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EDEN — A recent report by the Environmental Protection Agency found the coal ash ponds at Duke Energy’s Dan River plant to be in “fair” condition.

The agency reviewed 43 of the ponds, which hold the waste produced by coal-fired power plants, across the country. The majority received a “satisfactory” rating, the highest possible.

But the Dan River ponds, and 20 others, fell into the “fair” or “poor” categories.

None poses an immediate safety threat, according to the EPA. But in the case of the Dan River plant, additional maintenance and studies of potential problems are needed.

Specifically, the report cited issues including seepage and slides in the embankment material that need to be monitored closely.

The safety of coal ash ponds has attracted attention since a massive spill last year in Tennessee sent a wave of sludge across nearby properties, including 40 houses.

Environmental groups also have raised questions about groundwater contamination from the ponds.

Duke officials say the Dan River pond has a clean record and is not a cause for concern.

“It’s safe,” said Andy Thompson, a Duke spokesman.

“We have a safe ash basin up there. It has been a good neighbor up there for many, many years.”

Thompson said the utility is addressing the issues raised in the report and will step up maintenance at the pond.

“We have a very robust monitoring program,” he said.

Eden Mayor John Grogan said he had not heard about the rating, but said he believes the utility is managing the plant responsibly.

“I don’t have any question about them doing their due diligence,” he said.

The utility gave a presentation about the facility earlier this year to city officials. It might be time to do that again, Grogan said.

There are hundreds of coal ash ponds at power plants across the country.

Of the 43 reviewed by the EPA, most have a “high” or “significant” hazard potential. That refers not to the condition of the ponds, but to the potential for problems should a spill occur.

The ponds hold the ash that results when the coal is burned. When the ponds fill up, the waste is dredged out and taken to a landfill or reused.

The ponds can hold a stew of waste products, including toxic metals such as arsenic, lead and mercury, though generally at low concentrations.

Contact Jason Hardin at 373-7021 or at jason.hardin@news-record.com