This summer SouthWings had a great volunteer intern, Emmett McGregor, a film student from American University. Emmett crafted a mini-documentary of photos and video from SouthWings' flights over the last several years. We thank Emmett for his video work and sharing his talent with us. Please enjoy his video above.





SouthWings pilot, Mal Beckham, flew with Ohio Citizen Action and MEIGS Citizen Action Now on August 6. The flight's purpose was to gain aerial footage of several coal ash impoundments on the Ohio and West Virginia border. The video is being used to educate citizens on the hazards of coal ash and to alert citizens of the upcoming EPA coal ash hearings. All aerial footage in the video is from SouthWings' flight on August 6.

In July, the EPA announced it will hold seven public hearings across the U.S.  These hearings will provide citizens the opportunity to present their views on the proposed coal combustion residuals (CCR) rule. The EPA is proposing to regulate coal ash for the first time to address the risks from the disposal of the wastes generated by electric utilities and independent power producers. The EPA is considering two possible options for the management of coal ash for public comment. Under the first proposal, EPA would list these residuals as special wastes subject to regulation, when destined for disposal in landfills or surface impoundments. Under the second proposal, EPA would regulate coal ash as non-hazardous wastes.

For more information on the coal ash hearings or to register to speak, please visit the EPA's website.