ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — For many, the Dan River in Eden is still known as the location of Duke Energy’s coal ash spill. Almost one year ago, 39,000 tons of coal ash spilled into the Dan River.
While water quality test conducted by the state, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Duke Energy showed the water was safe to drink days after the spill, a cloud of suspicion lingered over the river. So at a Tuesday luncheon, the City of Eden, Rockingham County and Duke Energy stood by their statements that the Dan River is safe for drinking, boating and fishing.
Eden resident Scott Dalton says there’s plenty of big, healthy fish in the Dan River.
“It’s very similar as far as the quantities,” he said. “No scars, no sores; the size of the fish is the same.”
Under the direction of the EPA, Duke Energy North Carolina President Paul Newton said the utility company removed the coal ash that was found between Eden and Danville, Va. Plus reports from NC State, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and an environmental consultant all say the Dan River is healthy.
With those studies, the city of Eden is boosting its tourism efforts. The city unveiled a new tourism website with the slogan “Small town, big outdoors.”
Cindy Adams is the tourism and special events coordinator for the City of Eden. Adams says they will use social media, ads and billboards to spread the word that Eden and the Dan River is open for business.
“We have an outdoor theater, wineries and trails. We are very blessed with amenities for the outdoors.”
Outfitters that conduct river tours say spring and summer are their busiest months. Tourism is big business in Rockingham County. Annually visitors pump $60 million into Rockingham County’s economy.
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