North Carolina Ash Spill
Thousands of tons of coal ash began to pour into the Dan River following a leak discovered on February 9, 2014 at a Duke Energy power plant in North Carolina. Although the full extent of the damage of the North Carolina coal ash spill may not be known for a few more years, it has been reported that arsenic levels in the river are on the rise. Since the North Carolina coal ash spill is difficult to clean up, the adverse effects of the incident are continually affecting residents, wildlife and animals.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the North Carolina coal ash spill or you have been adversely affected by another similar incident, an environmental lawyer can help you to determine if you have a valid claim and could possibly seek compensation for damages you have incurred. Contact the American injury Attorney Group today to learn more about your legal rights.
Adverse Effects from North Carolina Coal Ash Spill
Health officials in North Carolina are warning residents to stay away from the Dan River as the pipe leading from the power plant is allegedly dumping unsafe levels of arsenic. The pipe, carrying wastewater from Duke Energy, dumped up to 39,000 tons of toxic coal ash into the river. Now, it has been confirmed that arsenic levels in the water are 14 times those that are considered safe for human contact.
In a recent statement, health officials acknowledged that a potential hazard exists downstream of the release and recommended that residents avoid recreational contact with sediment and water in the Dan River downstream of the power plant spill site.
Residents are also urged to avoid contact with the coal ash along the riverbank and to immediately wash any skin that has been exposed to sediment or water with water and soap. Officials also warned against eating shellfish or fish from the contaminated river although drinking water in the area is safe.
Arsenic, a naturally occurring chemical, has been linked to lung, bladder and skin cancer, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It may also cause vomiting and nausea, abnormal heart rhythms and blood vessel damage. Arsenic exposure has also been linked in studies to lower IQ in children.
Importance of an Environmental Lawyer
For residents of Eden, North Carolina, the North Carolina coal ash spill is a serious incident that has adversely affected their quality of life. Some may consider contacting an environmental lawyer to learn more about their legal rights if they sustained injuries or were otherwise negatively affected by the spill, particularly if they were exposed to arsenic or other contaminants.
In many cases similar to the North Carolina coal ash spill, such as the Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill and the West Virginia chemical spill, residents have filed lawsuits against the companies responsible for the incidents in an effort to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Companies have the responsibility to ensure that their actions and practices are safe and that they protect residents and others from harm. If you have been adversely affected, contact an environmental lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.
Contact an Environmental Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were adversely affected or injured by the North Carolina coal ash spill or other similar incident, it is important to consider seeking legal counsel from an environmental lawyer. Attorney Group can provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation in an effort to help you to determine if you have a valid claim and connect you with an experienced environmental lawyer who will work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Contact us today for your free consultation.
