Residents of Baldwin and Mobile counties are being asked to step forward as volunteers in a local effort to protect Mobile Bay and nearby waterways from coal ash pollution.

The Coal Ash Action Group is building a network of community volunteers to support work in communications, outreach, education, research and related projects. Organizers also are seeking help spreading awareness about coal ash issues and the documentary “Sallie’s Ashes.”

A volunteer training session is scheduled for May 20 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Daphne Public Library, 2607 U.S. Hwy. 98. Those who attended a March training session do not need to attend again.

Organizers are asking new volunteers who have not yet registered or completed training to RSVP by May 18. Those planning to attend the May 20 session also should confirm by that date.

A Volunteer Focus Group planning meeting is set for June 8 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the Daphne Library Community Room. The session will bring together participants from both the March and May training groups to help shape upcoming volunteer efforts.

Questions and RSVPs may be directed to Kristin Koppen at kkoppen@koppengroup.com or (314) 703-8203.

Additional information on volunteer opportunities is available at www.movetheash.com.

The Coal Ash Action Group of Baldwin County says it is focused on protecting public health, local waterways and the environment from coal ash contamination. The coalition is urging local, state and federal officials to reject cap-in-place disposal methods.

Organizers say their mission centers on advocating for the removal of coal ash, strengthening environmental regulations and improving enforcement while increasing public awareness of what they describe as risks tied to long-term containment strategies.

The group points to the coal ash pond at Plant Barry as an ongoing concern, saying it is contaminating groundwater and the Mobile River with toxic heavy metals. Located along the Mobile River in the Tensaw Delta, the unlined site is described by organizers as particularly vulnerable to flooding and hurricanes, which they say increases the risk of a breach.

In addition to advocacy work, the group collaborates with environmental and public health organizations to promote what it describes as safer, permanent coal ash disposal solutions.