Toxic Coal Dust

Alaska Community Action on Toxics is working to inform and protect Alaskans from the health impacts of coal dust and coal ash.  Coal dust contains arsenic, lead, cadmium and other hazardous materials.  Fine coal dust particles escape from coal trains, loading facilities, and mining operations and can enter lungs, contributing to asthma and other respiratory problems.

While Alaska doesn’t use much coal, the mining, storage and transportation of coal  leaves Alaska with a trail of  toxic coal dust all across Alaska.  Communities located near mines, along the rail corridor, or near storage and processing facilities are at risk.  Children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to the health impacts of coal dust.

A Case Study:  Seward, Alaska

Coal dust has been a problem for the residents of this beautiful coastal community on the shores of Resurrection Bay ever since the Seward Coal Loading Facility (SCLF) began operations in 1987.   The coal facility was once seen as a welcome source of local jobs, but has since become a constant source of concern.  Black dust blows off of coal stockpiles and conveyors, seeping into homes, businesses, and schools. Residents inhale it.  It also falls onto boats and into the water in the harbor and bay.

Residents have tried for years to get the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) and the operators of the facility, Aurora Energy (a subsidiary of Usibelli Coal Company), to fix the coal dust problem through containment and best management practices, but they have failed to act.

Concerns about blowing coal dust have escalated with increased tourism and the boat harbor expansion.  Many vessel owners and businesses directly downwind of the coal facility and its immense stockpiles became the unhappy recipients of coal dust that has yet to be properly contained. Residents remain concerned that the dust is polluting the air, affecting public health, blanketing the community, and polluting the bay.

Alaska’s coal goes to power China’s economy, but the toxic coal dust from mining, transporting, storing and processing the coal for export remain in Alaska.

For more information on the health impacts of coal dust and coal ash, visit the websites of these local groups:

Alaska Center for the Environment

Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Resurrection Bay Conservation Alliance