Coal Pile Leachate: Leachate is the liquid associated with waste, thus coal pile leachate is the liquid contaminates associated with coal that easily seep into the ground and release chemicals into the surrounding environment.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Chemicals that are naturally found in coals, gases and oil. In large amounts, or increased exposure, PAHs can cause difficulty breathing and irritation in the eyes.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Manmade chemicals that have adverse effects on the environment. In particular, PCBs do not readily break down in the environment, and are also considered carcinogenic.
Superfund Sites: Contaminated sites in which there is no viable perpetrator. As a result, superfund sites receive assistance and funding from the Environmental Protection Agency in order to clean up the contaminated site.