Requirements have been set for the closing of Virginia coal ash ponds.
Governor Ralph Northam has signed a bill that outlines expectations for operators and owners.
Effective on July 1, the legislation says at least 6.8 million cubic yards of coal ash should be reused or recycled.
It may also be discarded in a landfill that meets federal regulations.
Dominion Energy operates the coal ash ponds, including one located at Possum Point in Prince William County. It must close them within 15 years.
Citizens raised concerns about coal ash at a town hall held in Dumfries in December.
The law doesn’t protect areas impacted by traffic that stems from the coal ash removal, according to a release from Prince William County.
Officials have requested legislators to prohibit additional trucks from traveling along Possum Point Road.
However, legislators didn’t include wording that reduced the traffic, according to Communications Director Jason Grant.
“We will continue to work with our delegation and the Governor’s Office to seek solutions to limiting increased truck traffic and address likely impacts on residents and the road network,” Grant said in a release. “We are hopeful that we can also work closely with Dominion on this important issue to address the community’s concerns.”
Dominion Energy is required to establish a transportation plan and discuss it with the county.
