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Frequent Questions about Effective Date and Implementing the Final Rule Regulating the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)

EPA developed a list of responses to the many questions the Agency received about implementing the 2015 final CCR disposal rule. Questions that fall under the category of effective date and their responses are below:

  • What is the effective date of the rule? Some requirements state October 14, 2015 and others state October 19, 2015.
  • Will all CCR disposal sites be subject to the rule equally, or will there be a transition policy for some sites?

What is the effective date of the rule? Some requirements state October 14, 2015 and others state October 19, 2015.

The effective date of the rule is October 19, 2015. A technical correction was published in the Federal Register (FR) on July 2, 2015 (80 FR 37988) correcting the effective date and other associated dates.

Will all CCR disposal sites be subject to the rule equally, or will there be a transition policy for some sites?

There is no transition policy or any kind of "grandfathering" for particular sites of units.  All CCR disposal units that are subject to the rule will be subject to the requirements on the effective date of the rule.


Do you want to read all of the 2015 final rule implementation questions at once? Check out the complete list in PDF format.

**NOTE**

EPA finalized amendments to the 2015 final rule that may affect these frequent questions. Additionally, we have not updated these frequent questions since Congress passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act that paves the way for state coal ash permit programs. Please refer to the following rulemakings and the WIIN Act for more information:

  • Extension of Compliance Deadlines and Response to Partial Vacatur.
  • Amendments to the National Minimum Criteria Finalized in 2018 (Phase One, Part One).
  • Final Rule - A Holistic Approach to Closure Part A: Deadline to Initiate Closure and Enhancing Public Access to Information.
  • Final Rule - A Holistic Approach to Closure Part B: Alternate Liner Demonstration.
  • State CCR permit programs and the WIIN Act.
  • Final Rule - Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments.

Coal Ash

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Contact Us About Coal Ash
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Last updated on April 15, 2025
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