O
Coal Ash Spill
Contaminates Dan River
By Brian Grogan, UMC
n February 2, the third largest coal ash spill in U.S. history occurred along
the Dan River near Eden, NC. Around 2pm, a security guard at the Duke
Energy Dan River Steam Station noticed the levels in the primary coal
ash pond were lower than normal. Upon further investigation, it was
discovered that a 48” stormwater pipe located under the coal ash pond
had collapsed releasing coal ash and water into the Dan River. Initial
information from Duke Energy estimated the amount of ash released
to be between 50,000 and 82,000 tons. Researchers from Wake Forest
University utilized a drone to create a digital three-dimensional model of
the coal ash pond to better estimate the volume of the release, which was
estimated to be 35 million gallons. Federal officials have identified coal
ash at locations over 70 miles downstream from the broken pipe.
Over two weeks after the initial spill, officials from NCDENR ordered
Duke Energy to close a second 36” stormwater pipe located under the
primary coal ash pond. Samples taken from this pipe tested positive for
arsenic, resulting in NCDENR declaring it an unauthorized discharge.
Duke Energy plans on permanently closing both stormwater pipes with
grout/concrete to prevent additional discharges into the river.
The Dan River is a water supply for numerous systems in North Carolina
and Virginia. The closest water system to the spill, Eden, NC, is located
upstream and was not impacted. The drinking water intake for Danville,
VA is located approximately 20 miles downstream from the location
of the spill. According to Virginia officials, all water from the Danville
water treatment facility continued to meet drinking water standards
immediately after the coal ash spill.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public
Health has issued a recreational water advisory and fish/shellfish
consumption advisory. The division recommends people avoid contact
with water or sediment downstream of the Eden coal ash spill. They
also recommend against consuming fish or shellfish collected in NC
downstream of the spill. On February 24th, scientists with NCDENR
began collecting fish tissue samples. Additional samples will be collected
throughout the year to monitor the potential impact to aquatic life in
the river.
Coal ash is composed of silicon dioxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide with
trace amounts of other elements including arsenic, selenium, mercury,
boron, bromine, chromium, copper and nickel. Currently, coal ash is not
regulated as hazardous waste by the EPA, but the first federal rules for the
disposal of coal ash are due to be finalized by December 19, 2014. There
are 31 coal ash ponds in North Carolina, many of which are located near
lakes or rivers. Many environmental groups have been concerned about
the potential contamination to surface and groundwater from unlined
coal ash ponds.
The EPA organized three public meetings held in Danville, Eden and
South Boston to hear questions and concerns from citizens downstream
of the spill. Many people wanted to know when and how the coal ash
would be removed from the river. Officials say they are exploring options
and hope to have answers soon. The EPA plans on scheduling additional
informational meetings as they transition from emergency response to
cleanup and remediation.
State officials are considering requiring Duke Energy to remove the coal
ash from the two unlined ponds at the Dan River site. The primary and
secondary ash ponds are currently located within several hundred feet of
the river.
North Carolina Rural Water Association has a dedicated professional who
helps facilitate the development of Source Water Protection Plans across
the State. Source water protection is a means of raising public awareness
about our sources of drinking water (both groundwater and surface
water). Water systems who decide to adopt a Source Water Protection
Plan usually use public education to make businesses and facilities aware
of best management practices that can reduce the potential for chemical
spills and leaks that can enter our drinking water. If your system is
interested in a Source Water or Wellhead Protection Plan, please contact
NCRWA at 336.731.6963 or
.
Over two weeks after the initial spill, officials
from NCDENR ordered Duke Energy to close
a second 36” stormwater pipe located under the
primary coal ash pond.
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NCRWA.COM |
Spring 2014
feature
