debra baker considers the outcome of when and how the coal ash pond at duke energy's station is closed, a life or death situation. six years after moving to belmont and near the coal plant, she says her husband, jack, became very sick. he was eventually diagnosed with lung disease. although he never smoked. he died eight years ago. >> i feel it was definitely something that had to do with our water. >> the state says well water in the area is safe to drink now and duke insists dangerous chemicals found in it are not from its coal ash ponds. hundreds came to this hearing tonight to discuss their concerns and explain why the risk rather than low. that classification will determine when they are closed. >> we want to make sure we understand what neighbors questions and concerns are. we want to make sure we are designing solutions that will pr o tect the community and protect the environment. gllt neighbors are concerned ant how the coal ash pond will close. some saying it is capped or caverred, the ground water will be impacted for 100 years and lead to the same problems. >> anything less