HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresentation - Cape FearCOAL 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 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.
• The draft proposed risk classification for the Cape Fear Steam Electric
Plant is Intermediate.
• Following completion of the public meetings and the submission of
comments, the Department will consider the comments and develop final
proposed classifications.
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 took months to complete.
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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CAPE FEAR STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT RISK
CLASSIFICATION
Department of Environmental Quality
CAPE FEAR STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT RISK
CLASSIFICATION
Overall Draft Risk Classification
DEQ has proposed the risk classification for the 1956 Ash Pond, 1963 Ash
Pond, 1970 Ash Pond, 1978 Ash Pond, and 1985 Ash Pond as
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.
• Surface Water Key Factor: All of the impoundments at the facility are
located within the 100 -year floodplain.
• Dam Safety Key Factor: The impoundments received a low or high risk
ranking before any repairs are made and a low risk rating once repairs are
made.
• Other factors and considerations associated with groundwater, surface
water, and dam safety were evaluated as part of the risk classification
process.
Department of Environmental Quality
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CAPE FEAR STEAM ELECTRIC PLANT 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 capefearcomments@ncdenr.gov
• Postal mail to: N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: John
Holley , 3800 Barrett Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27609
Department of Environmental Quality
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