Administrative Watch: Does Ash Pond Fix Do Enough?

The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has proposed an $84,000 fine against Duke Energy Carolinas, and accelerated cleanup requirements for coal ash pits at three of its facilities. Does the proposed order go far enough?

The proposed order sets cleanup deadlines for the “seeps” from ash pits at the Rogers, Allen, and Marshall coal facilities in the counties northwest of Charlotte.

Conservation advocates are concerned that more cleanup is needed than the draft enforcement settlement would require. There are several coal ash storage sites which are leaking pollution to waters at other coal facilities, but these are not required to take remedial action under the terms of the settlement in this case.

Fortunately, settlements of this kind must be sent to public comment and hearing prior to being finalized by order of the NC Environmental Management Commission. The public comment period is open now, and will remain open for written comments until February 14. The public hearing will be held February 13 at 6 p.m. at the Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main St., Lincolnton.

NCLCV and other groups are preparing comments now. CIB will report these recommendations when they are ready.

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