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Environment
The Latest News On The Coal Ash Spill in Eden, NC
Coal ash is the waste that remains when coal is burned. It is usually collected in a dump, known as a pond. North Carolina has more than 30 such sites in 14 different locations across the state. A pipe running under one of the ponds run by Duke Energy in Eden NC ruptured in February of 2014. The coal ash spilled, largely affecting the Dan River which flows into Virginia. The spill is the third largest of its kind in U.S. history.Many see potential complications because North Carolina's governor, Pat McCrory, worked for Duke Energy for 28 years.

NC's Coal Ash Disaster, By The Numbers

WUNC | By Carol Jackson,
Jeff Tiberii
Published February 25, 2014 at 3:57 PM EST
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NC Health News

Coal ash is a byproduct of burning coal for energy. The ash, which is filled with toxins, is collected in ponds around the state. A pipe running under one of a ponds run by Duke Energy in Eden NC ruptured in February of 2014. The coal ash spilled, affecting the Dan River. The spill is the third largest of its kind in U.S. history.

How much coal ash was disbursed into the Dan River?

Between 30,0000 tons and 39,000 tons

How much will it cost to clean up the ash per river mile?

1 million dollars per mile

How many miles down river has the coal ash spread?

70

How much will it cost to clean the Dan River of the coal ash?

70 million dollars

And then there's this...

Our colleagues at North Carolina Health News have whipped up an interactive timeline to trace the beginnings of the plant in Eden NC through the current coal ash spill. The timeline starts with 1948, when "Duke Energy began construction of a coal-fired power plant in Eden, NC."

>> Browse more most recent stories related to the coal ash spill.

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Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson has been with WUNC since 2006. As Digital News Editor, she writes stories for wunc.org, and helps reporters and hosts make digital versions of their radio stories. She is also responsible for sharing stories on social media. Previously, Carol spent eight years with WUNC's nationally syndicated show The Story with Dick Gordon, serving as Managing Editor and Interim Senior Producer.
See stories by Carol Jackson
Jeff Tiberii
Jeff Tiberii is the co-host of WUNC's "Due South." Jeff joined WUNC in 2011. During his 20 years in public radio, he was Morning Edition Host at WFDD and WUNC’s Greensboro Bureau Chief and later, the Capitol Bureau Chief. Jeff has covered state and federal politics, produced the radio documentary “Right Turn,” launched a podcast, and was named North Carolina Radio Reporter of the Year four times.
See stories by Jeff Tiberii
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