Duke must decide on excavating all its NC ash ponds by Aug 1

North Carolina officials have ordered Duke Energy to excavate all its coal ash storage ponds in the state, saying the utility’s current plan for its coal ash sites does not sufficiently protect groundwater. The directive issued April 1 comes after regulators in other states, including Virginia, issued similar rulings regarding coal ash disposal in those states.

Duke, like other U.S. utilities that have operated coal-fired power plants, is spending billions of dollars to clean up its coal ash storage sites. Managing coal ash, primarily the handling and disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs), is a major issue for generators. CCRs are the byproducts produced from the combustion of coal or the control of combustion emissions, including fly ash, bottom ash, and other materials that could contain mercury, arsenic, and other toxins.

Eight of Duke Energy’s 14 disposal sites in North Carolina have been scheduled for full excavation and closure. The order  from the state’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) says the six remaining power plant sites, including a total of 11 ash ponds, must be completely excavated and closed after what the DEQ said was “rigorous scientific review” by the agency, along with comments from neighboring communities. The DEQ in its order said excavation is “the only way to protect public health and the environment.”

Duke Energy has until August 1 to decide on a plan to comply with the DEQ order.