in february 2016 epa proposed a $6.8 million settlement, which duke energy immediately appealed. in september the corporation accepted a settlement just shy of the original amount at $5,983,750, to be paid for fines, restitution, cleanup assessment, removal, and community action initiatives. regarding the initial settlement, epa sends periodic bills to duke energy accounting for direct and indirect costs incurred by epa, its contractors, and the department of justice.