"Criminal Charges in Spills To Cost Duke Energy $100 Million"

"Criminal charges are expected to be brought against Duke Energy in the next several days that will accuse the nation’s largest electric utility of multiple misdemeanor violations of the federal Clean Water Act.

The charges would come a year after a Duke power plant spilled up to 39,000 tons of coal ash into the Dan River, quickly triggering state and federal investigations.

The federal accusations would be against the company and are not expected to result in charges against individuals, according to sources close to the investigation. They could not speak publicly due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing probe."

Anne Blythe and Bruce Henderson report for the Raleigh News & Observer February 18, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"SEC Filing: Duke Expects To Settle Coal Ash Probe" (AP)

"Duke Energy Setting Aside $100 Million To Settle Coal Ash Spill Case" (Los Angeles Times)

"Duke Energy Close To Reaching Coal Ash Spill Settlement With U.S. Government" (Reuters)

Source: Raleigh News & Observer, 02/19/2015