State Says Drinking Water Near Coal Ash Ponds Is Safe
State health officials are lifting do not drink advisories for hundreds of North Carolinians who use well water and live near Duke Energy's coal ash ponds. Residents will receive letters this week.
Toxic metals were found in tests in private wells last year near coal ash sites. That prompted the state to issue do not drink orders. But now, health officials say the water is safe, and the levels of contaminants are similar to those in municipal drinking water.
The state will continue monitoring these coal ash sites and more testing will take place in the coming months.
Duke Energy Appeals $6.6B Fine
Duke Energy has filed an appeal of the $6.6 billion fine that state environmental officials levied last month for the Dan River coal ash spill two years ago.
The utility says the fine is “grossly out of proportion" with prior penalties issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
The News and Record of Greensboro reports the appeal was filed with the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings on Wednesday.
Duke Energy is being fined by DEQ for neglect that led to a drainage pipe collapse, releasing stored coal ash into the Dan River.
Hillary Clinton To Make Campaign Stop At Durham High School
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is coming to North Carolina in advance of next week's presidential primary.
Clinton is scheduled to appear at Hillside High School in Durham late Thursday afternoon. A stop had been scheduled later in the day at a Raleigh high school, but that was canceled. Her campaign says it was changed so she could attend Friday's funeral of former first lady Nancy Reagan in California.
State Hears Case Challenging Governor's Appointment Powers
The North Carolina State Court of Appeals heard a lawsuit Wednesday challenging the governor's expanded powers to appoint state positions.
The law was passed in 2013 and gave Governor Pat McCrory the power to name 50 percent more political appointees. It also reduced the ability of state workers to appeal if their job classification is changed.
The appeals court heard arguments on whether or not the law undercuts those protections for experienced state employees whose jobs may be at risk as state politics change.
Lawyers for the state argue the decision should rightfully rest with the legislature.
SBI Completes Review Of Death Of Man In Police Custody
The State Bureau of Investigation has finished its review of the death of a man in police custody.
31-year-old Travis Page died in December after being arrested by four Winston-Salem police officers.
Special Agent Scott Williams says his agency turned its report over to the Forsyth County district attorney last month.
Ex-Hanesbrands Manager Files $1M Lawsuit
An ex-Hanesbrands management official is suing the company for $1 million dollars, as part of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint.
Kathleen Fowler is accusing the company of permitting discrimination, sexual harassment including vulgar language and retaliation by a supervisor.
The Winston-Salem Journal reports Fowler says she experienced “anxiety and emotional trauma” caused by Jason Feldman, the president of the unit she worked for.
Fowler also alleges Hanesbrands allowed Feldman's behavior to continue.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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