Duke University study finds hexavalent chromium is not from ash basins

Duke Energy issued a statement gratifying Duke University's independent research for supporting and validating the robust scientific study that experts have conducted at its facilities.

"When combined with previous research, there is overwhelming evidence that coal ash basins are not impacting water quality in neighbour wells," said Harry Sideris, Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety. "This study is an extraordinary development, particularly for hundreds of plant neighbours who have been needlessly concerned that ash basins contributed hexavalent chromium or other substances to their wells."

Duke Energy reported it remains focused on offering permanent water solutions to plant neighbours, as required by North Carolina's new coal ash law. The company as indicated that, given the clear evidence from a number of sources, it is time to move forward with safely closing ash basins in ways that protect people, the environment and wallets.

While coal ash basins have been ruled out as the source of hexavalent chromium in wells, the Duke University study raises important questions about drinking water. Duke Energy said in a media release that it support calls for the US EPA to complete its scientific review of an appropriate standard for hexavalent chromium in drinking water so there can be consistent guidance across the nation.

The recent study is published in the 26 October peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/27102016/duke-university-study-finds-hexavalent-chromium-is-not-from-ash-basins/