Heavy metals found in groundwater near coal plants

Environmental officials say heavy metals from coal ash have seeped into groundwater at a Duke Energy complex along Florida's Gulf Coast.

A report by a consulting firm shows that arsenic, lithium and other contaminants were found in samples of wells surrounding the coal plants on Duke's Crystal River Energy Complex.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Dee Ann Miller says no residential properties or public water supply wells have been affected.

The Citrus County Chronicle reports that the consulting firm told Duke Energy that it must come up with a plan of action quickly and hold a public meeting.

Duke spokeswoman Paige Sheehan says the company is studying its options. She says the contamination is limited to Duke property, with no migration toward the Gulf.

The complex is located about 80 miles north of Tampa.

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Information from: Citrus County Chronicle