Duke Energy seeks permit for on-site industrial landfill

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WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Duke energy is pursuing permits so the company can build an on-site landfill at the Sutton facility.

The landfill will hold the coal ash removed from the ash ponds on the site.

If the company gets the permit, the wastes that come from the site will be allowed to be disposed in a landfill.

Duke Energy wants to store the coal ash in a double-lined landfill away from any surface water. They will also have a system to collect any waste water.

The company plans to remove the ash from the tow coal ash impoundments. The ash that is taken out is being used as structural fill.

The plant has had minor issues with coal ask seeping into water in the past. However, none of the issues caused damage to the public's water source.

Duke Energy is not sure of the project's cost at this point.

"We'll determine cost at the appropriate time and how those costs will be managed during the regulatory rate making process. But, our focus right now is ensuring this coal ash is safely managed and safely stored in the years ahead, to protect public waters in this area, to protect the cape fear river, and to protect the public," said Jeff Brooks, a spokesperson with Duke Energy.

He continued to explain Duke Energy's top priorities are conservation and the health and safety of the community.

"This is also our community as well, our employees live and work here in this community, they drink the same water, so we want to protect these resources here for all of us in the years ahead," Brooks explained.

If you want a chance to comment, email public comments@ncdenr.gov and insert the permit number "6512-INDUS-2016" and the permit name "Duke energy, L. V. Sutton Energy Complex" in the subject line of the email.