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Corporate Integrity in Duke Energy

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Submitted By spicystinger
Words 2124
Pages 9
Managing Corporate Integrity

Yiyang Zheng
BUSA 552
Dr. Kerlin
May 7th, 2015

INTRODUCTION This paper will review the ethical business practices of Duke Energy in the light of the recent Coal-Ash spill. It will review ethical principles, business considerations, stakeholder impact, and the company’s internal policies related to preventing environmental damage. The thesis of this research essay is that Duke Energy did not only suffer financial loss due to being made to pay a fine for environmental damage, but also the company’s actions negatively affected its reputation and share price. Therefore, companies should carry out ethical practices and risk assessments to best serve the needs of all stakeholders.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION In February, 2014, Duke Energy released a high amount of coal ash into the Dan River, Rockingham County, N.C., which violates the Clean Water Act (CWA) (1972). The CWA is a waste-water and pollution reduction programs, setting guidelines and regulatory standards for different industries (EPA). Specifically, The CWA of 1972, amended in 2002, states that “it is the national policy that the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts be prohibited” (Clean Water Act, SEC. 101.3). Duke Energy was found guilty on nine misdemeanor violations (Smith) and was ordered to pay compensation. As a result, Duke Energy’s leadership agreed to pay $102.2 million for the damages caused, and the CEO confirmed that the company took responsibility for its actions and is intending to implement safety and risk assessment guidelines in order to avoid future incidents (Smith). While this may seem like a sincere gesture, it is important to note that the coal ash spill at Dan River was not an isolated incident. According to Smith, four other plant locations were also found to be releasing dangerous amounts of ash. Furthermore,

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