Duke Energy to pay Virginia $2.5 million for Dan River coal-ash spill

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) and Virginia regulators have agreed to a $2.5 settlement for the state’s claims against the power company for the massive coal-ash spill on the Dan River last year.

The settlement is part of a proposed consent order with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. It is one of the largest ever proposed by the agency.

Under the terms, Duke must fund $2.25 million of environmental projects to benefit Virginia communities affected by the spill. The remaining $250,000 will…