DENR tells Duke Energy to stop Sutton coal ash pollution spread

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Duke Energy could face another fine for spreading coal ash in the groundwater near its Sutton Plant in New Hanover County.

The state fined Duke Energy $25 million for this problem in March.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources says it is following an executive order from the governor to protect groundwater and drinking water from the impacts of coal ash. DENR says recent tests show high levels of boron in monitoring wells at or beyond the Sutton Plant’s compliance boundary and in three water supply wells about half a mile from the facility. DENR says Duke Energy has until July 9 to control and prevent the problem or it could see another fine.

A Duke Energy spokeswoman says this release is confusing, because she says the company is already addressing the issue.

“We find the timing of today’s action especially confusing and rather curious since our company is already well down the path to addressing the issues at sutton,” Paige Sheehan said. “Groundwater assessments have been underway since earlier this year and we’re preparing to close the basin at Sutton.”

Sheehan says Duke must have the sutton plants coal ash basins closed by August 2019. She says the company is just waiting for more permits to start that process. Sheehan says Duke is doing everything it can to fix the problem.

DENR says its tests continue, and the agency will take more action if it has to.