Coal ash flows 70 miles in Dan River

Federal officials say toxic coal ash has coated the bottom of a North Carolina river up to 70 miles downstream of Duke Energy’s Dan River Steam Station, where a coal ash spill occurred two weeks ago.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that a massive bar of coal ash about 75 feet long and as much as 5 feet deep has been detected on the bottom of the Dan River, according to the Associated Press.

Deposits have been found up to 5 inches deep, crossing state lines into Virginia and to Kerr Lake.

Officials are concerned that the contaminated water have a negative impact on fish life.

The public is encouraged to avoid contact with the water.

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