OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Environmentalists are sounding the alarm over a request they say will put toxic residues from an Ottumwa coal plant into the Des Moines river.

The Iowa DNR is set to hold a hearing on the issue but said it’s not that simple.

This is Alliant Energy’s coal-fired power plant. Just a few miles north of Ottumwa along the Des Moines river.

Burning all that coal creates toxic coal ash. The Sierra Club is worried those chemicals could make their way into the Des Moines River as runoff from the landfill.

Emma Coleman said the issue could impact many.

“When we’re talking about the drinking water source for the community. We really need to advocate for that to be as clean as possible”

Right now, Alliant trucks that ash to the landfill. But there’s worry water runoff from

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