AGC heralds EPA decision

Stephen Sandherr, the CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, (AGC), Arlington, Virginia, has heralded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recent decision to set performance standards for the safe disposal of coal combustion waste, including fly ash.

Sandherr says, “Today’s decision by the EPA to set performance standards for the safe disposal of coal combustion waste preserves what is one of the most successful commercial recycling programs in use today, the use of fly ash in concrete, asphalt, grout and other construction materials. As a result, the construction industry will be able to continue to recycle an estimated 30 percent of these combustion byproducts each year.”

In recognizing the decision, Sandherr points out that the AGC and its members “went to great lengths to make sure that EPA officials appreciated that the construction industry has successfully and safely used fly ash in concrete and other materials for over six decades.”

He continues, “Indeed, construction firms aggressively recycle a host of materials each year, including concrete, steel and asphalt. And, thanks in part to our efforts, EPA officials understand that allowing this recycling program to continue will address many of the disposal challenges the energy industry faces with fly ash.”

Sandherr concludes, noting, “We look forward to working with agency officials to ensure this rule is finalized and implemented in a way that continues to allow for the safe and effective use of coal fly ash in construction.”