UNION, Mo. (KMOX) -  A massive storage site for coal ash may be a step closer to reality in Franklin County.

After months of testimony and research, County Commissioners have proposed allowing a coal waste landfill, but with restrictions.

Ameren Missouri has said it’s running out of room to store the byproducts of burning coal  and wants to use 400-acres at its Labadie power plant.  Critics of the facility fear it would sit too close to the Missouri River and endanger water supplies.

County commissioners have now suggested they may approve it, under certain conditions: 

- that no coal ash be transported into the county

- that any facility be above the 100 year flood plain

- that a concrete flood wall be constructed to protect the site

- and that the utility would pay an annual fee of $50,000 for inspections and groundwater monitoring.  

Officials tell KMOX they’re drafting language to that effect and will discuss those options again at a meeting later this month.

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