HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0004961_Revised Plan for Identification of New Discharges_20150521�� MflrE
ENERGX
CAROLINAS
May 21, 2015
Mr Jeffrey Poupart, Section Chief
NC Division of Water Resources
1617 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1617
Subject Revised Plan for Identification of New Discharges
Riverbend Steam Station
NCOOO4961
Gaston County
Dear Mr Poupart,
Environmental Services
Duke Energy
526 South Church Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Mailing Address
EC13K / P O Box 1006
Charlotte, NC 28201-1006
RECEIVED/DENR/DWR
MAY 272015
Water Quality
Permitting Section
Duke Energy hereby formally submits the attached revised version of the Riverbend Plan for
Identification of New Discharges This version includes edits in response to comments made by
the NC Division of Water Resources
If you have any questions regarding this submittal, please contact me at (704) 382-7959 or
richard baker(cDduke-energy com
I cert, under penalty of law, that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or
supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and
evaluate the information submitted Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or
those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false infoi matron, including the possibility of fines and nnpt isonment for knowing violations
Sincerely,
attachment
Richard E Baker, Jr, P E , PMP
Director, Environmental Programs
Duke Energy EHS
- CCP
attachment
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Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges ���
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
Report Verification
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures
Section 1 - Introduction
Section 2 - Site Description
21 Plant Description
22 Ash Basin Description
23 Permitted NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater Outfalls
Section 3 - Site Geology and Hydrogeology
31 Site Geologic/Soil Framework
32 Site Hydrogeologic Framework
Section 4 - Identification of New Discharges
41 Purpose of Inspection
42 Seepage
43 Area To Be Inspected for New Discharges
44 Inspection Procedure
45 Stormwater Outfalls
Section 5 - References
Appendices
A — Riverbend Station Ash Basin — Inspection for Identification of New Discharges
B — Areas of Wetness
Paqe
1
3
3
3
3
7
7
7
9
9
9
9
9
10
11
r 3
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges ��11�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
List of Tables
Table 1 — NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater Outfalls
List of Figures
Figure 1 — Site Location Map
Figure 2 — Areas to be Inspected for Seeps
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges FN
Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
Section 1 - Introduction
The purpose of this document is to address the requirements of North Carolina General Statute
(GS)l 30A-309 210 (d) Identification and assessment of discharges, correction of unperm►tted
discharges, as modified by North Carolina Senate BIII 729, for the Rlverbend Steam Station
(RBSS) ash basin operated under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Permit NC0004961
The following requirements are contained In General Statute 130A-309 210
d) Identification of New Discharges — No later than October 1, 2014, the
owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit a
proposed Plan for the Identification of New Discharges to the Department for its
review and approval as provided in this subsection
1) The proposed Plan for the Identification of New Discharges shall include,
at a minimum, all of the following
a A procedure for routine inspection of the coal combustion residuals
surface impoundment to identify indicators of potential new
discharges, including toe drain outfalls, seeps, and weeps
b. A procedure for determining whether a new discharge is actually
present
c A procedure for notifying the Department when a new discharge is
confirmed
d Any other information related to the identification of new discharges
required by the Department
2) The Department shall approve the Plan for the Identification of New
Discharges if it determines that the Plan complies with the requirements
of this subsection and will be sufficient to protect public health, safety,
and welfare, the environment, and natural resources.
3) No later than 30 days from the approval of the Plan for the Identification
of New Discharges, the owner shall begin Implementation of the Plan in
accordance with the Plan
The North Carolina Senate BIII 729 establishes the submittal date of this Plan for Identification
of New Discharges no later than October 1, 2014
This bill also modified GS 130A to establish the following submittals that are related to this Plan
GS130A-309 210(a) was modified to require
2) No later than December 31, 2014, the owner of a coal combustion
residuals surface impoundment shall submit a topographic map that
identifies the location of all (i) outfalls from engineered channels
designed or improved for the purpose of collecting water from the toe of
the impoundment and (►►) seeps and weeps discharging from the
impoundment that are not captured by engineered channels designed or
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges 01Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
improved for the purpose of collecting water from the toe of the
impoundment to the Department. The topographic map shall comply with
all of the following:
a Be at a scale as required by the Department.
b Specify the latitude and longitude of each toe drain outfall, seep, and
weep
c. Specify whether the discharge from each toe drain outfall, seep, and
weep is continuous or intermittent.
d. Provide an average flow measurement of the discharge from each toe
drain outfall, seep, and weep including a description of the method
used to measure average flow
e Specify whether the discharge from each toe drain outfall, seep, and
weep identified reaches the surface waters of the State If the
I discharge from a toe drain outfall, seep, or weep reaches the surface
waters of the State, the map shall specify the latitude and longitude of
where the discharge reaches the surface waters of the State
f. Include any other information related to the topographic map required
by the Department
The Inspection procedures presented In this plan, developed to satisfy the requirements of
GS130A-309 210 (d), will be used as the basis for developing the topographic map required by
GS130A-309 210 (a)(2)
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Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges �1J�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 2 -SITE DESCRIPTION
Section 2 - Site Description
2.1 Plant Description
RBSS is a former coal-fired electricity generating facility which had a capacity of 454 megawatts
located in Gaston County, North Carolina, near the town of Mt Holly (Figure 1) As of April 1,
2013, all of the coal-fired units have been retired The site is located between the south bank of
the Catawba River on Mountain Island Lake and the north side of Horseshoe Bend Beach
Road The surrounding area generally consists of residential properties, undeveloped land, and
Mountain Island Lake
2.2 Ash Basin Description
The ash basin system consists of a Primary Cell and a Secondary Cell, separated by an
intermediate dike The ash basin at RBSS originally consisted of a single -cell basin
commissioned in 1957 and was expanded In 1979 The single basin was divided by
constructing a divider dike to form two separate cells In 1986
The ash basin is located approximately 2,400 feet to the northeast of the power plant, adjacent
to Mountain Island Lake, as shown on Figure 2 The Primary Cell is impounded by an earthen
embankment dike located on the west side of the Primary Cell The Secondary Cell is
L' impounded by an earthen embankment dike located along the northeast side of the Secondary
Cell
The surface area of the Primary Cell is approximately 41 acres with an approximate maximum
pond elevation of 724 feet The surface area of the Secondary Cell is approximately 28 acres
�^ with an approximate maximum pond elevation of 714 feet The full pond elevation of Mountain
Island Lake is approximately 646 8 feet
The ash basin system was an integral part of the station's wastewater treatment system which
predominantly received inflows from the ash removal system, station yard drain sump, and
stormwater flows During station operations, Inflows to the ash basin were highly variable due
to the cyclical nature of station operations The Inflows from the ash removal system and the
station yard drain sump are discharged through sluice lines Into the Primary Cell The
discharge from the Primary Cell to the Secondary Cell is through a concrete discharge tower
located near the divider dike
Although the station is retired, wastewater effluent from other non -ash -related station
discharges to the ash basin is discharged from the Secondary Cell, through a concrete
discharge tower, to Mountain Island Lake The concrete discharge tower drains through a 30 -
Inch -diameter corrugated metal pipe Into a concrete -lined channel that discharges to Mountain
Island Lake The ash basin pond elevation is controlled by the use of concrete stop logs
2.3 Permitted NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater Outfalls
�I Table 1 provides a list of existing and proposed permitted NPDES wastewater and stormwater
outfalls and descriptions of permitted waste streams mentioned in NCDENR's draft NPDES
t
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges L-0%11Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
I of
SECTION 2 - SITE DESCRIPTION
permits. Locations of existing and potential "new" wastewater and stormwater outfalls included
in the draft NPDES permit are shown on Figure 2.
Table 1. NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater Outfalls
Wastewater
Outfalls
001
002
002A
101
102
103
104
105
106
010
107
108
109
110
111
112
011
Coordinates
35° 29' 80" N
80° 58' 13" W
35° 22' 99" N
80° 57'32" W
35°21'51"N
80° 58'20" W
35° 21' 54" N
80° 58'01 " W
35°21'54"N
80° 57'57" W
35° 22'08" N
80° 57'54" W
35° 22' 15" N
80° 57'46" W
35° 22' 02" N
80° 57'46" W
35° 22'01" N
80° 57'28" W
35° 22' 01" N
80* 57'25" W
35° 21' 54" N
80° 57'22" W
35° 22' 15" N
80° 57'46" W
35° 22'08" N
80° 57'36" W
35° 22'08" N
80° 57'36" W
35° 22'08" N
80° 57'32" W
Description of
Description of Effluent
Waste Stream
Cooling water consisting of intake screen
Catawba River
backwash and water from the plant chiller
(Mountain Island Lake)
system, turbine lube oil coolers, condensate
coolers, main turbine steam condensers and
the intake tunnel dewatering sump.
Catawba River
Ash basin discharge consisting of induced
(Mountain Island Lake)
draft fan and preheater bearing cooling water,
stormwater from roof drains and paving,
treated groundwater, track hopper sump
(groundwater), coal pile runoff, laboratory
Yard sump overflow
drain and chemical makeup tanks and drums
Catawba River
rinsate wastes, general plant/trailer sanitary
(Mountain Island Lake)
wastewater, turbine and boiler rooms sumps,
vehicle rinse water, and stormwater from pond
areas, upgradient watershed, and
miscellaneous stormwater flows.
Surface flow towards
Catawba River Twelve (12) ash basin groundwater seeps.
(Mountain Island Lake)
Former stormwater Outfall 1. Contains
35° 29'80" N Catawba River stormwater and groundwater flow, also
80° 58' 13" W (Mountain Island Lake) includes wastewater from 10,000 gallon oil
separator tank #3.
4
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges �1J�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 2 - SITE DESCRIPTION
Stormwater
Coordinates
Outfall Description and
Drainage Area Runoff Description
Outfalls
Receiving Water Body
24 -inch -diameter
35° 21' 38" N
corrugated metal pipe
SW001
80° 58'30" W
(CMP) to intake canal
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake)
Drainage area runoff the powerhouse roof,
21 -inch -diameter CMP to
switchyard, and yard are south of the
SWO02
35° 21'38" N
intake canal
powerhouse. Rail lines that transport coal are
80° 58'30" W
Catawba River
located within this area and coal residuals are
(Mountain Island Lake)
present in the rail bed.
24 -inch -diameter CMP to
SWO03
35° 21'40" N
intake canal
80° 58'32" W
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake)
15 -inch -diameter
35° 21'22" N
reinforced concrete pipe
Drainage area runoff from Horseshoe Bend
SW004
80° 58'32" W
Beach Road.
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake)
Drainage area between stormwater outfalls
18 -inch -diameter CMP
SWO03 and SW006. The 18 -inch CMP will be
SWO03A
35° 21'40" N
Catawba River
removed. Duke Energy will notify DEMLR
80° 58'32" W
(Mountain Island Lake)
that the potential for stormwater
discharges has ceased, and monitoring
requirements will not apply.
35° 21' 39" N
36 -inch -diameter CMP
Drainage area runoff from station yard areas
SWO06
80° 58'32" W
Catawba River
and main oil storage tank area.
(Mountain Island Lake)
24 -inch -diameter steel
Drainage area runoff from the gravel road and
SWO07
35° 21'80" N
pipe
laydown area north of the coal pile storage
80° 58'28" W
Catawba River
area. The 30 -inch ductile iron pipe leading
(Mountain Island Lake)
to SWO07 and SWO07 will be removed.
12 -inch -diameter ductile
Duke Energy will notify DEMLR that the
35° 21'80" N
iron pipe
potential for stormwater discharges has
SWO07A
80° 58'28" W
leading to Catawba River
ceased, and monitoring requirements will
(Mountain Island Lake)
not apply.
35° 21'51" N
36 -inch -diameter CMP to
Drainage area runoff from the cinder storage
SWO08
80° 58' 16" W
Catawba River
area, part of the ash stack planning for
(Mountain Island Lake)
removal, and the coal pile area.
35° 21'38" N
18 -inch -diameter CMP to
SW010
80° 58' 41" W
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake)
35° 21'33" N
18 -inch -diameter CMP to
Drainage area runoff from the Lark
SW011
80° 58'45" W
Catawba River
Maintenance Facility.
(Mountain Island Lake)
35° 21' 37" N
8 -inch -polyethylene pipe
SWO12
80° 58'42" W
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake)
The 15 -inch CMP leading to SW013 will be
35° 21'42" N
15 -inch -diameter CMP to
removed. Duke Energy will notify DEMLR
SWO13
80° 58'30" W
Catawba River
that the potential for stormwater
(Mountain Island Lake)
discharges has ceased, and monitoring
requirements will not apply.
5
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges �1J�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 2 - SITE DESCRIPTION
Stormwater Outfall Description and
Outfalls Coordinates Receiving Water Body Drainage Area Runoff Description
Drainage area runoff surrounding the septic
tank. The 8 -inch CMP leading to SWO14
35° 21'42" N
12 -inch -diameter CMP to
and/or any other outfalls in this area will be
SWO14 80° 58'30" W
Catawba River
removed. Duke Energy will notify DEMLR
(Mountain Island Lake)
that the potential for stormwater
discharges has ceased, and monitoring
requirements will not apply.
35° 21'42" N
12 -inch -diameter CMP to
Pipes discovered during an engineering field
SWO15Catawba
80° 58' 30" W
River
evaluation and designated in this permit as
(Mountain Island Lake)
stormwater outfalls SW015, SW016, and
24 -inch -diameter CMP to
SWO17 and discharging to the Catawba River
SWO16 35° 21'42" N
Catawba River
(Mountain Island Lake). Upon abandonment
80° 58'30" W
(Mountain Island Lake)
or removal of the pipes leading to these
outfalls, Duke Energy will notify DEMLR
35° 21'42" N
30 -inch -diameter RCP to
that the potential for stormwater
SWO17 80° 58'30" W
Catawba River
discharges has ceased, and monitoring
(Mountain Island Lake)
requirements will not apply.
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC ! Plan for Identification of New Discharges 07ZRiverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 3 - SITE GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
Section 3 - Site Geology and Hydrogeology
L
3.1 Site Geologic/Soil Framework
Riverbend and Its associated ash basin system are located in the Charlotte terrane of the
_ Carolina Zone (Pippin et al 2008), or as described In the older belt terminology, the Charlotte
Belt of the Piedmont physiographic province (Piedmont) (North Carolina Geological Survey
1985) The Charlotte terrane is characterized by mostly felsic to mafic plutonic rocks which
Intrude a suite of mainly metaigneous rocks and minor metasedimentary rocks (Pippin et al
_ 2008)
it
The soils that overlie the bedrock In the area have generally formed from the in-place
weathering of the parent bedrock The fractured bedrock Is overlain by a mantle of
unconsolidated material known as regolith The regolith, where present, includes the soil zone,
a zone of weathered, decomposed bedrock known as saprollte, and alluvium Saprolite, the
product of chemical and mechanical weathering of the underlying bedrock, Is typically
i composed of silt and coarser granular material up to boulder size and may reflect the texture of
the rock from which It was formed The weathering products of felslc rocks may be sandy -
textured and rich in quartz content while mafic rocks form a more clayey saprollte (LeGrand
2004)
3.2 Site Hydrogeologic Framework
' Piedmont topography is characterized by gently rounded sloped hills and valleys Recharge
-J typically occurs on upland areas and slopes while groundwater discharge is concentrated in
surface water bodies and lowland areas LeGrand's (1988, 2004) conceptual model of the
groundwater setting In the Piedmont Incorporates the above two medium systems Into an entity
that Is useful for the description of groundwater conditions That entity Is the surface drainage
basin that contains a perennial stream or river (LeGrand 1988) Each basin is similar to
adjacent basins and the conditions are generally repetitive from basin to basin Within a basin,
movement of groundwater is generally restricted to the area extending from the drainage divides
-� to a perennial stream or river (Slope -Aquifer System, LeGrand 1988, 2004) Rarely does
groundwater move beneath a perennial stream or river to another more distant stream (LeGrand
� 2004)
Therefore, In most cases in the Piedmont, the groundwater system is a two -medium system
(LeGrand 1988) restricted to the local drainage basin The groundwater occurs In a system
composed of two Interconnected layers residuum/saprollte and weathered rock overlying
fractured crystalline rock separated by the transition zone Typically, the residuum/saprollte is
partly saturated and the water table fluctuates within It Water movement Is generally through
the fractured bedrock The near -surface fractured crystalline rocks can form extensive aquifers
The character of such aquifers results from the combined effects of the rock type, fracture
system, topography, and weathering Topography exerts an influence on both weathering and
the opening of fractures while the weathering of the crystalline rock modifies both transmissive
and storage characteristics
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges �)�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 3 - SITE GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY
The aquifer system In the Piedmont typically exists in an unconfined or semi -confined condition
In the bedrock zone Under natural conditions, the general direction of groundwater flow can be
approximated from the surface topography Groundwater moves both vertically down through
the regolith and parallel to the bedrock surface to areas where groundwater discharges as
seepage into streams, lakes, or other surface water bodies
RBSS is located on a peninsula in the Catawba River on the north side of Horseshoe Bend
1 Beach Road (Figure 2). This road runs generally west to east and is located along a local
topographic divide Based on the slope -aquifer system, groundwater at the site Is expected to
flow downward from this topographic divide to the ash basins and discharge into Mountain
i Island Lake (Catawba River)
8
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges �1�
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin J
SECTION 4 - IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
Section 4 - Identification of New Discharges
4.1 Purpose of Inspection
The purpose of the Inspection is to Identify new discharges and Indicators of potential new
discharges, including toe drain outfalls, seeps, and weeps associated with the coal combustion
residuals surface Impoundment (ash basin)
4.2 Seepage
Seepage Is considered to be the movement of wastewater from the ash basin through the ash
basin embankment, the embankment foundation, the embankment abutments, through residual
material in areas adjacent to the ash basin, or through the bottom of the ash basin (if the flow
eventually reaches the ground surface) Therefore, a seep is defined in this document as an
expression of seepage at the ground surface above the ordinary high water mark of any waters
of the state. Only seeps that have the presence of a discernible, confined and discrete
_ conveyance to the surface water will be considered a new seep warranting further evaluation of
i flow and pollutant characterization A weep is understood to have the same meaning as a seep
Indicators of seepage Include areas where water Is observed on the ground surface and/or
where vegetation suggests the presence of seepage Seepage can emerge anywhere on the
downstream face, beyond the toe, or on the downstream abutments at elevations below normal
pool Seepage may vary in appearance from a "soft," wet area to a flowing "spring " Seepage
may show up first as only an area where the vegetation is lusher and darker green than
surrounding vegetation Cattails, reeds, mosses, and other marsh vegetation often become
established in a seepage area' However, In many Instances, Indicators of seeps do not
necessarily Indicate the presence of seeps
4.3 Area To Be Inspected for New Discharges
The areas to be Inspected for new discharges and Indicators of potential new discharges are the
areas of the site where water contained in the ash basin might Infiltrate Into the underlying
+ residual material and be expressed as seepage This would Include the earthen embankment
which impounds the ash basin and certain adjacent areas
The extent of the areas to be inspected was determined based on the generalized LeGrand
conceptual model the concept of the slope -aquifer system, and the site topography In this
generalization, flow of water from the ash basin would be expected to be located within the
slope -aquifer compartment and to be below the full pond elevation of the ash basin The areas
to be inspected are shown on Figure 2
4.4 Inspection Procedure
The Inspection procedure for identification of new discharges and Indicators of potential new
discharges associated with the Buck ash basin system is provided in Appendix A In addition to
the specific requirements for the inspection, Appendix A also provides the general requirements,
' Dam Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection Manual, North Carolina Department of Environment and
Natural Resources, Division of Land Resources, Land Quality Division, 1985 (Revised 2007)
v
1 0 ►
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC I Plan for Identification of New Discharges 1 ��
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin r
the frequency of Inspections, documentation requirements, and provides a decision flow chart
for determining if the potential new discharge Is associated with the ash basin
Duke Energy will be further classifying seeps into non -engineered seeps at locations where the
seepage emerges from natural or residual material and engineered seeps (I e , toe drains)
Appendix B provides the history and current state of seeps Identified with regards to official
location and type (non -engineered seeps and engineered seeps)
�1
4.5 Stormwater Outfalls
If a stormwater outfall is discharged during periods that do not coincide with precipitation events,
the water exiting the outfall will be sampled to determine if Coal Combustion Products (CCP) or
other wastes are discharging from the outfall These areas will be identified, photographed,
sampled, and potentially added to the NPDES wastewater permit
10
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC ; Plan for Identification of New Discharges ���
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
SECTION 5 - REFERENCES
Section 5 - References
North Carolina Geological Survey, 1985, Geologic map of North Carolina North Carolina
Geological Survey, General Geologic Map, scale 1 500000
LeGrand, HE 1988 Region 21, Piedmont and Blue Ridge, p 201-208, in Black, W,
Rosenhein, J S , and Seaber, P R, eds , Hydrogeology Geological Society of America,
The Geology of North America, v 0-2, Boulder, Colorado, 524p
it
LeGrand, Harry, Sr 2004 A Master Conceptual Model for Hydrogeological Site
Characterization in the Piedmont and Mountain Region of North Carolina, North Carolina
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Pippin, Charles G , Chapman, Melinda J , Huffman, Brad A, Heller, Matthew J , and Schelgel,
Melissa E 2008 Hydrogeologic Setting, Ground -Water Flow, and Ground -Water
Quality at the Langtree Peninsula Research Station, Iredell County, North Carolina,
2000-2005, United States Geological Survey, Prepared in cooperation with the North
Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality
11
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RIVER3EIND STEAM STAT QAlh
ern
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NOTES: £V 61- _
I. SOURCES: USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP - MT. ISLAND LAKE, it / ell
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CREATED 1993. USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP -LAKE NORMAN - •,' t - - J ` '1
SOUTH, CREATED 1993.
tt 1
SCALE (FEET)
1000 0 1000 2000
fm
HRR Enghu•rin' Inc.
Ll— t8� Flit IR
0 Som auNi Sum Cham. NC 782a
SITE LOCATION MAP
RIVERBEND STEAM STATION
DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS, LLC
GASTON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
DATE
APRIL 6, 2015
FIGURE
1
RIVERBEND STEAM
STATION ASH BASIN
INSPECTION FOR
IDENTIFICATION OF
NEW DISCHARGES
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
1. Purpose of Inspection
The purpose of the inspection is to identify new discharges and indicators of potential new discharges,
including toe drain outfalls, seeps, and weeps that arise after the initial submittal of maps required by
North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.210(a)(2)(ii). Seepage is considered to be the movement of
wastewater from the ash basin through the ash basin embankment, the embankment foundation, the
embankment abutments, through residual material in areas adjacent to the ash basin, or through the
bottom of the ash basin (if the flow eventually reaches the ground surface.) Therefore, a seep is defined
in this document as an expression of seepage at the ground surface above the ordinary high water mark
of any waters of the state. Only seeps that have the presence of a discernible, confined and discrete
conveyance to the surface water will be considered a new seep warranting further evaluation of flow
and pollutant characterization. A weep is understood to have the same meaning as a seep. If new
discharges or indicators of potential new discharges are identified, the decision flow chart (see Figure A-
1) will be used to determine if the potential new discharge is from the ash basin and if notification to the
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Division of Water
Resources (DWR) is required.
2. General Inspection Requirements
2.1. Inspections are to be performed on areas that are below the ash basin full pond elevation and
within the area shown on Figure A-2 The purpose of the inspection is to identify new
discharges and indicators of potential new discharges, including toe drain outfalls, seeps, and
weeps associated with the coal combustion residuals surface impoundment (ash basin)
2.2. If required, a larger scale figure showing the locations of outfalls from engineered channels will
be developed If a separate figure showing outfalls from engineered channels is not developed,
Figure A-2 will be revised to show these features.
2.3. Inspections of areas on or adjacent to the ash basin embankments should be performed within
two months after mowing, if possible.
2.4. Inspections should not be performed if the following precipitation amounts have occurred in
the respective time period preceding the planned inspection.
2.4.1. Precipitation of 0.1 inches or greater within 72 hours or
24.2. Precipitation of 0 5 inches or greater within 96 hours
2.5. Record the most recent ash basin water surface elevation.
2.6 Review previous Inspection for Identification of New Discharge Report(s) prior to performing
inspection
2.7. Review the most recent previous dam inspections.
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
2 8. Conduct an interview with the Site Environmental Coordinator prior to performing inspection
to inquire about possible changes to site conditions, such as pond elevations, operations,
additions or removal of wastewater discharges to the ash basin, changes to site surface water
drainage, etc.
3. Frequency of Inspections
Inspections will be performed on a semi-annual basis during the following months. April to May and
October to November
4. Qualifications
The inspections shall be performed under the direction of a qualified Professional Engineer or
Professional Geologist.
5. Documentation of Inspection
The inspection shall be documented by the individual performing the inspection. The report should
contain observations and descriptions of the seeps observed, changes in observations compared to
previous inspections, estimates of flows quantities, and photographs of seeps and outfalls of engineered
channels designed or improved for collecting water from the impoundment Photographs are to be
numbered and captioned.
In addition, the inspection should also include sampling. The facility shall sample for the following
constituents:
• Chlorides
•
Selenium
• Fluorine
•
pH
• Mercury (method 1631E)
•
Total Dissolved Solids
• Barium
•
Antimony
• Iron
•
Thallium
j • Manganese
•
Molybdenum
• Zinc
•
Boron
• Arsenic
•
Aluminum
• Cadmium
•
Sulfate
• Chromium
•
Total Suspended Solids
• Copper
•
Temperature
• Lead
•
Specific Conductance
• Nickel
This sampling is necessary to demonstrate if a discharge/seep contains Coal Combustion Products
(CCPs), if it is some other type of waste stream, or if the seepage is
simply not associated with a process
wastewater discharge.
2
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
6. Initial Inspection
An initial inspection should be performed to identify features and document baseline conditions
including location, extent (i.e., dimensions of affected area), and flow. Seep locations should be
recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. Photographs should be taken from vantage
points that can be replicated during subsequent semi-annual inspections.
7. Inspection For New Seeps at Outfalls From Engineered Channels
Inspect the outfalls from engineered channels designed and/or improved (such as through the
placement of rip -rap) associated with the ash basin dikes to identify new seeps or indicators of new
seeps.
7.1. Inspect all outfalls from engineered channels designed and/or improved (such as through the
placement of rip -rap)
7.2. Document the condition of the outfall of the engineered channel with photographs.
Photographs are to be taken from similar direction and scale as photographs taken during the
initial inspection
7.3 Observe outfall for seepage and for indicators of seeps.
7.4 Compare current seepage location, extent, and flow to seepage photographs and descriptions
from previous inspections.
7.5. Record flow rate if measureable.
7.6. Sample for the following constituents to demonstrate if a discharge/seep contains CCPs, if it is
some other type of waste stream, or if the seepage is simply not associated with a process
wastewater discharge•
- •
Chlorides
•
Fluorine
•
Mercury (method 1631E)
•
Barium
•
Iron
•
Manganese
•
Zinc
•
Arsenic
•
Cadmium
•
Chromium
•
Copper
•
Lead
•
Nickel
3
• Selenium
• pH
• Total Dissolved Solids
• Antimony
• Thallium
• Molybdenum
• Boron
• Aluminum
• Sulfate
• Total Suspended Solids
• Temperature
• Specific Conductance
0
V
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
8. Inspection For New Seeps Not Captured by Engineered Channels
Inspect areas below the ash basin full pond elevation and within the slope -aquifer system shown on
Figure A-2 to identify new seeps or indicators of new seeps. Inspect topographic drainage features that
potentially could contain new seeps that potentially discharge from the ash basin Investigations should
include areas where perimeter ditches/swales are located around active or inactive ash basins.
8.1. Previously Identified Seeps
a) Inspect previously identified seep locations. Document the condition of the seeps with a
photograph. Photographs are to be taken from similar direction and at a similar scale as the
photograph documenting original photograph of seep. Describe the approximate
dimensions and flow conditions of the seep. This information may help to demonstrate
changing site conditions over time.
b) If flow measurement device is installed at the outfall, record flow.
c) Observe seep to determine if changes to location, extent, or flows are present. Document
changes to location, extent, and/or flow amount or pattern
d) Sample for the following constituents to demonstrate if a discharge/seep contains CCPs, if it
is some other type of waste stream, or if the seepage is simply not associated with a process
wastewater discharge:
• Chlorides
• Fluorine
• Mercury (method 1631E)
• Barium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Chromium
• Copper
• Lead
• Nickel
8 2 New Seep or Indicators of Seep
• Selenium
• pH
• Total Dissolved Solids
• Antimony
• Thallium
• Molybdenum
• Boron
• Aluminum
• Sulfate
• Total Suspended Solids
• Temperature
• Specific Conductance
a) Mark the location of new seep or indicators of seep using a GPS device
b) Document the condition of the seeps or indicators of seeps with a photograph
4
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
c) Describe the approximate dimensions and flow conditions of the seep.
d) Sample for the following constituents to demonstrate if a discharge/seep contains CCPs, if it
is some other type of waste stream, or if the seepage is simply not associated with a process
wastewater discharge:
• Chlorides
• Fluorine
• Mercury (method 1631E)
• Barium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Zinc
• Arsenic
• Cadmium
• Chromium
• Copper
• Lead
• Nickel
• Selenium
• pH
• Total Dissolved Solids
• Antimony
• Thallium
• Molybdenum
• Boron
• Aluminum
• Sulfate
• Total Suspended Solids
• Temperature
• Specific Conductance
e) Map the location of new seep or indicator of seep using GPS coordinate points collected
during the site visit.
f) If seep or indicator of seep was not caused by changes in surface water drainage and if the
location is below the ash basin pond elevation, utilize the decision flow chart to determine if
the seep represents a discharge from the ash basin and if notification to DWR is required
9. Update Maps Identifying Seeps
If new seeps are identified during the inspection, Figure A-2 shall be updated to show the location of the
new seeps. All seeps located below the ash basin full pond elevation and within the slope -aquifer
system shown are to be shown on Figure A-2.
10. Decision Flow Chart
The decision flow chart developed to determine whether a new seep discharges from the ash basin is
found on Figure A-1.
11. Procedure for Notifying NCDENR DWR if New Discharge Is Confirmed
Duke Energy will notify the DWR Regional Office by mail within 5 days after the discovery of a new seep
unless a different timeframe is established and specified in reissued permits. If the new seep represents
5
7 1
Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
a significant change in flow or pollutant loading from the facility, or a bypass or upset, it may fall under
provisions that would require immediate reporting.
D
Rlverbend Steam Station Ash Basin
INSPECTION FOR IDENTIFICATION OF NEW DISCHARGES
Figure A-1 - Decision Flow Chart for Determining If New Seep Represents Discharge From the Ash
Review previous seep inspection reports
I Perform inspection for new seeps I
Is new seep located below
elevation of ash basin?
Yes
Is new seep located within slope -aquifer
boundary system as shown on Figure A-27
Yes
Does new seep present concentrated flow that
could be collected measured and sampled?
Yes
Collect water quality sample at seep and perform the following analyses
• Field parameters pH, specific conductance, temperature, turbidity
• Constituent analyses NPDES parameters, plus mayor cations and anions
Compare analytical results from seep to relevant ash basin and groundwater sampling results to
determine if analytical results from new seep indicate discharge from the ash basin
Do analytical results from new seep
indicate discharge from ash basin?
Yes j
Prepare report documenting inspection and evaluation Notify DWR that new seep identified
and based on above evaluation, the new seep represents discharge from ash basin
No
No
New seep is not hydraulically
related to ash basin
New seep presents diffuse flow conditions
No Photograph, map location, add to seep
location map, describe flow conditions, and
approximate area of seepage
No
New seep is not related to ash
basin
Prepare report documenting inspection and evaluation Notify DWR that new seep was
identified, however new seep does not represent discharge from ash basin
Notes:
1 If no new seeps are identified, Inspection will be documented however no notification to NCDENR DWR is required
2 If new seeps are identified that do not represent discharge from the ash basin during the same inspection that identifies new seeps that do represent a discharge from the ash basin, a single report
will be submitted to NCDENR DWR.
7
Table B-1 - Riverbend Steam Station Ash Basin — Seep Locations and Descriptions
Area of
Location Coordinates
Flow
Seep Type
Wetness
Description
p
(Engineered or
Non -Engineered)
Description
Latitude
Longitude
S-1
35 365
-80.967
Continuous
Located west of the Primary Cell and north of the Cinder Storage Area Seepage at multiple
locations near the toe of the Primary Cell and Cinder Storage Area dikes and collect in the
general area of S-1 The flow is generally overland with no well defined channel
S-2
35.365
-80.966
Continuous
Located west of the Primary Cell dike at the end of rip -rap lined channel, near the toe of the
Primary Cell dike The channel collects seepage from the toe of the dike and flows through a
defined channel approximately 1 to 2 -ft wide.
S-3
35.369
-80965
Continuous
Located west of the Secondary Cell in a drainage feature downgradient from the toe of the
Secondary Cell dike. Seepage is upgradient of the S-3 device.
S-4
35 371
-80.963
Continuous
Located north of the Secondary Cell downgradient of the toe of the northern Secondary Cell
abutment. Seepage flows from channels sampled via S-5 and S-9
S-5
35 370
-80963
Continuous
Located north of the Secondary Cell along the toe slope of the northern Secondary Cell
abutment. Seepage flows from multiple locations upgradient of the S-5 device
S-6
35.367
-80.958
Continuous
Located east and downgradient of the ash basin, flowing in the general direction of
groundwater flow from the ash basin
S-7
35 367
-80957
Continuous
Located east and downgradient of the ash basin, flowing in the general direction of
groundwater flow from the ash basin.
S-8
35 365
-80.956
Continuous
Located east of the ash basin and Secondary Cell dike.
S-9
35.371
-80.963
Continuous
Located north of the Secondary Cell northern abutment at the end of rip -rap lined channel,
near the toe of the abutment The channel collects seepage from the toe of the abutment and
flows through a defined channel approximately 2 -ft wide.
S-10
35 369
-80960
Intermittent
Located east of the Secondary Cell dike downstream of a rip -rap lined channel at the toe of
the dike. The channel collects seepage from the toe of the dike and may (intermittently) flow
through a defined channel approximately 2 to 3 -ft wide Flow was not exhibited at the time
of sampling
S-11
35.369
-80.960
Continuous
Located east of the Secondary Cell dike downstream of a rip -rap lined channel at the toe of
the dike The channel collects seepage from the toe of the dike and flows through a defined
channel approximately 2 to 3 -ft wide
S-12
35.368
-80959
Continuous
Located at the end of a concrete channel downstream of the toe of the Secondary Cell dike
Seepage flows from multiple locations along the ground surface downgradient of the toe of
the dike and flows overland
Notes-
I Flow description for each sample location is based on multiple site visits performed by HDR Engineering, Inc (HDR) from November 2013 until April 2014
2. S-10 did not exhibit flow at the time of sampling
3 Flow measurements and analytical samples were collected (except for S-10) on April 29, 2014
4 Location coordinates for sampling locations were recorded by HDR using a handheld Trimble GPS unit and are approximate
i
f