Missouri Coal Ash Pond Leaking Since 1992

A coal ash pond next to an Ameren Corp. power plant in Labadie has been spilling up to 35 gallons of toxic coal waste for two decades, raising concerns in the eastern Missouri town.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that state records show the pond has been leaking since 1992. There is no evidence the leak has made its way into groundwater or affected drinking water, but critics say neither the state nor the St. Louis-based utility has ever tested the area for contamination.

Renee Bungart of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources says the agency has not monitored the site because the law doesn’t require it. Ameren plans repairs to the pond but does not believe there is an environmental threat.