State environmental officials have issued a permit that is needed to safely close coal ash ponds in Catawba county. The permit allows Duke Energy to begin draining water from its coal ash ponds at the Marshall Steam Station in Hickory, a necessary first step toward safely closing the ponds.
“The permit issued today protects the environment by requiring Duke Energy to meet all water quality standards,” said Tom Reeder, assistant secretary of the state environmental agency. “As the process of closing every coal ash pond in North Carolina moves forward, state regulators are ensuring that it will be done under strict oversight and regulation.”
The state environmental department issued public notice, accepted public comment and held a public hearing in Hickory in June about the permit. The permit also was reviewed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The permit demonstrates this administration’s commitment to safe closure of all coal ash ponds in the state.
Removal of water from ash ponds is done under strict monitoring by state environmental officials and is an essential step in removing any threat coal ash may pose to the environment and public health. North Carolina's coal ash law requires that all Duke Energy coal ash impoundments be permanently closed.
You may view the permit fact sheet here.
You may view the permit here.