WASHINGTON – Dominion Virginia Power has reached a settlement agreement with Prince William County in a fight over treated coal ash water that the utility wants to release into Quantico Creek.
The county has been fighting to block a permit that Dominion acquired from state regulators to release some 200 million gallons of the water, but the agreement resolves the county’s concerns.
“Dominion has capitulated on everything we’ve asked for,” said Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.
Under the agreement, the utility will test the water more rigorously before and during the release into Quantico Creek, which flows into the Potomac River.
“They’re going to go beyond that and make sure that the pollutants are actually reduced significantly below federal and state standards,” Stewart said.
In a statement, the utility said the agreement will help to further protect aquatic life, human health and recreational activities.
“Dominion will always be committed to keeping Quantico Creek and the Potomac safe for fishing, boating, swimming and all the activities we Virginians love to do,” said Pam Faggert, chief environmental officer for Dominion. “We look forward to moving ahead with this important environmental project.”
Dominion is working to permanently shut down ash ponds at its Possum Point power plant in Northern Virginia.
