SALISBURY — An issue with the delivery of emailed public comments about a closure plan for Buck Steam Station’s coal ash ponds means that the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is asking people to send them a second time.

DEQ said in a news release Thursday that it would leave the public comment period open until July 24. An in-person public hearing on the plan was held in February.

That closure plan involves excavating and recycling all coal ash at the site. If not recycled, the coal ash will be transported to a lined landfill away from groundwater and the Yadkin River. Those measures are required by a settlement that involved Duke Energy and the Yadkin Riverkeeper as well as the Waterkeeper Alliance. The plan also is required under the Coal Ash Management Act. Due to an issue with delivery of public comments submitted to DEQ by email, DEQ asks anyone who submitted comments by email previously to resubmit those comments.

Public comments may be submitted by email to: buckcomments@ncdenr.gov. Written comments may be submitted to: Louise Hughes, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: Louise Hughes 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1601.

Closure plans, public notices and more details can be found online at: deq.nc.gov/news/key-issues/coal-ash-excavation/2020-coal-ash-closure-plans-buck-cape-fear-hf-lee-and.