"Thirteen North Carolina coal ash ponds are leaking toxic pollutants into groundwater, according to an analysis of groundwater contamination data conducted by Appalachian Voices' Upper Watauga Riverkeeper team.

The group reviewed test results submitted to the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources by Duke Energy and Progress Energy on coal ash ponds located next to the state's coal-fired power plants.

According to a review of the data, all 13 of the tested coal ash ponds were found to be leaking heavy metals and other pollutants into nearby groundwater. The analysis found 681 instances wehre levels of pollutants were in excess of the state's groundwater standard.

Duke and North Carolina environmental officials say they see no evidence contaminated groundwater is flowing from the ponds to neighborhoods."

The Asheville Citizen-Times had the story October 7, 2009. [2]