Clermont County officials are contemplating a federal lawsuit due to concerns about potential water contamination from coal ash at the former Beckjord power station in New Richmond, Ohio. The Clermont County Board of Commissioners has issued a formal Notice of Intent to Sue several entities, including Commercial Liability Partners, LLC (CLP), New Richmond Development Corporation LLC (NRDC), and Duke Energy, over alleged violations in handling coal combustion residuals.

Potential Threat to Water Supply

The notice claims that conditions at the site could endanger the drinking water supply for approximately 145,000 residents. Commissioner David Painter reassured the community that current tap water is safe but highlighted the risk to raw water sources from old coal ash ponds. These ponds, lacking proper lining, may allow contaminants to seep into groundwater, potentially affecting well fields in Pierce-Union-Batavia Township.

Entities Involved

The notice identifies NRDC as the property’s owner since 2018, with CLP allegedly controlling NRDC and sharing responsibility. Duke Energy is also named due to its ownership of a parcel linked to the Beckjord Dump. Painter emphasized the county’s commitment to safeguarding public health and urged the entities to address the contamination issue.

Response from Duke Energy

Duke Energy, in response, stated that it has not received the Notice of Intent to Sue and disagrees with the county’s claims. According to a spokesperson, environmental liabilities were assumed by New Richmond and CLP in 2018, absolving Duke Energy of responsibility regarding the Beckjord Station concerns.

The notice allows 90 days for the named parties to take corrective action. If no progress is made, the Clermont County Board of Commissioners plans to proceed with a federal lawsuit to protect the community’s water supply.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.