Testimony sheds light on state's shifting position on water quality near coal ash pits
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- After weeks of speculation, testimony from the state Health Director was released by a state environmental group Tuesday, potentially shedding light on the state's changing position on the quality of water in wells around Duke Energy's coal ash pits.
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Williams signed a letter that went out to more than a hundred families living around the toxic lagoons, reversing the state's official assessment of their water. A previous letter had told them it was contaminated with the cancer-causing chemical hexavalent chromium and was unsafe to drink. Williams' letter told them it was safe to drink, despite the fact there had been no change in their well water.
READ ALL ABC11'S REPORTS ON COAL ASH
The reversal confused and frustrated homeowners who reached out to the I-Team months ago.
An ongoing ABC11 investigation has revealed serious questions about why the Department of Health and Human Services changed its position and who was behind the move.
In April, we interviewed Randall Williams. You can watch the full interview here:
State Democrats have latched onto testimony from state Epidemiologist Megan Davies that said both the Governor's communication director and Duke Energy were involved.
The Democratic Party has filed an open records request with the Governor's office aimed at learning more.
