State Approves Plans For Duke Energy Coal Ash Landfill

Duke Energy will soon have another place to dispose of its coal ash. Environmental regulators have approved plans for a new lined landfill in Wilmington.

North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality gave Duke Energy the green light for a lined basin at Sutton Steam Station. It will store coal ash that's currently being kept in unlined landfills.      

The new landfill will also be constructed with a system to collect and treat wastewater. Duke Energy previously accepted a $7 million fine for groundwater pollution at Sutton and other coal-fired plants.

In October, DEQ approved plans for a similar site at Duke Energy's Dan River facility and coal ash began to be moved in May. Regulators say the utility will monitor water quality around the new lined basin as part of the permit.