Maryland: Coal Ash Disposal in Ponds and Landfills

Maryland generates over 1.9 million tons of coal combustion waste annually, ranking 23rd in the US. The state utilizes at least 31 landfills and minefills, as ponds are prohibited. However, the document highlights significant regulatory gaps, such as discretionary groundwater monitoring and a lack of financial assurance requirements. These deficiencies are linked to several contamination cases, including a $54 million settlement for the BBSS Gambrills site and documented groundwater pollution at the Brandywine and Faulkner facilities.

• Maryland generates more than 1.9 million tons of coal combustion waste (CCW) per year, which places the state 23rd in the United States for coal ash generation.
• Maryland has at least 31 coal ash landfills and minefills, while the use of ponds is prohibited. Notable sites include the BBSS Sand and Gravel Pit (4 million tons), Brandon Woods Structural Fill (3.5 million tons), and the Faulkner Flyash Site (7 million cubic yards).
• Maryland's regulatory framework for coal ash disposal in landfills and beneficial reuse contains significant gaps. Monitoring requirements for surface and groundwater, the number and location of monitoring wells, and the use of daily cover are largely discretionary. Additionally, the state does not require financial assurance or composite liners, and post-closure monitoring lasts only 5 years.
• Several coal ash sites have caused documented environmental and public health damage. The BBSS Gambrills site contaminated drinking water wells in an African American community with various metals, leading to a $54 million settlement. The Brandywine Landfill has caused groundwater and surface water damage, with cadmium levels reaching 100 times the maximum contaminant level (MCL) in one well. The Faulkner Off-site Disposal Facility is listed by the EPA as a proven damage case due to groundwater contamination and acidic pH.
• On March 9, 2009, New Page Corp. reported a spill of 4,000 gallons of coal ash slurry into the North Branch Potomac River in Allegany County.

APA

Earthjustice (n.d.). Maryland: Coal Ash Disposal in Ponds and Landfills. https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/md-coal-ash-factsheet.pdf

Chicago

Earthjustice. Maryland: Coal Ash Disposal in Ponds and Landfills. n.d. https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/md-coal-ash-factsheet.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Earthjustice |title=Maryland: Coal Ash Disposal in Ponds and Landfills |url=https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/md-coal-ash-factsheet.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{earthjusticendmaryland, author = {{Earthjustice}}, title = {{Maryland: Coal Ash Disposal in Ponds and Landfills}}, institution = {Earthjustice}, url = {https://earthjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/md-coal-ash-factsheet.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }