12/21: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

New York Times: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

A synthetic gypsum created as a waste product from coal-fired power plants is being pushed by the EPA as a field enhancer - as a fertilizer and soil loosener. The EPA says the synthetic gypsum, which contains mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, has levels of toxins too low to cause any threat to crops, surface water or humans.

However, some environmentalists say not enough is known about how the material, called flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum), affects crops and human health.

Currently, FGD gypsum is widely used in the South as a less expensive alternative to mined gypsum, said Glen Harris, a soil scientist at the University of Georgia's Tifton campus. Farmers in states such as Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas have long spread mined gypsum on their fields, where its calcium spurs the growth of peanuts.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Alabama Education Association opposes State BOE's charter school push

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln says health care reform bill would cover more than 400,000 uninsured residents

FLORIDA: South Florida seniors concerned about proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage

GEORGIA: New state mental health agency now must cut budget, programs

KENTUCKY: Many in Eastern Kentucky without power following winter storm

LOUISIANA: Health care debate shows Louisiana politicians have much at stake

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Task force: Best way of improving state's quality of life is education

NORTH CAROLINA: New landfill gas-to-energy plant opens in Durham

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate in S.C. reaches new high of 12.3%

TENNESSEE: Control of Congress may be in Tennessee's hands

VIRGINIA: Rep. Scott's Prison Reform Act aims to change cruel prison conditions

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