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North Carolina, Duke Energy Contest Coal Ash Cost, Removal Scope
The country's largest electric company says North Carolina's environmental agency exceeded its authority by ordering it to dig up all of its coal ash and move it from sites where toxic chemicals have seeped into water supplies.
Duke Energy said Friday in its administrative challenge that the state Department of Environmental Quality didn't consider all the scientific evidence in deciding the company couldn't use a lower-cost option for closing some pits.
The company said the storage basins at six coal-burning power plants affected by the agency's order are considered low risk and neighbors are already being shifted to clean drinking water supplies.
People Flee Airborne Acid As North Carolina Zinc Plant Burns
Authorities say a fire at a zinc production plant in Mooresboro forced some residents to evacuate the area early Monday.
The American Zinc Products plant was still burning around 5 a.m. Monday. The fire started Sunday night at the plant, which lies near the border between North and South Carolina.
Deputies went door-to-door warning people to evacuate as the burning plant released sulfuric acid into the air, and the county says about a half-mile area has been evacuated.
Rutherford County Assistant Fire Marshal John Greenway says that firefighters have been pulled away from the scene as their gear tested positive for hazardous materials.
He says this is a cautionary measure until officials determine what chemicals they're dealing with.
North Carolina Sheriff To Continue Agreement With ICE
A North Carolina sheriff says he plans to continue an agreement with U.S. immigration authorities.
Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin says that after consideration, his department will renew the agreement with the Department of Homeland Security.
The statement says the 287(g) program allows for a law enforcement agency to enter an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division to quickly identify past encounters or records of an arrested criminal illegal immigrant.
During his re-election campaign last year, Griffin criticized the program but said he would evaluate it closely. He has also spoken about the intimidating effect the program has on the immigrant community, and he announced on Thursday that he will create a community liaison position to increase communication.
Another North Carolina System To Close For Teacher Rally
One more North Carolina school system is closing down this week for a teacher rally, raising the total to 30.
WRAL-TV reports that Lee County Schools announced Friday it is closing for the May 1 teacher rally in Raleigh. The rally is aimed at demanding more support for public schools from state lawmakers.
The North Carolina Association of Educators held a similar rally last year. It drew an estimated 19,000 people and closed 42 school systems. NCAE President Mark Jewell has predicted this year's event will be even larger.
Trial Set For Virginia Doctor Accused Of Running Pill Mill
A Triad doctor is headed to trial this week on charges of running an illegal pill mill in Virginia. Addictive painkillers are the focus of the case.
Joel Smithers is charged in an 862-count indictment with dispensing controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose, in addition to other charges.
Smithers lives in Greensboro, and the charges are connected to his practice in Martinsville, Va. He has maintained his innocence.
Other charges against Smithers include possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and maintaining a place for unlawfully distributing them.
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