Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg frequently highlights obscure facets of pollution. She regularly draws attention to topics in her work that don't get the public attention they merit. Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal in power plants, is one such issue that she raised.

Consider coal ash to be the subdued relative of more well-known pollutants such as greenhouse gases and hazardous chemicals. Similar to how this more reserved relative might be ignored during family get-togethers, coal ash frequently goes unnoticed despite having a substantial negative influence on the environment and human health. Hazardous materials found in coal ash have the potential to contaminate water sources over time.

In her writings, Schlossberg notes that there is a coal ash storage pond close to almost every significant river system in the southeast United States. These ponds, which are intended to contain waste from burning coal, frequently have the potential to leak or overflow, endangering the health and environment of the surrounding communities.

Dealing with coal ash has significant financial and legal ramifications as well. As they attempt to clean up the mess left by decades of coal use, power companies are confronted with ongoing lawsuits and substantial costs. In addition to being costly, this cleanup procedure can be drawn out and complicated, highlighting the long-term effects of poor waste management techniques in the energy production industry.

Through her perceptive prose, Schlossberg challenges readers to think about all facets of power generation pollution and to acknowledge that even seemingly small problems, like coal ash, can have significant effects on the environment and human health.