Contaminated groundwater found near N.C. ash ponds
CHARLOTTE (AP) — An environmental group says state data show all 13 coal-ash ponds owned by two utilities in North Carolina have contaminated groundwater nearby.
The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday that Appalachian Voices analyzed the data about groundwater near the ponds owned by Duke Energy and Progress Energy. Its report detailed 681 examples of testing near the ponds that showed pollutants exceeded state standards.
Duke and North Carolina environmental officials say they see no evidence contaminated groundwater is flowing from the ponds to neighborhoods.
Coal-burning plants leave behind ash, which is filled with metals that can be toxic at high levels. It's often mixed with water and piped into open basins. The practice is under scrutiny after a ruptured dike in Tennessee spilled 5 million cubic yards of sludge in December.
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