Progress Energy to Close Old Plants, Where's Duke Energy's Plan?
The closing of these facilities will help improve North Carolina's entire quality of life, especially in regards to air and water quality. The question for everyone here in the Charlotte region to ask is: Why isn't Duke Energy leading the way in this pro-active step to close antiquated coal-plants?
Riverbend Steam Station Coal Ponds along Catawba River at Mtn. Island Lake
By Catawba Riverkeeper David Merryman
On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, Progress Energy filed a plan with the NC Utilities Commission to close all if its non-scrubbed units by 2017. Sutton Plant, near Wilmington, NC, will be the first plant in a group of 4 aged coal-fired power plants to close in 2014. The closing of these facilities will help improve North Carolina's entire quality of life, especially in regards to air and water quality.
The question for everyone here in the Charlotte region to ask is: Why isn't Duke Energy leading the way in this pro-active step to close antiquated coal-plants?
The first plant in North Carolina that should be closed down is Riverbend Steam Station on the Catawba River at Mountain Island Lake. This plant is home to two EPA-listed "high hazard potential" coal ash ponds and discharges coal ash pond overflow water into Mountain Island Lake directly upstream of the Cities of Charlotte, Gastonia, and Mount Holly primary water intakes.
Our nation's 3rd largest utility, Duke Energy, should be in the forefront of leading the way to environmental stewardship and alternative energy solutions. Although Duke cannot be in the forefront, since Progress has stepped out, I believe they should promptly propose and stick to a plan to close Riverbend Steam Station and other aged coal-fired power plant facilities. This pro-active step would ensure the protection of Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water supply for nearly 1 million people throughout the Charlotte region, and continue to increase the magnificent quality of life enjoyed throughout our region.
Progress Energy to shut down Wilmington's Sutton Plant in 2014
