USA: EPA, Duke Energy Enter Agreement on Dan River Dredging

Yesterday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signed an enforceable agreement with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke) to perform a comprehensive assessment, determine the location of coal ash deposits and to remove deposits along the Dan River as deemed appropriate by EPA in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a result of the coal ash spill that occurred at the Dan River Steam Station on February 2, 2014.

Under the Administrative Order and Agreement on Consent, entered into under the Superfund law, EPA will oversee the cleanup and Duke will reimburse EPA for its oversight costs.

“EPA will work with Duke Energy to ensure that cleanup at the site, and affected areas, is comprehensive based on sound scientific and ecological principles, complies with all Federal and State environmental standards, and moves as quickly as possible,” said EPA Regional Administrator Heather McTeer Toney. “Protection of public health and safety remains a primary concern, along with the long-term ecological health of the Dan River.”

Duke’s work will be subject to review and approval by EPA, in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality, to ensure full compliance with Superfund law.

Once removal activities are complete, Duke will be required to assess any remaining contamination to determine whether additional actions may be needed.

Related:

Dan River Cleanup Scheme Kicks Off

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Press Release, May 23, 2014