To the Editor,

The state environmental department will hold a public meeting on Thursday to receive public comment on the intermediate-risk classification of Duke Energy’s Weatherspoon plant. Gov. Pat McCrory has directed state environmental officials to oversee the closure of all coal ash facilities in North Carolina in accordance with the coal ash law.

The Weatherspoon facility was given the proposed classification of intermediate risk by the state environmental department after the most recent scientific data and technical information were considered. The intermediate classification means that the Weatherspoon facility’s coal ash pond is proposed to be excavated and safely closed by 2024.

The proposal is subject to change through the public participation process. The purpose of the meeting is to educate the public on the classification process and receive public comment.

Duke Energy has applied for permits to excavate and remove coal ash at its Weatherspoon facility. The utility is planning to relocate its coal ash to a mine reclamation project in Sanford.

This month state officials began a robust public participation process that will help inform the public of the proposed classifications. The department will hold a public meeting in each county where a coal ash facility is located and conduct a 60-day public comment period. Copies of the comprehensive classifications are available at local health departments and a local library in each county with a coal ash facility.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft proposed impoundment classifications. All comments received online or postmarked by April 18 will be considered in determining final impoundment classifications, except for the four facilities that are designated as high priority by the coal ash law.

Public input and involvement are critical components of the classification process. All draft proposed classifications not designated high priority by law are subject to change based on public input and scientific and technical data gained through the public involvement process. A detailed list of public meetings can be found by visiting www.deq.nc.gov.

Shawn McKee

Environmental Senior Specialist

Division of Waste Management

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