Coal ash swirls on the surface of the Dan River on Wednesday, February 5, as state and federal environmental officials continue their investigation of a spill of coal ash into the river near Danville, Virginia. Duke Energy estimated that up to 82,000 tons of ash had been released from a break in a 48-inch storm water pipe at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Coal ash swirls on the surface of the Dan River on Wednesday, February 5, as state and federal environmental officials continue their investigation of a spill of coal ash into the river near Danville, Virginia. Duke Energy estimated that up to 82,000 tons of ash had been released from a break in a 48-inch storm water pipe at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina.
Gerry Broome/AP
A pipe from the Dan River power plant where coal ash spilled is seen along the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
A pipe from the Dan River power plant where coal ash spilled is seen along the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
Coal ash residue swirls in the water of the Dan River near Danville, Virginia, on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Coal ash residue swirls in the water of the Dan River near Danville, Virginia, on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
Duke Energy engineers and contractors survey the site of a coal ash spill at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina, on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Duke Energy engineers and contractors survey the site of a coal ash spill at the Dan River power plant in Eden, North Carolina, on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
A fresh-water mussel lies on the bank of the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
A fresh-water mussel lies on the bank of the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
Didi Fung, a contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency, collects water samples from the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Didi Fung, a contractor for the Environmental Protection Agency, collects water samples from the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
Amy Adams, North Carolina campaign coordinator with Appalachian Voices, shows her hand covered with wet coal ash from the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Amy Adams, North Carolina campaign coordinator with Appalachian Voices, shows her hand covered with wet coal ash from the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
Coal ash lines the banks of the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
Coal ash lines the banks of the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
State and federal officials dock after collecting sediment samples as coal ash floats on the water of the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
State and federal officials dock after collecting sediment samples as coal ash floats on the water of the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP
A canoe paddle is used to scoop up coal ash from the bank of the Dan River on February 5.
North Carolina coal ash spill —
A canoe paddle is used to scoop up coal ash from the bank of the Dan River on February 5.
Gerry Broome/AP