Coal Ash Lines River 70 Miles From NC Spill Site
Source: Associated Press
Coal Ash Lines River 70 Miles From NC Spill Site
RALEIGH, N.C. February 17, 2014 (AP)
By MICHAEL BIESECKER Associated Press
Federal officials say toxic coal ash has coated the bottom of a North Carolina river up to 70 miles downstream of a Duke Energy dump where a massive spill occurred two weeks ago.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service advised Tuesday that a massive bar of coal ash about 75 feet long and as much as 5 feet deep has been detected on the bottom of the Dan River near the site of the Feb. 2 spill. Deposits varying from 5 inches deep to less than 1 inch coated the river bottom across the state line into Virginia and to Kerr Lake, a major reservoir.
Federal authorities are concerned the toxic contaminates will negatively affect mussels and fish. Public health officials have advised people to avoid contact with the water.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/nc-gov-mccrory-briefed-coal-ash-deal-duke-22555259