Dive Summary:
- According to a study conducted by Duke University, Progress Energy’s power plant in Skyland, North Carolina is one of the worst offenders when it comes to arsenic and other toxic runoff into local rivers and lakes.
- Samples collected from waste flowing from the ponds at Progress’ plant to the French Broad River contained arsenic levels more than four times higher than the EPA drinking water standard; selenium levels were 17 times higher than the EPA’s standard for aquatic life.
- The samples also showed excessive levels of cadmium, antimony, and thallium, all of which are harmful when ingested.
From the article:
Days after environmental groups filed a complaint with the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission to force electric utilities to clean up coal ash contamination of groundwater found across the state, a Duke University study released today found high levels of arsenic and other toxins in North Carolina lakes and rivers downstream from power plants’ coal ash ponds.
On Oct. 10, the Southern Environmental Law Center filed the complaint regarding coal ash deposits with the EMC on behalf of Cape Fear River Watch, Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance and Western North Carolina Alliance. ...
