As a citizen of Asheville, it concerns me greatly that the presence of Progress Energy’s coal-ash ponds has continued to go unregulated and unrecognized by our local, state and federal governments. It is indisputable that toxic chemicals are leaching from the coal-ash ponds into the groundwater and threatening the French Broad River. It is unacceptable that this is allowed to continue unhindered.
It is important that Asheville residents be made aware of this very real threat to our groundwater. Furthermore, Duke Energy and Progress must be held accountable for eliminating the rudimentary technology behind unlined coal-ash pond storage, and for implementing safe and adequate coal-ash storage technology. If Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr care for the well-being of North Carolina and its people, they will vote “no” to the Coal Ash Recycling and Oversight Act of 2012 (S. 3512) and allow the EPA to do its job.
— Natalie Garrett
Asheville
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