There are huge problems associated with fly ash - the residues left from coal-burning power plants w

There are huge problems associated with fly ash - the residues left from coal-burning power plants which end up in often vast lagoons and can contain not only a cocktail of heavy metals but also radio nucliedes. When the lagoons dry out, the toxics blow remorselessly onto nearby communities. And its a universal hazard - affecting communities all over the world

In an effort to "solve" this endemic problem, many in the mining, power industries and government now advocate using fly ash as a building material or incorporating it into bricks: not surprisingly many others view this as extrapolating, rather than curbing, the problems.

Recently communities around Wenham Lake (New England, US) - source of drinking water for 80,000 people - partially succeeded in their campaign to get a majority of local fly ash removed from the lake and the area give over to wetlands. Commented Wenham Lake Watershed Association spokesperson, Lori Ehrlich: "This story is about far more than just undoing the damage done to one lake. It's a powerful example of corporate integrity, citizen action and Democracy. Our work is hardly complete, but this is an important milestone and must be recognized and celebrated".