Flooding from Hurricane Florence that submerged a Duke Energy coal ash storage area in Wilmington did not contaminate the Cape Fear River, according to North Carolina’s environmental agency.
“Test results show all metals below state water quality standards with the exception of dissolved copper,” the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality said in a statement.
The laboratory results from the agency contradict warnings issued Wednesday by the Waterkeeper Alliance and Earthjustice that coal ash contamination in Sutton Lake, at the Cape Fear River, was “insanely toxic” with coal ash, and that arsenic levels there were 71 times higher than the state safety standard for water quality.
During the height of flooding during the storm, the lake took in water from a nearby Duke Energy coal ash pond and released that water back into the river, raising concerns that contaminants had entered the lake and river.
DEQ took water samples in the same general location of the dam breach where the environmental groups had collected water on Sept 21.
Lab results tend to have the highest readings in water samples taken at or near a flooded coal ash pond.
The agency’s lab analysis shows that arsenic levels were so low as to be undetectable, as were the levels for selenium, boron and other heavy metals associated with coal ash.
This is the second time that DEQ lab results have validated tests conducted by Charlotte-based Duke Energy and contradicted water sampling conducted by environmental groups.
“We are pleased that the state’s test results align well with the extensive water sampling Duke Energy continues to perform, demonstrating that Cape Fear River quality is not harmed by Sutton plant operations,” Duke spokeswoman Paige Sheehan said in an emailed statement.
“They also show multiple breaches in the Sutton Lake dam where coal ash and waste water discharged into the Cape Fear River.” Related stories from Raleigh News & Observer Environmentalists say Cape Fear ‘insanely toxic’; Duke Energy calls claim ‘outrageous’ Duke Energy says coal ash isn’t contaminating Cape Fear River; state awaits its own tests Duke Energy ‘playing games’ with coal ash testing in Cape Fear River, scientist says Near Duke’s flooded coal ash basin, a gray film floats in the Cape Fear River When coal is burned to generate electricity, the ash settles at the bottom rather than escaping into the air through smokestacks.