Coal ash, a byproduct of burning coal to produce electricity, has traditionally been managed in landfills or surface impoundments. Coal ash landfills are categorized as industrial landfills in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations, while prior to 2016, surface impoundments were previously exempt from permitting under these regulations.

Facilities that manage coal ash are listed on the left. Visit these pages to view status and associated documents.

Permit Application

Requirements for coal combustion residual (CCR) landfills and surface impoundments to obtain or modify solid waste permits was added to Virginia's regulations in 2016. Applications follow the same Notice of Intent, Part A, Part B, and public participation process as outlined for solid waste landfill permits. To assist owners and operators of new and existing CCR landfills and surface impoundments prepare permit applications, DEQ developed Submission Instruction No. 29: Additional Permit Application Requirements for Coal Combustion Residuals Units.

Additional closure requirements were also written into the Waste Management Act in 2019 and 2020, so permit applications for affected CCR units must also address the requirements therein:

On May 8, 2024, the EPA finalized changes to the federal CCR rule for inactive surface impoundments at inactive electric utilities, commonly referred to as the "Legacy Rule".  DEQ is reviewing the Legacy Rule and working with electric utilities to ensure facilities prepare evaluation reports and initiate closure and groundwater monitoring where required.