CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Duke Energy is hosting a virtual town hall meeting tonight to gather public input on the cleanup of its Coal Ash Landfill site located next to the power plant on Power Line Road.

Nine of 16 testing wells surrounding the Coal Ash Landfill tested positive for heavy metal contamination last year, prompting the cleanup.


What You Need To Know

  • Duke Energy holding virtual town hall (6 - 8 pm) to answer questions regarding its Crystal River coal ash plant cleanup 

  • Testing wells surrounding the coal ash landfill tested positive for heavy metal contamination

  • To participate in the town hall,  visit tinyurl.com/ugewl8t, enter event number 173 899 3734 and type in event password “Duke”

Duke Energy officials said there has been no seepage of contaminants into drinking supplies, and the nearest homes are located four miles to the east of the site near US-19.

"We are working with a 3rd party expert that specializes in ground water remediation.  This is what they've done for decades.  They know this stuff.  It's a very straightforward, strong solution," said Bill Norton with Duke Energy.

The process will include crews digging coal ash out from stormwater ditches, rebuilding the sedimentary basin which collects runoff from the landfill, then installing a waterproof barrier across the bottom of that basin to protect the ground water below.

Duke Energy says it is working with a 3rd party remediation company on the cleanup, and the cleanup project could begin as early as late this month.

Before the cleanup begins, Duke wants to explain the plan to the public and get input.

Duke Energy's virtual town hall will be held Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

To participate in the discussion online, visit tinyurl.com/ugewl8t, enter event number 173 899 3734 and type in event password “Duke.”

To attend by phone, call 413-655-0003 and dial event number 173 899 3734.

If you can’t make the meeting, Duke will continue accepting public input until Oct. 30.