Duke Energy Will Not Force Coal Ash Neighbors To Waive All Legal Claims

Some residents living near Duke Energy's unlined coal ash ponds have reached a settlement with the company. But, the case leaves open legal protections for young family members.

Lawyers seeking to represent hundreds of neighbors of the company's North Carolina coal plants dropped their lawsuit last week. The news comes following the electric utility's announcement that its $5,000 payments depended on claimants giving up future health claims linked to contaminated well water.

Charlotte-based Duke Energy posted an online clarification that people taking the money could not sue. However, the company went on to state that future legal claims related to children and coal ash groundwater pollution would not be barred from court.

Coal ash is the byproduct of burning coal for electricity. It's been shown to contain toxic substances including arsenic, lead and mercury, among others. Duke Energy says it's not responsible for the contaminants, some of which can occur naturally in the environment.