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Ash spill leaves sludge in Dan River

Posted at 11:56 AM, Feb 06, 2014
and last updated 2014-02-06 11:56:49-05

EDEN, N.C.; and DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ7.com) – Engineers from the Environmental Protection Agency told Duke Energy in 2009 the basin and attached dam had “significant hazard potential” and recommended a study on the stability of the basin’s land walls.

The inspection noted the basin, built in 1956, was in good condition but had seepage from animal burrows and stumps. The concrete stormwater pipe was not inspected.

Duke hasn’t found out how it broke.

A spokesperson said Wednesday that the walls remain secure and the spill fluctuates as an army of engineers work to seal the pipe.

Duke Energy says it discovered the break in the stormwater pipe that caused the leak at a closed steam station. The spokesperson says crews are working to stop the leak and rebuild the basin walls.

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