The Virginia side of the spill-- McAuliffe: Duke expected to pony up for coal ash spill

[carolinayellowdog]

This AP story appeared in today's Martinsville newspaper. I have a very close personal connection to this story, have been paddling the Dan River and its tributaries for 24 years, and the stories about Duke and the NC state government have been appalling on a daily basis. It's a relief that our own governor isn't so beholden to Duke Energy to be making secret deals with them. I just hope "No reason not to take them at their word" was said with tongue in cheek.

DANVILLE (AP) — Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Tuesday he expects Duke Energy to fully compensate Virginia for a massive coal ash spill into the Dan River that turned collection basins at Danville’s water treatment plant gray.

McAuliffe spoke after he toured the city’s treatment plant and was assured the drinking water for 18,000 customers was well within safe-drinking standards based on multiple municipal, federal and independent water testing.
“I’m going to have a little glass of water myself,” McAuliffe said at the conclusion of the tour of the plant, which overlooks the Dan River.
Despite questions about Duke’s handling of the Feb. 2 spill, McAuliffe said Duke executives had assured him they would make good on any costs associated with the spill in Virginia. The spill coated 70 miles of the Dan River, which crosses both states, with toxic sludge.
“I have assurances from Duke Energy that they’re going to pay for everything,” McAuliffe said. “I take them at their word. No reason not to.”