On June 30, Duke Energy met a state deadline by announcing plans to construct a coal ash recycling plant at its Cape Fear coal-fired power plant in Moncure, N.C. The utility also plans to construct similar plants at its Buck Steam Station in Salisbury and H.F. Lee Plant in Goldsboro.
Coal ash is a toxic byproduct of burning coal for electricity. When processed and reused to make concrete, its toxic properties are minimized, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
An amendment to the N.C. Coal Ash Management Act passed last year requires Duke Energy to recycle coal ash at at least three of its storage sites. Legislation considered by the N.C. General Assembly in June tried to overturn the recycling requirement, but the bill failed.
— Elizabeth E. Payne
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