Farmers encouraged to use coal waste as fertilizer by EPA, USDA

Even as the federal government moves to draft a coal waste rule, "beneficial uses" of coal wastes are being promoted to farmers. Use of calcium-rich synthetic gypsum in coal wastes has tripled since 2001, increasing from 78,000 tons spread on fields in 2002 to around 279,000 tons last year.

Application of the wastes is supported by the EPA although synthetic gypsum contains mercury, arsenic, lead and additional heavy metals. Health risks to people are considered minimal, one analyst said. Environmentalists are not convinced, urging that more research is needed to determine effects of FGD gypsum on agricultural crops and human health.

Full Story: Associated Press