Grave concerns over Duke Energy coal ash compensation package, attorneys say

by: Tina Terry Updated:

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Attorneys representing hundreds of people who live near Duke Energy coal ash ponds are speaking out against a new compensation plan announced by the company.

Under state law, Duke Energy has to offer new water supplies to eligible neighbors near coal ash ponds. In addition, the company announced a compensation package to neighbors last week that includes $5,000, a property value protection plan and those who choose to be connected to a city water supply would receive 25 years’ worth of water bills paid by Duke Energy. But in exchange, neighbors must sign a release agreeing not to seek any further compensation from the company.

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But in a statement issued Friday, an attorney with Wallace and Graham Law Firm said, “We have grave concerns over the scope of this release and the confusion it is causing for neighbors.”

Duke Energy spokesperson Page Sheehan said that the important thing to remember is that the financial package is optional.

“It’s really standard practice when someone accepts a compensation package, we ask folks to sign a legal waiver. The most important thing is it’s voluntary,” Sheehan said.

If neighbors don’t sign the release, they won’t be eligible for the compensation package.

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