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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0003468_Excavation Plan_2016_20161213 Dan River Steam Station Coal Ash Excavation Plan 2016 Update i Table of Contents I. Statement of Purpose ................................................................................................................... 1 II. General Facility Description ......................................................................................................... 2 III. Project Charter ............................................................................................................................... 3 IV. Critical Milestone Dates................................................................................................................ 6 V. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan .................................................................................. 6 VI. Dewatering Plan ............................................................................................................................ 7 VII. Proposed Location(s) for Removed Ash .................................................................................... 7 VIII. Transportation Plan ....................................................................................................................... 8 IX. Environmental and Dam Safety Permitting Plan ...................................................................... 8 X. Contracting Strategy ................................................................................................................... 10 XI. Environmental, Health, and Safety Plan .................................................................................. 11 XII. Communications Plan ................................................................................................................. 11 XIII. Glossary ........................................................................................................................................ 11 XIV. Reference Documents ................................................................................................................ 13 Exhibits Exhibit A: Excavation Soil Sampling Plan 1 I. Statement of Purpose Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke Energy or the Company) is required by Part II, Section 3(b) of the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 (Session Law 2014-122) (Coal Ash Act or Act) to close, in accordance with Part II, Section 3(c), the coal combustion residuals (CCR) surface impoundments located at the Dan River Combined Cycle Plant (Dan River or Plant), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. NC0003468, in Rockingham County as soon as practicable, but not later than August 1, 2019. This Coal Ash Excavation Plan (Plan) represents activities to satisfy the requirements outlined in Part II, Sections 3(b) and 3(c), Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of the Act and the requests set forth in the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NC DEQ) August 13, 2014 letter titled “Request for Coal Ash Excavation Plans for Asheville Steam Station Electric Generating Plant, Dan River Combined Cycle Station, Riverbend Steam Station, L.V. Sutton Electric Plant” (NC DEQ Letter). The NC DEQ Letter was sent by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which was renamed the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality by Session Bill 2015-241. The NC DEQ Letter specifically requests that the Plan include 1) soil and sedimentation erosion control measures, 2) dewatering, and 3) the proposed location(s) of the removed ash. These requirements are found in this updated Plan. This is a revision of the Coal Ash Excavation Plan updated November 13, 2015, which covered the initial phase of ash basin excavation activities, including the initiation of basin dewatering, site preparation, ash basin preparation, and ash removal from the basins at Dan River. The Plan will generally be updated and submitted to NC DEQ annually. The Plan covers some of the work required by Part II, Sections 3(b) and 3(c) of the Coal Ash Act. The Act requires the closure of the ash basins as soon as practicable, but no later than August 1, 2019. However, the Act contains no requirement for the submittal of an excavation plan of the kind presented here. Thus, while the formulation, submittal, and review of this Plan will assist in Duke Energy’s work to close the ash basins, its ultimate approval is an action not specifically required by statutory, regulatory, or other applicable authority. The scope of work in excavating the ash basins has been determined by applicable laws, rules, permits, and approvals that control the activities to be performed under the Plan. There are several external and internal factors that could potentially affect the precise scope of the work to be performed under the Plan. As a consequence, neither the submittal of this Plan nor its acknowledgement by NC DEQ should be taken as 2 requiring actions different from such applicable requirements. Duke Energy submits this Plan to NC DEQ based on the understanding that it may be necessary to take actions that deviate from the Plan in the future, and the Company reserves the right to make such changes. II. General Facility Description The Dan River Steam Station is located in Rockingham County near Eden, NC. It began operation around 1950 and is currently being decommissioned. The Primary Ash Basin was constructed in 1956, with an embankment crest elevation of 523.5 feet mean sea level (msl). In 1968, the basin embankment crests were raised to elevation 530 feet msl and extended in length approximately 1,200 feet east along the Dan River. An intermediate dike was constructed in 1976, resulting in two basins, with the Primary Ash Basin dam crest being raised to elevation 540 feet msl. The east side of the basin was designated the Secondary Ash Basin. The Primary Ash Basin was periodically dredged and the material dry-stacked on higher terrain north of the basins (referred to as dry ash stacks). The dam numbers for the ash basins are (ROCKI-237) and (ROCKI-238.) The dry ash stacks have been capped with soil. Duke Energy’s Coal Combustion Residuals Removal Verification Procedure (Removal Verification Procedure) will be used to verify that primary source ash has been removed from the basin. Subsequent to removal of the ash pursuant to the Removal Verification Procedure, Duke Energy will implement its Excavation Soil Sampling Plan (ESSP), which was developed for the purpose of meeting the applicable performance standard. Although not required under CAMA, in September 2016, NC DEQ sent Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Guidelines for Protection of Groundwater to Duke Energy instructing the Company to submit the ESSP to NC DEQ as part of the site’s excavation plan. In accordance with this directive, a copy of the ESSP is attached as Exhibit “A” to this Plan. Primary Ash B asin The Primary Ash Basin at Dan River consists of a composite dam made up of local borrow materials, including silty sands and sandy silts with some clay. Portions of the dam may have been built on, or contain, ash materials. The eastern face of the embankment is armored with rock up to elevation 512 feet msl. A rock fill berm was constructed alongside the river, up to elevation 503 feet msl. An intermediate bench was constructed at approximate elevation of 530 feet msl. The primary basin has an approximate footprint of 39 acres with a surface water area of 18 acres. The Primary Ash Basin received sluiced ash from pipes in the southwest corner and outlets into the Secondary Ash Basin through a decant structure located near the northeast corner of the Primary Ash Basin. Initially, the Primary Ash Basin contained approximately 1,215,000 tons of CCR material. 3 Intermediate Dike (separates the Primary Ash basin and the Secondary Ash basin ) The intermediate dike was constructed in 1976, bisecting the basin into Primary and Secondary Ash Basins. The dike was constructed on existing ash deposits, with an upper crest elevation of 540 feet msl adjacent to the Primary Ash Basin and a lower crest elevation of 530 feet msl adjacent to the Secondary Ash Basin. The dike has a surface road at the 540 feet msl level. It has a vegetated slope adjacent to the road , which extends to a 530 feet msl elevation shelf adjacent to the Secondary Ash Basin. A rock buttress was constructed below the elevation 530 feet msl crest. The width of the intermediate dike is approximately 100 feet. Secondary Ash Basin The Secondary Ash Basin embankments, including the intermediate dike forming the southwest boundary, have a crest elevation of 530 feet msl and are constructed of the same local materials as the Primary Ash Basin. The eastern face of the embankment is armored with rock up to elevation 512 feet msl. A rock fill berm was constructed alongside the river, up to elevation 503 feet msl. The basin receives decanted flow from the Primary Ash Basin in the northwestern corner, and flows exit the basin through a decant structure near the southeastern corner. Flow from the Secondary Ash Basin is regulated by NPDES Permit No. NC 0003468. The pool level is controlled by the decant riser using concrete stop-logs and conveys to the outlet through a 36-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe constructed through the embankment dike. Initially, the Secondary Ash Basin contained approximately 390,000 tons of CCR material. Ash Stacks The dry ash stacks are located to the north of the Primary and Secondary Ash Basins. These ash stacks consist of CCR material dredged from the Primary Ash Basin. Initially, Ash Stack 1 and Ash Stack 2 contained approximately 950,000 tons and 415,000 tons of CCR material, respectively. For the purposes of stormwater management, the ash stacks are located within the ash basin system. Stormwater run- off from the ash stacks is contained within the ash basin system and flows to the Secondary Ash Basin. III. Project Charter Dewatering of the ash basins and the removal of ash from the site will be performed within project phases. Required permits for each phase are set forth in Section IX of this Plan. Completed activities of Phase I include site preparation, site mobilization, ash excavation to an off-site landfill location, providing 4,200 tons of ash to Roanoke Cement Company for beneficiation, permitting an on-site landfill, beginning construction of an on-site landfill, and completing any other subsequent permitted activities. The excavation of Ash Stack 1 began on October 13, 2015 following acknowledgement of 4 this Plan by NC DEQ and the receipt of final permits. Phase II will include completion of the on-site landfill and excavation of the basins to the on-site landfill. Construction of an on-site landfill began on October 31, 2016 following receipt of the Landfill Permit -to- Construct by NC DEQ. A project to improve the stability of the Secondary Basin impoundment was completed in 2016. At the completion of this project, the operating level of the Secondary Basin was lowered by 7.5 feet. On May 22, 2016, Duke Energy received an Industrial User Pretreatment Permit from the City of Eden to discharge wastewater as well as future landfill leachate to the City of Eden’s Publically Owned Treatment Works (POTW). On October 27, 2016, Duke Energy received a modified NPDES W astewater Permit, which includes provisions for dewatering activities. Duke Energy is finalizing dewatering plans that use one or a combination of both of these options. Dewatering of the Secondary Basin is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2017 to support excavation of the basins. Under the current project plan, the Company has begun removing ash to an off-site location while simultaneously developing an on-site landfill in order to meet the closure requirements mandated in the Coal Ash Act. Receipt of a permit-to-operate the first landfill cell during the second quarter of 2017 is required to meet the current plan for complying with the mandatory closure date of August 1, 2019. Project Charter O bjective s Phase I Objectives 1. Initiate excavation of the ash stacks 2. Begin dewatering of the ash basins 3. Obtain permit-to-construct on-site landfill by end of the first quarter of 2016. Permit was not received until October 27, 2016 based on DEQ request for an environmental justice review. 4. Obtain permit-to-operate the on-site landfill first cell by end of the second quarter of 2017 5. Plan activities for subsequent phase(s), including development of option(s) for beneficial use or proposed ash disposal location(s) 6. Gain knowledge and opportunities for program improvement that can be applied to subsequent phase(s) 7. Initiate the removal of ash from the Dan River ash basins 8. Validate production rates to meet project requirements 9. Confirm the on-site landfill option and continue to evaluate beneficial use options Phase II Objectives 1. Remove remaining ash from ash basins and ash stacks 2. Continue to develop, construct, and operate the on-site landfill 5 3. Submit and obtain any necessary permits for Phase II activities 4. Continue evaluating beneficial use opportunities 5. Complete ash excavation from the basins Project Charter Scope Phase I Scope 1. Finalize end location(s) for removed ash and obtain required permits 2. Obtain applicable permits for work in Phase I 3. Perform an engineering and constructability review for the on -site landfill 4. Complete site preparation activities, including mobilization 5. Continue to install site erosion and sediment control measures 6. Install required site haul roads 7. Complete rail load out spur for rail transportation 8. Prepare and install truck load out and truck wash for truck transportation 9. Perform site preparation for ash stack removal 10. Perform site preparation for the basin dewatering (Primary and Secondary Ash Basins) 11. Engineer plan to stop water inputs into the ash basins 12. Initiate rerouting or elimination of inflows to the ash basins 13. Begin bulk dewatering of the Secondary Ash Basin 14. Perform site preparation in the Primary Ash Basin and Secondary Ash Basin for ash excavation 15. Prior to the next phase of construction activities, receive any necessary approvals to repurpose the use of the Ash Stack 1 area as a landfill 16. Develop the on-site landfill and construct the first two cells 17. Excavate and transport approximately 1.1 million tons of ash from any of the Primary Ash Basin, Secondary Ash Basin, or ash stacks to an approved landfill or for beneficial use purposes 18. Obtain required permits for subsequent phase activities Phase II Scope 1. Identify and evaluate additional off-site ash disposal options 2. Obtain required permits for the added ash disposal options 3. Obtain remaining required permits 4. Continue to operate and construct additional cells in the on-site landfill 5. Complete basin dewatering 6. Excavate and transport the remaining ash from the Dan River Station to the on- site landfill or for off-site reuse options 7. Complete closure activities as outlined in Part II, Sections 3(b) and 3(c), Subparagraphs 1 and 2 of the Coal Ash Act 8. Close cells for the on-site landfill 6 IV. Critical Milestone Dates Critical Milestones within the Plan are summarized in the table below. MILESTONES NO LATER THAN DATE STATUS Submit Excavation Plan November 15, 2014 Completed November 13, 2014 Complete Comprehensive Engineering Review November 30, 2014 Completed November 30, 2014 Excavation Plan acknowledgement February 17, 2015 Completed February 2, 2015 Receive Industrial Stormwater Permit March 18, 2015 Completed October 1, 2015 Commence work – ash removal (including ash stack soil overburden) Final permit approval + 60 Days Completed October 13, 2015 Submit Updated Excavation Plan November 15, 2015 Submitted on November 13, 2015 Submit Updated Excavation Plan December 31, 2016 On track Receive Permit-to-Construct On-site Landfill March 31, 2016 Delayed due to environmental justice review; Completed October 27, 2016; Submit Updated Excavation Plan December 31, Annually On track Receive Permit-to-Operate On-Site Landfill June 30, 2017 Delay due to environmental justice review; Forecasted to receive 1 of 3 cells during second quarter 2017 Eliminate stormwater discharge into impoundments December 31, 2018 Forecasted end of third quarter 2017 Impoundments closed pursuant to Part II, Sections 3(b) and 3(c) of the Coal Ash Act August 1, 2019 On track V. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan The Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) plan for the excavation of the Ash Stack and related site activities has been approved. The approval of this plan by NC DEQ meets the requirement outlined in the referenced NC DEQ Letter. Modifications from E&SC plans for subsequent phase(s) will be approved by NC DEQ prior to installation and initiation of subsequent phase work. The approved contractor will install the E&SC measures indicated in the plan. All control measures will be maintained through the project in accordance with the E&SC plans. When possible, portions of the E&SC plan will be closed out at the approval of NC DEQ as areas become stabilized. 7 VI. Dewatering Plan The Dan River ash basins will be dewatered to facilitate the removal of ash and to mitigate risk. An engineered Stormwater Diversion Plan for Dan River has been developed and a contract is being developed to implement the plan. An engineered Dewatering Plan for Dan River has been developed and dewatering will begin once the Stormwater Diversion Plan has been implemented. Water collected in the Primary Basin will continue to be gravity fed to the Secondary Basin. Duke Energy is finalizing dewatering treatment options; water from the Secondary Basin will either be discharged to the outfall in accordance with NPDES permit requirements or piped to the City of Eden POTW. VII. Location(s) for Removed Ash Phase I of the Plan will include the excavation and removal of approximately 1.1 million tons of ash from Dan River. Subsequent phase(s) will involve the removal of the remaining ash to an on-site landfill. Ash removed from the site will be transported by the contractor to permitted facilities. The ash disposal location will be managed and maintained to ensure environmental compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Phase I: Disposal Site For Phase I, the Maplewood Landfill located near Jetersville, VA (Amelia County) has been identified for ash disposal of approximately 1.2 million tons of ash from Dan River. Contingent Plan: Disposal Site In the event of any issues with accepting ash at the Maplewood Landfill, the Atlantic Landfill has been determined as a suitable alternative site. The Atlantic Landfill is located in the city of Waverly, VA. The Company continues to develop and evaluate contingency disposal locations in the event this scenario becomes unobtainable. Contingency plans currently being developed include assessing alternate ash disposal locations and beneficial use. Phase II: Disposal Site If the on-site landfill is available sooner than scheduled, ash will be placed in that location. The project team will utilize lessons learned from Phase I to develop and construct an on-site landfill and/or alternative or reuse site(s) that will provide the improvements below:  Provide a reliable, long-term, cost-effective, solution for ash designated for removal 8  Support development of a diverse supplier program to drive innovation and competition  Establish performance baselines and the system to optimize excavation, transportation, and disposal of ash VIII. Transportation Plan Ash will be transported from the site via rail to the off-site disposal facility. Transportation of the CCR will be conducted by approved transporters and will meet Department of Transportation and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Phase I : Transportation For Phase I, the majority of CCR will be transported by rail from Dan River to the Maplewood Landfill site. Initially, partial trains were used to transport ash. As production was increased, full-unit trains were utilized. The operation of loading rail cars will be completed with a crew working typically 10 hours per day, six days per week. A rail loading system is in place at Dan River to facilitate transporting ash to the Maplewood Landfill. Ash transportation to Roanoke Cement Company for beneficiation has been by truck. Contingent Plan: Transportation In the event of rail transportation disruption, transportation by truck remains a contingency option. Phase II: Transportation Transportation to the on-site landfill will be by off-road truck. IX. Environmental and Dam Safety Permitting Plan Phase I will include excavation and removal of ash either from the ash stack or ash basins. Implementation for Phase I began once the permitting for Phase I was in place, although different permitting may be necessary prior to initiating Phase II work. Throughout this project, Duke Energy is seeking to confirm that all necessary approvals have been identified. Excavation of ash creates potential for stormwater impacts. The facility holds an approved E&SC plan and associated Construction Stormwater Permit approval for ash stack removal. Also, NC DEQ indicated that an NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit is required to transport ash. The Company has received the NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit to support ash removal at the site. Pursuant to the requirements of 9 the NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit, a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SPPP) incorporating best management practices has been created and is currently being implemented. Future modifications to the permit/plan will be managed as necessary. On October 27, 2016, Duke Energy received a modified NPDES W astewater Permit which included provisions for dewatering activities. There are no jurisdictional wetlands/streams associated with the removal of the ash stack or Primary or Secondary Ash Basins in Phase I. W etlands/stream impacts related to the rail improvements are being managed through the United States Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) with particular attention paid to the difference between jurisdictional wetlands/streams under Section 404 and those arising from Section 401 waters. The Company received approvals from ACOE and NC DEQ for wetlands/stream impacts related to the rail. Phase II will include dewatering and continued excavation and removal of ash from the Primary and Secondary Ash Basins. Phase II also include the construction of an on-site landfill. In order to facilitate on-site landfill construction and operation, NCDEQ Solid Waste Section issued a Landfill Permit-to-Construct on October 27, 2016. Following Construction of each cell of the on-site landfill, Construction Quality Assurance Reports will be submitted to attain a Permit-to-Operate. Prior to shipping ash to a third-party Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Subtitle D landfill, waste characterization and approval were completed. Applicable Dam Safety approvals will be obtained to cover activities on or around jurisdictional dams. Breaching of the dams will require Dam Safety approval. Any impacted wells or piezometers will be properly abandoned in accordance with NC DEQ requirements. Fugitive dust must be managed as to avoid neighbor complaints and other issues. Impacts to threatened and endangered species will be avoided. Other than the agreement with City of Eden regarding development of the on-site landfill, there are no additional site-specific or local requirements identified. Permit Matrix MEDIA PERMIT RECEIVED DATE (R) / TARGET DATE (T) COMMENTS Water NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit October 1, 2015 (R) NC DEQ issued the permit on October 1, 2015. SPPP implementation was completed March 31, 2016. NPDES Wastewater October 27, 2016 (R) Received October 27, 2016. 10 MEDIA PERMIT RECEIVED DATE (R) / TARGET DATE (T) COMMENTS Permit – Major Modification Previous Target Date was first quarter 2016. City of Eden – Industrial User Permit June 3, 2016 (R) Received June 3, 2016. Jurisdictional Wetland and Stream Impacts / 404 Permitting and 401 WQC September 14, 2015 (R) Two stream crossings for rail upgrade required 401/404 permits. 404 permit received August 26, 2015. 401 permit received September 14, 2015. Dam Safety Dam Decommissioning Request Approval January 31, 2017 (T) Transportation and excavation activities must not impact a jurisdictional dam or dike. Breaching of dike will require Dam Safety approval. Waste Site Suitability Report August 28, 2015 (R) Submitted August 28, 2015. Permit-to-Construct Landfill October 27, 2016 (R) Received October 27, 2016. Previous Target Date was March 31, 2016. Delay was due to environmental justice review. Construction is in progress. Permit-to-Operate Landfill June 30, 2017 (T) Previous Target Date was March 31, 2017. Must provide Construction Quality Assurance Report and then receive permit before operation. Delay is due to environmental justice review. Other Requirements Site-Specific Nuisance/Noise/Odor/ Other Requirements, including DOT July 21, 2015 (R) Eden City Council adopted zoning amendment on July 21, 2015 which allows construction of Dan River on- site landfill. X. Contracting Strategy The Ash Management Program strategy is to engage multiple contractors, drive competition, create system-wide innovation, and develop a collection of best practices. Duke Energy has engaged contractor(s), who are experienced in coal ash excavation, transportation, and disposal, and continues to evaluate other potential contractors. The Company provides in-depth oversight, coordination, and monitoring of the contractors to ensure the work is performed appropriately. Duke Energy’s core values include safety, quality, and protection of the environment which are incorporated into our contracts. 11 The Company continues to evaluate alternate approaches, methods, and contracting solutions and will adjust its strategy, as necessary. XI. Environmental, Health, and Safety Plan Protecting workers, the public, the community , and the environment The Company is committed to the health, safety, and welfare of employees, contractors, and the public, and to protecting the environment and natural resources. During all phases of the project work, the Company and its contractors will follow Duke Energy Safe Work Practices Manual, the Environmental, Health, and Safety supplement document, and any additional requirements. Occupational health and safety expectations include oversight and continuous improvement throughout the project. The project includes comprehensive environmental, health, and safety plans encompassing all aspects of the project work, including at the plant, in transit, and at the final destination, as needed. In addition to adhering to all applicable environmental, health, and safety rules and regulations, Duke Energy and its contractors will focus on ensuring the safety of the public and protection of the environment during each phase of the project. XII. Communications Plan Many different external stakeholders including neighbors, government officials and media have an interest in this project. For example, there is the potential for facility neighbors and the general public to see or experience construction-related impacts such as truck traffic, landscape changes, or noise. The Company is committed to providing information by proactively communicating about the project activities to potentially affected parties and responding to inquiries in a timely manner. The project team continues to coordinate with Duke Energy’s Corporate Communications Department to develop and implement a comprehensive external communications plan tailored to the specific needs of each phase of the project. XIII. Glossary TERM DEFINITION Ash Basin Synonymous with Coal Combustion Residual Impoundment. A topographic depression, excavation, or dammed area that is primarily formed from earthen materials; without a base liner approved for use by Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the North Carolina General Statutes or rules adopted thereunder for a combustion products landfill or coal combustion residuals landfill, industrial landfill, or municipal solid waste landfill; and 12 TERM DEFINITION an Area that is designed to hold accumulated coal combustion residuals in the form of liquid wastes, wastes containing free liquids, or sludge, and that is not backfilled or otherwise covered during periods of deposition. Ash Stack Ash storage areas located north of the Primary and Secondary Ash Basins. Beneficial Use Projects promoting public health and environmental protection, offering equivalent success relative to other alternatives, and preserving natural resources Bottom Ash The agglomerated, angular ash particles formed in pulverized coal furnaces that are too large to be carried in the flue gases and collect on the furnace walls. Bottom ash falls through open grates to an ash hopper at the bottom of the furnace. Bulk Water Water above the ash contained in the ash basin. Synonymous with free water Coal Ash Excavation Plan Plan required by NC DEQ letter dated August 13, 2014, including a schedule for soil and sedimentation erosion control measures, dewatering, and the proposed location of the removed ash Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 North Carolina Session Law 2014-122 Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) Residuals, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, mill rejects, and flue gas desulfurization residue produced by a coal-fired generating unit Dewatering The act of removing bulk and entrapped water from the ash basin Dewatering Plan Engineered plan and the associated process steps necessary to dewater an ash basin Duke Energy Safe Work Practices Manual Document detailing the Duke Energy safety guidelines Entrapped Water Flowable water below the ash surface that creates hydrostatic pressure on the dam Excavation Activities Tasks and work performed related to the planning, engineering , and excavation of ash from an ash basin Excavation Plan Refer to Coal Ash Excavation Plan 13 TERM DEFINITION Free Water Water above the ash contained in the ash basin. Synonymous with bulk water Fly Ash Very fine, powdery material, composed mostly of silica with nearly all particles spherical in shape, which is a product of burning finely ground coal in a boiler to produce electricity and is removed from the plant exhaust gases by air emission control devices NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System NPDES Permit A permit that regulates the direct discharge of wastewater and/or stormwater to surface waters Permit Federal, state, county, or local government authorizing document POTW Publically Owned Treatment Works is typically a municipal water treatment facility that can be utilized to treat wastewater and/or leachate. XIV. Reference Documents REF DOCUMENT DATE 1 Letter to Duke Energy, Request for Excavation Plans August 13, 2014 2 Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 September 20, 2014 EXHIBIT A EXCAVATION SOIL SAMPLING PLAN DAN RIVER STEAM STATION ASH BASIN SYSTEM FOR ASH BASIN EXCAVATION NORTH CAROLINA ASH BASIN CLOSURE DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC. 526 SOUTH CHURCH STREET/EC13K CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202 Waste & Groundwater Programs Revision 0 December 2016 Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page i TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1.0 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 Soil Sampling methodology ............................................................................................................. 1 2.1 Method Summary 1 2.1.1 Equipment 1 2.1.2 Sample Locations 2 2.1.3 Collection of Representative Samples 2 2.1.4 Sample Preservation, Containers, Handling and Storage 3 2.1.5 Decontamination 4 3.0 Visual Confirmation of Ash Removal ............................................................................................... 4 3.1 Pre-Excavation Documentation 4 3.2 Ash Removal Verification Protocol 4 3.2.1 Field Documentation 5 3.2.2 Fill Evaluation Criteria 5 3.3 Visual Removal Not Applicable 6 4.0 Soil Sampling and Analysis ............................................................................................................... 6 4.1 Soil Sampling 6 4.1.1 Scenario 1 7 4.1.2 Scenario 2 7 4.2 Fate and Transport Modeling 7 5.0 Documentation Summary ................................................................................................................ 8 LIST OF TABLE Table 1 - Soil Parameters and Analytical Methods LIST OF FIGURE Figure 1 - Dan River Steam Station Grid Map Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 1 1.0 Purpose The purpose of this Excavation Soil Sampling Plan is to provide a standardized method for collecting soil samples at Duke Energy North Carolina ash basins that are to be closed via excavation. Soil samples are being collected following all visible ash removal from certain ash basins or other ash management units referenced in Coal Ash Excavation Plans to support closure activities. This Excavation Soil Sampling Plan is applicable to the collection of representative soil samples. Analysis of soil samples may be chemical or physical in nature and may be used to determine the following:  Extent and magnitude of constituent occurrence  Input concentrations for groundwater fate and transport model The methodologies discussed in this Excavation Soil Sampling Plan are applicable to the sampling of soil in ash basin excavation areas. For the purposes of this plan, soils are those mineral and organic materials remaining after all visible ash has been excavated. 2.0 Soil Sampling Methodology 2.1 Method Summary This Excavation Soil Sampling Plan has been adapted from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) #2012 and #2006; and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Attachment 1 Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundment Closure Guidelines for Protection of Groundwater, November 4, 2016. Soil samples are collected directly using stainless steel or plastic trowel, spade, shovel, or scoops. Following collection, soil is transferred from the sampling device to a stainless steel or plastic bowl to be homogenized. Once homogenized, the soil is transferred into Duke Energy Laboratory supplied sample bottles. Soil samples will be submitted under chain of custody for the following analyses: total metals and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) metals. Analytical methods for total metals and SPLP metals are described in Table 1. Ash presence is quantitatively determined by polarized light microscopy (PLM) by RJ Lee Laboratory (or other approved vendor). PLM analysis passes visible light through a pair of polarizing filters to create optical effects used in identifying unknown materials. This method is commonly used in asbestos and coal ash identification. 2.1.1 Equipment  Stainless steel or plastic trowel, scoop, spade or shovel – used for collecting soil samples from surface locations.  Sample containers – To be supplied by Duke Energy Laboratory with appropriate cooler(s). Estimated that 5-8 ounce samples bottles with Teflon-lined lids will be Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 2 required for each sample location and sample depth. For return of cooler to the lab, ice will be required.  Gloves – used for personal protection and to prevent cross-contamination of samples – nitrile, disposable, powderless.  Field clothing and Personal Protective Equipment – used as specified in the site Health and Safety Plan.  Sampling flags – used for identifying soil sampling locations.  Field notebook – a bound book used to record progress of sampling effort and record any problems and field observations during sampling.  Three-ring binder book – used to store necessary forms and record and track samples collected at the site.  Permanent marking pen – used to label sample containers, document field logbooks, data sheets and chain of custody.  Stainless steel or plastic spoon – used for homogenizing soil samples within a stainless steel or plastic bowl.  Stainless steel or plastic bowl – used for homogenizing soil samples, when applicable.  Camera – used for photo-documentation of sample locations and samples.  GPS – device used to obtain elevation, latitude and longitude of sample location.  Trash bag – used to dispose of gloves and any other non-hazardous waste generated during sampling.  Decontamination supplies and equipment. 2.1.2 Sample Locations General locations for soil sampling are determined by the soil scientist in the field at a rate of one soil sample for every 1 acre of ash basin area excavated. Actual sampling locations on-site may vary to account for site conditions and to allow collection of representative samples. Representative samples reflect areas where all ash has been visually excavated and natural soil is observed. 2.1.3 Collection of Representative Samples For the purpose of this plan, surface soil is considered to range from 0 to 6 inches in depth while deeper samples will be collected at a range of 2 to 2.5 feet below ground surface (bgs), 7 to 7.5 feet bgs, 12 to 12.5 feet bgs and 17 to 17.5 feet bgs (unless bedrock, refusal, or the water table are encountered). A surface soil sample and deeper samples will be collected at each location for every 1 acre of ash basin excavated. A new pair of nitrile gloves is worn at each sampling Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 3 location and each depth. Each sampling location is recorded on the site map prior to collecting the sample if location is not already noted on the map. The GPS location of each sampling location (i.e. elevation, latitude and longitude), sample descriptions, and area photographs are also recorded. All sampling equipment is decontaminated prior to use irrespective of depth. The following procedure will be used to collect representative soil samples with a scoop, shovel, trowel, geoprobe or excavator:  Locate general sampling locations.  Determine suitability of sampling location for a representative sample.  If sampling location appears to reflect representative conditions that would allow collection of a representative sample, proceed with sampling procedure. If location is not indicative of conditions that would allow collection of a representative sample, notify the project manager so an alternate location can be identified.  Using a decontaminated sampling instrument, remove the desired thickness and volume of soil from the sampling area. The sampler must obtain enough soil to fill five 8-ounce sample bottles.  Transfer the sample into an appropriate sample or homogenization bowl. Non- dedicated containers should be adequately decontaminated. Stir for approximately one minute until there appears to be a uniform color and consistency.  Transfer homogenized sample to a labeled container(s) of appropriate size and construction for the analyses requested.  Secure sample container tightly. 2.1.4 Sample Preservation, Containers, Handling and Storage Chemical preservation of soils is generally not recommended. Cooling to 4oC on wet ice is usually the best approach, supplemented by the appropriate holding time for the analyses requested. The Duke Energy Laboratory will supply the appropriate sample bottles for the collected soil samples. The sample volume is a function of the analytical requirements and the Duke Energy Laboratory will ensure the appropriate number of bottles are supplied. Ensure chain of custody is completed for sample bottle return to the Duke Energy Laboratory. Table 1 contains a list of parameters to be analyzed with corresponding reporting units and analytical methods. If a parameter or group of parameters is not included in Table 1, the laboratory performing the analysis should be contacted to determine the appropriate sample bottles, volumes, and preservatives. Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 4 All non-dedicated sampling devices should be decontaminated and wrapped in plastic. The sampling device should remain in this wrapping until it is needed. Each sampling device should be used for only one sample and then decontaminated or disposed of. Non dedicated sampling devices should be cleaned in the field using the decontamination procedure described below. 2.1.5 Decontamination Decontamination procedures can be time consuming; having a sufficient quantity of sampling tools available is recommended. All non-dedicated sampling equipment must be decontaminated prior to reuse. Equipment decontamination consists of: 1. Detergent wash and brush cleaning 2. Tap water rinse 3. Deionized water rinse 4. Air dry 5. Wrap sampling tools with plastic 3.0 Visual Confirmation of Ash Removal 3.1 Pre-Excavation Documentation Closure by removal is defined herein as removing the primary source (primary source of potential constituents of interest) to the point that ash is not visible to the unaided eye at the ground surface. Primary source ash is the main body of ash that was deposited in the basin. This method is intended solely to verify and document primary source ash removal and is not intended to validate environmental quality standards of the subsurface (considered the secondary source of potential constituents of interest). Pre-excavation documentation would consist of:  Review topographic mapping, aerial photography, construction drawings, and boring logs to estimate the pre-ash placement topography and/or ash/soil interface  Preparation of an ash basin figure illustrating a grid spacing of 100 feet (Figure 1). Each grid point (node) will be assigned a unique identifier. Each node of the grid spacing (grid point) will represent a visual verification location. 3.2 Ash Removal Verification Protocol Ash excavation will be considered complete based on visual confirmation that all ash has been removed. Ash removal will be based on sampling of the ash/soil interface and analysis by PLM. Soil samples will be examined utilizing methods outlined in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2488, Standard Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure). Vertical and horizontal excavation of ash can terminate when the remaining material can be documented using PLM to contain less than 50% ash. Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 5 Project will excavate ash until a visible change in color or texture confirms removal. This location shall be referred to as the ash/soil interface. If visual evaluation is inconclusive, then request additional evaluation to confirm ash removal. 3.2.1 Field Documentation Evaluate the excavated surface elevation relative to the pre-ash placement topography. Periodically check bottom elevation to evaluate if fill is present above historic bottom elevation. Visual confirmation will be performed on a 100 foot grid system (Figure 1) unless conditions prevent such confirmation, as described in Section 3.3. Soil sampling will be performed on an acre grid system and will be analyzed using PLM.  Personnel will locate each node by GPS or survey control, determine elevation and evaluate whether that point is above or below the historic bottom elevation.  Personnel will then observe the surface area represented by the node to note if visible ash is present at the surface. If present, the location should be documented and excavation will need to continue. If the evaluation indicates the surface soils are residuum or bedrock, then hand auger to two feet below surface (or refusal) and perform visual-manual classification of the soils at the surface and depth according to ASTM method D2488. Submit sample from surface and depth (or shallower if refusal) for PLM analysis. The conditions shall be documented by taking photographs.  The classification indicator for fly ash will be grey to black silt-sized particles with no plasticity. The classification indicator for bottom ash will be grey to black sand to gravel sized particles and porous. If the material cannot be positively identified as soil, submit a sample for PLM analysis.  If the node point elevation is near the historic bottom elevation and either (1) residuum is indicated by observation or (2) soil is confirmed by visual manual classification (ASTM D2488) and PLM analysis is less than 50%, then personnel can conclude the primary source is removed. 3.2.2 Fill Evaluation Criteria The following procedure provides an approach that can be used to ascertain if the fill can remain in place. The procedure specified is based on the fill material and depth.  If the elevation is less than eight feet above the historic bottom elevation and residuum is not observed, then test pits may be excavated to historic bottom elevation or until residuum or bedrock is encountered but no more than eight feet below the surface. o Personnel will evaluate existing information to determine if the test pits are necessary. If necessary personnel may recommend excavating test pits at a frequency no tighter than 100 feet by 100 feet. o If visible ash is not discovered based on information defined above, then the primary source removal may be confirmed. o If visible ash is discovered, then continue excavation. Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 6  If the elevation is more than eight feet above historic bottom elevation and residuum is not observed, discuss with CCP Closure Personnel. o CCP Closure Personnel will confirm historic information and recommend a drilling and sampling program at a frequency no tighter than 100 feet by 100 feet to evaluate the presence of ash below the fill in accordance with the information defined above. If unusual features are revealed by the drilling, CCP Closure Engineering may request/recommend additional borings. Exploration is to be performed by continuous sampling during drilling. o If visible ash is not discovered based on information defined above, then the primary source removal may be confirmed. o If visible ash is discovered, then continue excavation. 3.3 Visual Removal Not Applicable If possible, excavation of ash should continue even if groundwater is encountered. Visual documentation cannot be completed where ash is under the water table. If Duke Energy cannot complete visual removal because of site conditions or other restricting factors, documentation shall be presented to DEQ. Duke Energy anticipates that in locations where visual documentation cannot be completed, additional ash characterization along with groundwater fate and transport modeling will be completed. Ash characterization may consist of SPLP and/or other testing with results imputed into an updated site wide groundwater fate and transport model. Details will be provided to DEQ for review and concurrence. 4.0 Soil Sampling and Analysis 4.1 Soil Sampling Soil sampling of the remaining soils (less than 50% ash per PLM analysis) will be necessary to evaluate the extent of potential secondary source depending on the depth of the water table and any proposed institutional or engineering controls that may be used in the area of excavation. Soil sampling will not be required if refusal or the top of bedrock are encountered or the remaining soils are below the water table. Soil samples for laboratory analysis must be collected in a manner that will ensure a relatively uniform distribution of particles throughout the six inch sample. The systematic approach and design for soil sampling an analysis is dependent upon two scenarios:  Scenario 1: Remaining soil (containing less than 50% ash per PLM analysis) is located above the seasonal high water table and final constructed institutional and/or engineering controls will restrict infiltration from the surface reaching the water table (e.g. installation of a liner system).  Scenario 2: Remaining soil (containing less than 50% ash per PLM analysis) is located above the seasonal high water table and infiltration from the surface would continue to reach the water table. Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 7 4.1.1 Scenario 1 Confirmation sampling will include discrete surface samples collected from the first six inches of the soil. Sampling will be performed on an acre grid system. This sample collection methodology shall be sufficient to characterize the horizontal extent of any remaining potential secondary source impacts for comparison with the DEQ Preliminary Soil Remediation Goals (PSRG). The samples shall be analyzed by a North Carolina certified laboratory for total concentrations for the following parameters: antimony, aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, calcium, chloride, chromium (total and hexavalent), cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, nitrate as nitrogen, pH, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, strontium, sulfate, thallium, vanadium and zinc. No SPLP testing is required. 4.1.2 Scenario 2 Confirmation sampling will include collection of both discrete surface and subsurface soil samples performed on an acre grid system. Discrete surface samples will be collected from the first six inches of the soil and a subsurface soil sample will be collected at 2 to 2.5 feet below ground surface (bgs), 7 to 7.5 feet bgs, 12 to 12.5 feet bgs and 17 to 17.5 feet bgs unless refusal, bedrock or the water table are encountered. The use of a geoprobe or excavator is anticipated. This sample collection methodology shall be sufficient to characterize both the horizontal and vertical extent of any remaining potential secondary source impacts for comparison with the DEQ PSRGs and/or input into the soil leachate model. The samples shall be analyzed by a North Carolina certified laboratory for both total concentrations and SPLP for the following parameters: antimony, aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, calcium, chloride, chromium (total and hexavalent), cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, nitrate as nitrogen, pH, potassium, selenium, silver, sodium, strontium, sulfate, thallium, vanadium and zinc. 4.2 Fate and Transport Modeling Contingency for stabilization of remaining amounts of potential secondary source impacts in a manner that will meet the intent of North Carolina Groundwater 2L Rules and closure requirements shall be considered as site conditions dictate. Provisions to develop groundwater flow and transport models to evaluate protection of groundwater criteria if some secondary source impacts are left in place shall be considered. In addition, the possibility of metals leaching from a potential change in pH and geochemical conditions related to dewatering and excavation shall be considered along with plans for groundwater models to assess resulting site conditions. Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Page 8 5.0 Documentation Summary 100’ x 100’ Grid Node (Figure 1) Visually confirm primary source removal and document with photographs Soil Sample Collection at a Grid Node (1 per Acre) Depth/Test PLM Total Metals (Table 1) SPLP (Table 1) 0 – 6 inches X X X 2’ – 2.5’ X X X 7’ – 7.5’ N/A X X 12’ – 12.5’ N/A X X 17’ – 17.5’ N/A X X Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Table Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 TABLE 1 SOIL PARAMETERS AND ANALYTICAL METHODS TOTALS AND SPLP ANALYSIS NORTH CAROLINA ASH BASINS TO BE CLOSED VIA EXCAVATION INORGANIC COMPOUNDS UNITS METHOD1 Aluminum mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Antimony mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Arsenic mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Barium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Beryllium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Boron mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Cadmium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Calcium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Chloride mg/kg or µg/l EPA 9056A Chromium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Cobalt mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Copper mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Hexavalent Chromium mg/kg or µg/l EPA Method 7199/218.7 Iron mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Lead mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Magnesium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Manganese mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Mercury mg/kg or µg/l EPA Method 7470A/7471B Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Molybdenum mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Nickel mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Nitrate as Nitrogen mg/kg or µg/l EPA 9056A pH SU EPA 9045D Potassium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Selenium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Silver mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Sodium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Strontium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Sulfate mg/kg or µg/l EPA 9056A Thallium (low level) (SPLP Extract only) mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Vanadium mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6020B Zinc mg/kg or µg/l EPA 6010D Notes: 1. Soil samples to be analyzed for Total Inorganics using USEPA Methods 6010/6020 and pH using USEPA Method 9045, as noted above (or similar approved methods). Soil samples will also be analyzed for leaching potential using SPLP Extraction Method 1312 in conjunction with USEPA Methods 6010/6020 (or similar approved methods). Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Figure Excavation Soil Sampling Plan December 2016 Dan River Steam Station Ash Basin System Revision 0 Figure 1 – Dan River Steam Station Grid Map