now hold a 60-day public comment period for the proposed approval, which will include a public hearing on November 12.