Dan River Spill Timeline

By MichelleTedder

  • Duke Power Steam Station is built

    Coal and ash begin to be stored in ponds.

  • Duke installs third and final unit at the Dan River plant

  • Duke expands coal ash pond at Dan River

    With the expansion of coal- power electricity, Duke had to expand the ponds that would eventually spill into the Dan River.

  • Duke stops burning coal at Dan River plant

  • Coal and Ash Spill

    Original spill of about 37,000 tons of coal ash

  • EPA Releases statement that water is fine to drink.

    EPA reassures the public that the water from the Dan River is safe to drink.

  • Federal government files four crimincal charges in three criminal courts against Duke Energy

  • The Dan River water is tested.

    Outside parties test the Dan River water and declare it safe for farming uses. The coal ash that remains in the river is at the bottom and is most likely covered in sediment.

  • Duke Energy works towards recovery

    Duke works with contractors in hopes to remove the coal ash. They continue to try vaccuum up the mess.