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Winter 2014
from the president
T
he coal ash spill in Danville, VA at Duke
Energy’s retired steam station was one
of the worst in U.S history. The company
finished their cleanup efforts at the Dan
River earlier this summer and now Duke
Energy officials say they have a plan to
make things right with the community.
The plan is to give $10 million to
community projects that improves the
quality, quantity, and conservation of
waterways in the Carolina’s through
a new Water Resource Fund. Duke Energy officials say local
governments, nonprofit organizations, and schools are encouraged
to apply for the grants.
However, some environmental organizations say that does not address
the bigger issue. Frank Holleman, senior attorney with Southern
Environmental Law Center stated, “The most important thing that
Duke Energy can do for clean water is stop polluting rivers and lakes
in the Carolina’s and into Virginia with its coal ash pollution. We
hope that Duke will do the right thing and move its coal ash to safe,
dry, lined storage away from our rivers and drinking water supplies,”
said Holleman.
No matter which side you choose to support, there is a human side
to every tragedy. A manager/director went to work one morning and
found themselves facing a catastrophic event that could make or
break their career, and the organization they represent.
It is not enough to have the technical skills and knowledge to be an
effective director or manager. The most difficult challenges are often
the ones laden with emotion and controversy.
We as a nation have drifted into a mindset that in educating and
training managers, we focus too much on technical skills and too
little on character. Managers are measured by statistics, productivity,
and profits, but the most important measure may be how we handle
interactions with the people we serve.
Sincerely,
Neil Carpenter
NCRWA President
