An analysis of sediments from five North Carolina lakes near coal-burning power plants has found that coal ash pollution of surface waters has been more persistent and widespread than was previously known. The study authors warn that this is likely a problem for every surface water body near a coal plant and will only grow worse as climate change brings more extreme weather events and flooding.An analysis of sediments from five North Carolina lakes near coal-burning power plants has found that coal ash pollution of surface waters has been more persistent and widespread than was previously known. The study authors warn that this is likely a problem for every surface water body near a coal plant and will only grow worse as climate change brings more extreme weather events and flooding.