Attach. 19, 2011-04-05 Mitchell to Herrick email

From: Mitchell, David F <David.Mitchell Dduke-energy.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 5, 2011 10:34 AM
To: Herrick, Dayna J <Dayna.Herrickgduke-energy.com>
Subject: RE: Buck wastewater release
Thanks, let's make sure we don't tell the EM Director for the county and county manager that the cause of the
release was an operator on loan from Marshall Steam Station, who is inexperienced with Buck, made an
inadvertent, incorrect decision.
David Mitchell
Managing Director, Environmental
Ph: 704-382-6952
Cell: 704-773-6183
Fax: [phone]
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From: Herrick, Dayna 3
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 20119:59 AM
To: Mitchell, David F
Subject: Fw: Buck wastewater release
From: Zalme, Nob 3
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 07:09 AM
To: Stowe, Allen; Herrick, Dayna 3
Subject: FW: Buck wastewater release
fyi
Nob Za(nze
E9 -IS Coordinator
IV uf�e Energy-Bucf�Steain Station
Office: [phone]
Ceff [phone]
From: Zalme, Nob 3
Sent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 5:33 AM
To: Welch, Randy D; Culbert, Erin B
Cc: Townsend, Steve
Subject: RE: Buck wastewater release
Randy,
The amount of wastewater discharged through an unpermitted outfall is 8100 gallons. The cause of the release
was an operator on loan from Marshall Steam Station, who is inexperienced with Buck, made an inadvertent,
incorrect decision.
One of the powerhouse sump pumps has malfunctioned and parts have been ordered for repairs to be made.
The powerhouse sump discharges directly to the station yard sump, which discharges to the ash basin. In the
interim, a temporary pump was located at the sump with hoses routed to a storm drain outside of the
powerhouse, which drains to the station yard sump. This temporary operation allowed pooling of water
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between the maintenance shop and warehouse.
An operator on loan from Marshall Steam Station evidently thought by routing the discharge to another drain, it
would eliminate pooling of water. He did not realize that the other drain flows through an oil trap tank, then to
the river. A Buck employee noticed the hose rerouted and switched it back to its original position, but not
before 30 minutes had elapsed. The Marshall employee was then provided guidance on the flow of the drainage
system.
An inexperienced operator should consult with his/her supervisor prior to making any changes in operation of
the plant.
I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, please let me know.
Nob
5Vb6 Zafine
LOS Coordinator
IDuf& Energy-Bucf�,Steaan Station
Office: [phone]
C'e!! [phone]
From: Welch, Randy D
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2011 5:13 PM
To: Culbert, Erin B
Cc: Townsend, Steve; Zalme, Nob J
Subject: Re: Buck wastewater release
Erin,
Thanks for the information. I am very interested in the amount and cause. I would like to relay to the EM
Director for the county and county manager before this would be in the media if at all possible
Thanks
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From: Culbert, Erin B
Sent: Monday, April 04, 201104:43 PM
To: Media Relations
Cc: Stowe, Allen; Zalme, Nob 3; Welch, Randy D; Townsend, Steve
Subject: Buck wastewater release
We were notified today that the Buck Steam Station experienced a temporary wastewater release over the
weekend. We are still learning details about the volume released and other information. The wastewater did not
contain coal combustion byproducts or sanitary waste; it was water routed to the ash basin from the station
floor drains, which typically is process water from cooling motors, etc. As per state regulations, we will issue a
news release within 48 hours since the volume is more than 1,000 gallons. Initial estimates indicate we are
below the 15,000 gallon threshold for purchasing a legal ad for additional notification.
This would not have been visible to the public, but please refer media question to me should you receive any.
Thanks,
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Erin
Erin Culbert, APR
Corporate Communications
Duke Energy
704.382.5723 office
704.200.4257 mobile
24-hour media line: 800.559.3853
[e-mail]
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