Note for the media
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, July 22, 2014
Contact: news@dhhs.nc.gov
919-855-4840
Raleigh, NC - NC DHHS Department "Public Health has issued health advice on the discharge of coal ash into the river near Dan Eden updated in February 2014 Review focuses on the concerns about the exposure and the consumption of fish. and seafood available.
Counsel and water recreation
DHHS recommends awareness of recreational waters by assessing the current data of the water and sediment surface, the spilling of the Dan River downstream of the coal ash. The large deposit of coal ash in North Carolina remained retired 30 June 2014. DHHS evaluated data of surface water and sediment after completion of the work collected confirmed. No risk of accidental ingestion or skin contact with sediment and river water Pollutants associated with coal ash spill, are at a level that should not pose a health risk in recreational use of the river. The department will continue to monitor the data as it is available to be identify potential health risks.
Fish and shellfish consumption
Seafood consumption potential risk still exists immediately after the release. DHHS recommends that people who do not eat fish or seafood extracted Dan River in North Carolina after the spill Duke Power-Eden.
DHHS evaluation of data from samples of fish as it becomes available, to determine whether the health risks associated with fish consumption, are no longer a concern.