Source: http://www.wect.com, June 9, 2015
State officials are ordering Duke Energy to stop the continued spread of coal ash contamination in the groundwater near its Sutton Steam Plant in Wilmington.
Duke Energy received a notice of regulatory requirement Tuesday after recent tests showed high levels of boron in monitoring wells and three water-supply wells about half a mile from the facility.
Boron is a metal that is a recognized indicator of coal ash contamination.
According to the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the levels of boron in the water supply wells did not exceed state groundwater standards, but were much higher than concentrations found in background wells in the area.
“The levels of boron in these wells are a clear indication that coal ash constituents from Duke Energy’s coal ash impoundments have infiltrated the groundwater supply,” said Tom Reeder, an assistant secretary for DENR. “We are ordering Duke Energy to immediately take corrective actions to prevent further migration of coal ash contaminants.”
The utility has until July 9 to control and prevent further migration of coal ash contaminants and submit a plan to monitor for the effectiveness of its actions. Failure to meet the state’s requirements may result in a fine.
Duke Energy was fined $25.1 million on March 10 for violations of groundwater standards at the plant. It was the state’s largest-ever penalty for environmental damages.
The notice of regulatory requirement complements the $25.1 million fine by ordering Duke Energy to stop the further spread of any groundwater contamination.
DENR’s groundwater assessments of all Duke Energy’s coal ash facilities, including Sutton, are ongoing. The agency will take action, as needed, if other problems are detected.