Under the terms of the agreement, the EPA will oversee the Dan River cleanup in consultation with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality.
Duke will reimburse the EPA for its oversight costs and once removal activities are complete, the company will then be obligated to assess any remaining contamination to identify if there is any need of additional actions.
Duke Energy said the agreement represents a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to restore and monitor the Dan River and surrounding environment.
"Duke Energy is fully committed to the river’s long-term health and well-being. River water quality has returned to normal and drinking water has remained safe," the company said.
EPA regional administrator Heather McTeer Toney said the agency will work with Duke Energy to ensure that cleanup at the site, and affected areas, is based on sound scientific and ecological principles, complies with all Federal and State environmental standards, and moves as early as possible.
"Protection of public health and safety remains a primary concern, along with the long-term ecological health of the Dan River," Toney added.
