MOORESVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Duke Energy is now at the center of a lawsuit based out of Mooresville.
The lawsuit alleges the company played a role in “significant health issues” linked to coal-ash contamination in Mooresville.
It claims that hazardous materials, including arsenic and heavy metals, from coal ash have been improperly used underneath residential and commercial properties in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Attorneys said the practice contributed to alarming increases in cancer rates and other health problems within the community. The lawsuit calls for federal authorities to take action. It also seeks compensation for affected residents.
Duke Energy said the sale of the ash complied with state regulations, acknowledging that some regulations have changed. The company said they don’t know of any evidence backing the claims made in the lawsuit.
Duke Energy emphasized a 2019 report from the state health department regarding an increase in thyroid cancer between 1995 and 2016. That report states that, after hearing concerns from the community, the health department examined the literature for a potential link between alleged coal ash contamination and thyroid cancer.
Duke Energy claims, based on the NCDHHS report, that there are no published studies supporting an association between coal ash exposure and thyroid cancer. Yet state officials emphasize that this report was not a research study and no data was collected on “potential environmental exposures.”
“Therefore, no conclusions can be drawn from this report,” officials wrote.
Duke Energy sent the following statement:
Duke Energy’s sales of ash were conducted in accordance with applicable state regulations, which set out how ash could be used in ways that are safe for people and the environment. As regulations changed over the years, our structural fill practices evolved to comply with all applicable rules.
It’s always challenging when people have health issues and are searching for answers, and there are countless risk factors that can contribute to someone’s health condition.
We are not aware of any scientific evidence to support a link between health effects and coal ash, and there is a considerable body of scientific research that runs counter to such speculation. The ingredients in coal ash have been well-studied over many years. Critically, experts researching these local concerns, including North Carolina’s health department, reviewed the medical literature and confirmed there is no known connection to coal ash.
Duke Energy
