Judge rules Duke (Energy) must stop groundwater pollution at NC coal ash sites

[Indi Guy]

Source: News & Observer

RALEIGH — A Wake County Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that Duke Energy must immediately stop the source of groundwater pollution at its 14 coal-fired power plants in North Carolina.

Judge Paul Ridgeway reversed a decision by the state’s Environmental Management Commission, saying it failed to properly apply state law when it didn’t force the utility to clean up its coal ash ponds.

The appeal of the commission’s decision was brought by the Cape Fear River Watch, Sierra Club, Waterkeeper Alliance and Western North Carolina Alliance in 2012. Charlotte-based Duke could appeal the decision to the state Court of Appeals.

At issue was whether the commission, comprised of 15 members appointed the governor and leaders of the General Assembly, has the legal authority to force Duke to take immediate action in cleaning up the coal ash ponds...


Coal ash is shown in settling ponds at Duke Energy’s Riverbend power plant on Mountain Island Lake

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/03/06/3679254/judge-rules-duke-must-stop-groundwater.html

[hollysmom]

1. they haven't tried to stopit yet?? n/t

[TRoN33]

6. According to two major North Carolinan newspapers...

Nope, Duke Energy haven't put their efforts to stop the leak and apparently doesn't have any intention to do so. North Carolina's inept government must be wanting to become next China.

[hollysmom]

7. well that is just ignorant of them,

it might help the money in the short run, but the bad press is going to get someone to stomp them eventually unless all the voters in NC are that bad, and I say that as my sister is there trying to get people to vote democratic - but they only come out in presidential years.

[freshwest]

2. Great to see the court standing up for water. Much more important than coal. n/t

[cui bono]

3. So a judge has to put the Environmental in Environmental Management Commission.

[kelliekat44]

4. The Duke(s) of hazzard!! At last!! nt

[Herself]

5. Duke energy is a major motivator to find how solar can serve you

and take a bite out of the crony corps/politicians.

I've used it, depended on it, and started small. Every dollar you take away, gives you 100$ in satisfaction. Every dollar you cut from your bill by eliminating the "pirate" consumption, hurts them too.

Solar, hydro, and wind is much cheaper than ever. When politic's becomes smaller than the duke rape of customers, more people will go there.