Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
LEO fights for clean closure of Missouri's leaking coal ash ponds
Missouri has a coal ash problem. We are the second most coal dependent state in the nation, produce tons of coal waste, and have dumped most of the waste in our floodplains and communities. State regulators are currently finalizing rules for the management of coal wastes in the state and will be submitting them to the federal EPA for approval in lieu of the national standards set by the 2015 Coal Ash Rule. At the same time, utilities are applying for closure of the earthen dug out pits which have been used for decades to hold ash slurry and plant wastes but, surprisingly want to leave the material sitting along rivers in the alluvial aquifer. The conversation will address the risks and what can and should be done.
Meet Your Presenter
Patricia Schuba
, President of Labadie Environmental Organization
Patricia Schuba has been the President of Labadie Environmental Organization approximately 7 years; She has degrees in biology, anthropology, sociology. Worked in healthcare 16 years at large teaching hospitals - Vanderbilt, Massachusetts General Hospital, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, BJC - retired from healthcare in 2001. Was a clinician, educator, and published on gut health and nutrition support. Have worked on environmental projects since then - Citizens Coal Council, Coal Ash Director; consultant on coal ash report to EPA docket, etc.
Patricia was born in and lives in Labadie, MO. in a 4th generation farm family. She loves hiking, birding, archaeology, rock collecting, and being with family and friends.
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The Big Muddy Speakers Series in St. Charles
is hosted by these wonderful partners:
All speakers are presenting for free and Big A’s is sharing the space for free! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us!
The Big Muddy Speaker Series also takes place monthly in Rocheport and Kansas City.
A special thank you to Greg Poleski of Greenway Network for making this happen!
The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Greenway Network, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.
Upcoming Presentations
Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event