DEQ to host a public hearing on Duke Energy landfill permit for Belews Creek Steam Station Coal Ash Impoundment Closure
RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) will host a public hearing on Tuesday, May 25, on a draft solid waste permit for a new landfill at the Belews Creek Steam Station. The draft permit will include Duke Energy’s construction and operation of a new landfill (called the Ash Basin Landfill) for the disposal of excavated coal ash at the Belews Creek Steam Station. Members of the public are invited to attend the public hearing online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit.
From Staff Reports
Duke Energy has reached an agreement on coal ash management with the North Carolina Attorney General and the Sierra Club and the Public Staff of the North Carolina Utilities Commission have reached an agreement on costs related to cleanup.
On Monday, state Attorney General Josh Stein, announced the settlement for coal ash cleanup cost allocation through 2030. Over this time frame, Duke Energy has agreeded to reduce North Carolina customers’ costs by approximately $1.1 billion.
But pressed by reporters, Stein acknowledged that consumers will be expected to shoulder the $3 billion that Duke is not covering, or roughly 75% of the total cost of the cleanup.
The latest settlement would reduce coal ash costs included in the pending rate requests by 60%, which Duke Energy believes will provide immediate customer savings if approved.
“This settlement affirms that the current closure strategy remains prudent and in the best interests of customers and communities in the Carolinas,” read a statement from Duke Energy.
Most of the remaining expenditures are expected to occur over the next 15-20 years.
The Utilities Commission still needs to make a final decision on Monday s proposed rate requests and the proposed settlement agreement.
In January 2020, Duke Energy signed an agreement to close its remaining nine coal ash basins in the state.
Duke Energy customers will pay about 75% of coal-ash clean-up costs instead of 100% Settlement reached Monday hickoryrecord.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from hickoryrecord.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.