The state Department of Environmental Protection said today it may change its policy for inspecting coal ash impoundments following a survey that revealed more problems than expected.



Out of 20 dams statewide, DEP said three are in poor condition and two were deemed unsatisfactory. The rest rated satisfactory or fair, although dam safety official Brian Long said inspectors found potential stability problems as well.

DEP Secretary Randy Huffman said the agency has been relying on annual inspections by dam owners. But the study tells Hoffman that the agency should be doing more inspections of its own.

Long said American Electric Power plans to get rid of the unsatisfactory dams, which are potentially dangerous. Long said AEP overexpanded storm water ponds at a Mason County fly ash landfill.

AEP spokesman Phil Moye said the company welcomes regulatory scrutiny and will make needed improvements.

Long said owners are being required to bring all the dams up to satisfactory levels.

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