water pollution

April 1, 2016 - North Carolina's carcinogen-contaminated drinking water near Duke Energy's coal ash dumps — and the political fight over what to do about it — should serve as a warning for problems to come in other historically coal-dependent states due to a lack of federal oversight for drinking water and coal ash disposal.

February 4, 2016 - Since environmentalists forced a cleanup of coal ash from a SCE&G power plant along South Carolina's Wateree River, test results show a dramatic decrease in groundwater contamination at the site, pointing to what's possible when utilities take responsibility for their pollution. Is North Carolina paying attention?

January 8, 2016 - People living near the utility's leaking coal ash ponds say they're appalled by the decision by North Carolina's environmental agency to downgrade risk ratings determined by staff — an action that underscores concerns about the close relationship between the company and the McCrory administration.

October 20, 2015 - Dubbed the "Polluter Protection Act," the controversial legislation that passed the General Assembly with minimal public input offers immunity to companies that self-report pollution while weakening rules designed to protect air and water quality. Environmentalists say it may be the most anti-environmental bill of Gov. Pat McCrory's tenure.

October 14, 2015 - Accusing state regulators and the utility giant of "extraordinary efforts" to marginalize conservation groups' interests in addressing coal ash pollution, the Southern Environmental Law Center has filed a legal action seeking to overturn a controversial settlement reached without the groups' input or knowledge.

October 5, 2015 - Days after announcing a settlement with the utility over its widespread coal ash pollution, N.C. officials were monitoring two of its high-hazard dams holding back millions of tons of the toxic power plant waste after reports of rain-related issues. State officials say the problems — seepage on one dam and a sinkhole near another — are not polluting the environment or endangering the public.

September 24, 2015 - People from across North Carolina whose lives have been affected by coal ash pollution have joined forces to launch the Alliance of Carolinians Together Against Coal Ash. The coalition plans to press Duke Energy and state leaders for safer long-term solutions for coal ash storage.