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Duke Energy Will Not Force Coal Ash Neighbors To Waive All Legal Claims

Some residents are suing Duke Energy over coal ash pollution. KERI BROWN/WFDD

Some residents living near Duke Energy's unlined coal ash ponds have reached a settlement with the company. But, the case leaves open legal protections for young family members.

Lawyers seeking to represent hundreds of neighbors of the company's North Carolina coal plants dropped their lawsuit last week. The news comes following the electric utility's announcement that its $5,000 payments depended on claimants giving up future health claims linked to contaminated well water.

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KERI BROWN/WFDD

Charlotte-based Duke Energy posted an online clarification that people taking the money could not sue. However, the company went on to state that future legal claims related to children and coal ash groundwater pollution would not be barred from court.

Coal ash is the byproduct of burning coal for electricity. It's been shown to contain toxic substances including arsenic, lead and mercury, among others. Duke Energy says it's not responsible for the contaminants, some of which can occur naturally in the environment.

Before his arrival in the Triad, David had already established himself as a fixture in the Austin, Texas arts scene as a radio host for Classical 89.5 KMFA. During his tenure there, he produced and hosted hundreds of programs including Mind Your Music, The Basics and T.G.I.F. Thank Goodness, It's Familiar, which each won international awards in the Fine Arts Radio Competition. As a radio journalist with 88.5 WFDD, his features have been recognized by the Associated Press, Public Radio News Directors Inc., Catholic Academy of Communication Professionals, and Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. David has written and produced national stories for NPR, KUSC and CPRN in Los Angeles and conducted interviews for Minnesota Public Radio's Weekend America.

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