Coal Ash Spill North of DC

A coal ash spill in the North Branch of the Potomac River was discovered Sunday morning near Luke, MD.

Officials estimate than 4,000 gallons may have made its way into the water and nearby shores. The spill was caused by a “dime-size” hole in one of the pipelines that carries the coal ash from a power plant to a lagoon where it is stored in West Virginia.  The cause of the hole was not disclosed by officials.

The coal ash is not expected to be seen in DC because it will be diluted in the river. Environmental groups are seeking photos of the spill from residents that live near the spill.

People can send reports and information to Potomac Riverkeepers at keeper@potomacriverkeeper.org, and call 301-POTOMAC.

Additional information is available from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/paltman/coal_ash_spill_upriver_of_wash.html