Presentation - Belews Creek

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 CLASSIFICATIONS
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.
Department of Environmental Quality
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COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLASSIFICATIONS
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
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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

COAL COMB USTION RESID UAL IMPO UNDMENT
RISK CLASSIFICATIONS
Four of Duke's 14 facilities are designated as high-risk by the coal ash law.
Under CAMA, the department is required to consider the following factors,
at a minimum, in proposing classifications for the remaining 10 facilities:
1. Any hazards to public health, safety, or welfare.
2. Structural condition and hazard potential.
3. Consideration of surface
4. Consideration of groundwater.
5. The location and nature of all receptors.
6. All factors influencing the movement of contaminants.
7. Consideration of coal combustion residuals in the impoundment.
8. Position in 100 -year flood plain
9. Any other factor the department deems relevant to the establishment of risk.

COAL COMBUSTION RESIDUAL IMPOUNDMENT
RISK CLASSIFICATIONS
The department incorporated all of the preceding criteria into three primary
categories that were used to evaluate each impoundment:
• Structural Integrity
• Impact to Surface Water
• Impact to Groundwater
The draft classification process was iterative and occurred over a series of
months. Recommendations regarding the impoundments were amended
and updated as additional scientific and technical information was received,
reviewed and verified.
Department of Environmental Quality
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BELE WS CREEK STEAM STA TION RISK
CLASSIFICATION
BELEWS CREEK STEAM STATION RISK CLASSIFICATION
Department of Environmental Quality

BELE WS CREEK STEAM STATION RISK
CLASSIFICATION
Overall Risk Classification
DEQ has ropposed the risk classification for the Active Ash Basin as LOW TO
INTERMEDIATE.
Groundwater Key Factor: Based on the information received to date, there
appears to be no downgradient receptors located 1,500 feet downgradient of the
impoundment compliance boundary. The following data gaps related to
groundwater uncertainty include:
• Incomplete capture zone modeling for up -gradient and side -gradient supply
wells
• Incomplete geochemical modeling
• Incomplete background concentration determination
• Horizontal and vertical extent of contamination downgradient not well defined
• Potential contamination resulting from the on-site landfill and structural fill not
addressed
• Groundwater flow in bedrock not well defined
(Data gaps are currently being addressed by Duke Energy and their findings will
be presented to the DEQ in supplemental reports.)
Department of Environmental Quality ry
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BELE WS CREEK STEAM STATION RISK
CLASSIFICATION
Surface Water Key Factor. The impoundment is not located within the 100 -
year floodplain.
• Active Ash Basin. LOW RISK. This CCR impoundment is sited along a
reservoir, has a 135 foot tall embankment, has an outfall and is designed to
discharge. CCR impoundment is sited along a reservoir and is not located
within a 100 -year floodplain.
Department of Environmental Quality
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* This figure depicts landscape
positions in regards to the 100 -
year flood level and river valley
floodplain for the ash basin at the
Belews Creek Steam Electric
Plant.

BELE WS CREEK STEAM STATION RISK
CLASSIFICATION
Dam Safety Key Factor. The impoundment received a high risk ranking
before any repairs are made, an intermediate risk rating once repairs are
made, and a low risk rating once repairs are made and the impoundment
has been dewatered.
State of Structural Stability and Maintenance:
• Active Ash Basin (STOKE -116). High risk before repairs are made.
Intermediate Risk once repairs are made. Low Risk after repairs
are made and the impoundment has been dewatered. (4 repair
plans have been approved and of those 1 repair plan has been
completed by Duke.)
Department of Environmental Quality
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BELE WS CREEK STEAM STATION RISK
CLASSIFICATION
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: Toby
Vinson, 1612 Mail Service Center., Raleigh, NC, 27699-1612.
Department of Environmental Quality