Introduction to Coal AshOn February 2, 2014, a coal ash spill occurred in Eden, North Carolina, affecting the Dan River; wildlife, drinking water and other environments have been destroyed or contaminated. The spill was caused by a leaking 48-inch stormwater pipe located at a decommissioned steam station. The spill not only devastated the surrounding environment, but “sent millions of gallons of sleds” into the river used by citizens of North Carolina and Virginia for drinking water (Shoichet, 2014). The leak was eventually fixed, but it left traces of copper, aluminum, iron, and arsenic that state environmental officials said were “exceeding state standards for surface water” (Shoichet, 2014). At the time, according to the article published by CNN, environmental officials were working on a plan to clean up the river and remaining pollutants. While the spill was not a major spill, the future effects the coal ash could have on the river, wildlife, and citizens of North Carolina and Virginia are unknown. Potential effects that citizens and wildlife could encounter include genetic defects for aquatic life, cancer and poor water quality. There have been coal ash spills affecting states other than North Carolina and Virginia. In December 2008, a coal ash spill occurred in Tennessee, causing 1.1 billion gallons of coal ash to spill into the city of Kingston. Known as the largest toxic waste spill in American history, this disaster mixed ash with water, closed roads, and destroyed homes (“Tennessee,” 2014). In this summary, I will discuss what coal ash is, the health and environmental effects of coal ash spills, an analysis of the laws and regulations regarding coal ash, and how coal ash affects on Indiana. Some organizations may consider carbon as one half of paper, in liquid form in large-area landfills and in solid form in landfills. When burned it releases toxins into the air causing air pollution. If spilled, it can release arsenic, lead and mercury into local drinking water systems, contaminating the water and causing deformities in aquatic life. On the other hand, some see it as a valuable resource for constructing buildings and saving taxpayer money. However you view coal ash, there is evidence that serious health and environmental effects are a result of the leaks. Overall, if regulation is not established, coal ash may present serious health and environmental problems for the present and future. Coal ash contains many harmful toxins that can adversely affect residents living near coal ash disposal sites. These effects can cause cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory disease.