Presentation - Asheville

COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLASSIFICATIONS
March 2016
Collaboration between:
Division of Water Resources
Division of Waste Management
Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources
Department of Environmental Quality

COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLA SSIFI CA TIONS
Background:
• Under the historic Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA) of 2014, all coal ash
impoundments in North Carolina are required to be closed.
• The deadlines for closure depend on the classification of each
impoundment as low, intermediate, or high.
• CAMA required the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to make
available to the public a summary of the initial draft proposed
classifications in December 2015, and a full report in January 2016.
• These draft proposed classifications are based on the information
available to the department as of December 2015 and are posted on the
departments website, local library, and health department.
T'1
Department of Environmental Quality
2

COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLA SSIFI CA TIONS
After the release of the summary of the initial draft proposed classifications,
CAMA requires the following process:
• DEQ must make available a written declaration that is a detailed report
explaining the technical and scientific background data and analyses
behind the draft proposed classifications.
• Publish a summary of the detailed report in the local newspapers.
• Make the report available to the local health director and accessible at the
local library.
• A public meeting in each county with a coal ash facility.
• Consider all public comments and develop final proposed classifications.
Department of Environmental Quality
3

COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLA SSIFI CA TIONS
Closure Deadlines
• High risk impoundments: Dec. 31, 2019
• Closure plan due by Dec.31, 2016
• Intermediate risk impoundments: Dec. 31, 2024
• Closure plan due by Dec. 31, 2017
• Low risk impoundments: Dec. 31, 2029
• Closure plan due by Dec. 31, 2018

ASHE VILLE FA CILITY RISK CLASSIFICATION
• In accordance with CAMA the coal ash impoundments at the
Asheville facility are classified as high risk and must be closed by
August 1, 2019.
• The risk classification for the Asheville facility is final and not
subject to change.
Department of Environmental Quality
5

A SHE VILLE FA CILI T Y RISK CLA SSIFI CA TION
We will now receive public comments
To view additional information please visit www.deg.nc.gov
The public comment period will close on April 18, 2016
You may submit comments three ways, all weighted equally:
• Here orally and/or in writing
• Email to [e-mail]
• Postal mail to: N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: Brad Cole,
1612 Mail Service Center., Raleigh, NC, 27699-1612.
Department of Environmental Quality
I