Md. files consent decree over coal ash pollution

Md. files consent decree requiring cleanup of coal ash pollution in 3 counties

BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Maryland Department of the Environment has filed a consent decree in federal court requiring the cleanup of coal ash pollution in three counties.

The decree requires utility company GenOn to clean up ground and surface water pollution at its coal ash disposal sites in Charles, Prince George's and Montgomery counties.

The decree also requires that GenOn Mid Atlantic to pay a civil penalty of $1.9 million to MDE.

The landfills in the three counties contain millions of cubic yards of coal ash.

A spokesman for NRG, which merged with GenOn, did not immediately respond to a voicemail seeking comment.