Duke Energy dumped 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River last February after a pipe burst at a holding pond in Eden, N.C. The coal ash coated the bottom of the river for over 70 miles and still impacts our area today. This was the third largest coal ash spill in U.S. history.

Coal ash is a hazardous waste product produced by burning coal in a power plant. This byproduct is full of chemicals that cause cancer, developmental problems and reproductive problems.  Arsenic, mercury and lead are some of the many harmful chemicals found in coal ash.  These chemicals poison the water and cause detrimental affects to the local fish and wildlife.

Duke Energy dredged coal ash from the Dan River in 2014, but less than 10% of it was removed, leaving 30,000 tons still in the water.  Duke Energy has spent $15 million on the cleanup from this spill so far. It may take years to determine the full effect on the fish and wildlife along the spill area.

Danville’s water supply was tested immediately after the spill and continues to be tested two times a month for harmful chemicals. All water leaving the water treatment plant meets public safety standards and only showed a slight elevation for several days after the initial spill.

Even though the water supply is said to be safe to drink, the coal ash spill affected both the economy and recreation along the Dan River.  If 30,000 tons of coal ash has settled to the bottom of the Dan River, it could take its toll on this area for years.