CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A consulting firm has recommended that the Environmental Protection Agency upgrade the safety assessment of waste impoundments at an American Electric Power coal-burning plant in West Virginia.

A draft report issued by the agency Monday suggests boosting the rating of impoundments at AEP's Philip Sporn plant in New Haven to fair from poor.

Consulting firm Dewberry and Davis says information from Columbus, Ohio-based AEP shows dike failure isn't imminent. However, AEP should determine how much of an earthquake the structure could withstand.

Spokesman Pat Hemlepp says AEP believed the initial rating was inaccurate.

EPA uncovered the potential problems during a national review of coal-ash ponds following the Dec. 22 failure of an impoundment operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.

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