(AP) Indiana residents concerned by coal ash disposal near river

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Residents in Vigo County voiced concerns about Duke Energy’s plans to dispose of 9 million tons of coal ash into ponds at a power plant it shuttered last year.
Concerns were expressed about the ponds’ proximity to the Wabash River, the risk of flooding and groundwater contamination at a meeting Monday.
Jeff Sewell is the deputy assistant commissioner with the Environmental Management Department. He says the ponds sit high enough above the river that the structures would be above the water. Sewell says if department engineers find a risk of flooding after reviewing Duke’s plans, the cover would have to be armored to withstand the water. The plans call for groundwater monitoring twice a year for 30 years.