Charlotte-based Duke Energy said Tuesday it plans to excavate coal ash from 12 ponds, mostly in Eastern North Carolina, and bury it in lined disposal sites.
Most of the ash would go to former open-pit clay mines in Chatham and Lee counties.
The plans comply with state law and federal rules, Duke said, but still have to undergo public comment and be approved by regulators.
Groundwater contamination and hundreds of leaks from Duke’s 32 North Carolina ash ponds have been documented. Legislators last year gave Duke until 2029 to close the ponds.