Front Porch Blog
Updates from Appalachia
Feds Conduct Criminal Investigation of N.C. Agency Following Dan River Spill
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is the target of a federal criminal investigation following Duke Energy’s coal ash spill into the Dan River on February 2. The U.S. Attorney’s office issued a grand jury subpoena requesting records from DENR related to coal ash discharges from the Dan River Power Plant including emails, memos and reports from 2010 to the present. Duke Energy confirmed to WRAL that it also received a subpoena, but the company is not required to disclose the contents of the subpoena.
Dan River Update: Citizens Warned To Avoid Water Contaminated by Coal Ash Spill
The N.C. Department of Health issued an advisory on Wednesday, warning citizens not to touch the Dan River, which was contaminated with coal ash 10 days ago after a storm water pipe broke at Duke Energy’s retired plant in Eden, N.C. The Department of Health also advised residents not to eat fish or mussels from the river. Duke still has not come out with a cleanup plan for the spill, which has left parts of the Dan River unsafe for recreational use, including swimming and fishing.
Another Coal-related Spill Reported in West Virginia
Early Tuesday morning there was a significant slurry spill at Patriot Coals Kanawah Eagle operation. Over 100,000 gallons of toxic coal slurry spilled into Fields Creek near Charleston, WV. Members of the Appalachian Water Watch team were at the site to investigate.
TAKE ACTION TODAY — Help our Friends in Clinch River Valley Get a New State Park
A budget amendment has been introduced in the Virginia General Assembly requesting an initial $2.5 million for the development of a new state park in the Clinch River area. But legislators need to hear from residents TODAY (Feb. 11) that a new Click River State Park will create positive economic development in our beautiful region. Take Action NOW!
Duke Energy Coal Ash Spill Pollutes the Dan River
Since Sunday night, coal ash has been spilling into the Dan River from a coal ash pond at Duke Energy’s retired Dan River Plant in Eden, N.C. The spill began when a storm water pipe under the coal ash pond burst, causing coal ash to flow through the pipe into the river. Appalachian Voices water quality specialists traveled to the site of the spill to take photos, sample water and document the damage already done by the spill.
