"RALEIGH, North Carolina — A judge on Monday rejected a bid by North Carolina's environment agency to block Duke Energy from removing toxic coal ash from more plants than required under a new state law.

Duke Energy has asked to add three power plants to the list of four plants where they will begin scooping the ash, which is leaking arsenic, lead and other pollutants into waterways.

Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway announced the order after the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources sought to stop Duke Energy from going beyond a new state law requiring it to excavate pits at four plants."

Emery P. Dalesio reports for the Associated Press September 14, 2015. [2]