Duke Energy issues coal ash apology

Duke Energy has pledged to take care of the Dan River and its surrounding environment as the US energy company continues to address the coal ash release that began on 2nd February at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina.

Company President – North Carolina, Paul Newton, issued the following statement: "We apologize and will use all available resources to take care of the river. We will do the right thing for the river and surrounding communities. We are accountable."

Newton has met with local government officials and residents in the area to provide regular updates on the ash release, water quality and options to clean up the river.

Water quality

Ongoing water sampling results from Duke Energy demonstrate that water quality continues to improve downstream of the spill site. The company's results are consistent with sampling being performed by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR).

The release stems from a broken 48-inch stormwater pipe under one of the power plant's ash basins. The break allowed ash and water from the basin to flow into the river.

Installation of a catch basin, along with a series of pumps at the end of the stormwater pipe, has virtually eliminated any outflow to the river. Any release is being captured and pumped back into a safe area of the ash basin.

Cleanup plan

Newton added that Duke Energy was designing a long-term river cleanup plan in close coordination with federal and state environmental agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/10022014/duke_energy_pledges_coal_ash_cleanup_489/