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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNC0000396_Restoration Annual Report_20160208 444 k DUKE Harry K. Sideris ° ENERGY Senior Vice President r Environmental. Health&Safety 526 S. Church Street Mail Code:EC3XF Charlotte, NC 28202 (704)382-4303 January 22, 2016 Mr. Jeff Poupart Water Quality Permitting Section Chief North Carolina Division of Water Resources RECEIUEDINGGE�I ' 1617 Mail Services Center FEB 0 8 z01 Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Water Quality Permitting Section Subject: Submittal of 2015 Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. Dear Mr. Poupart, In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.212(e), Duke Energy is required to "...submit an Annual Surface Water Protection Report to the department no later than January 31 of each year." Duke Energy is pleased to submit the attached 2015 Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Reports for Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC. The attached report provides information for the following facilities: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Allen Steam Station, Belews Creek Steam Station, Buck Station, Cliffside Steam Station, Dan River Station, Marshall Steam Station, Riverbend Steam Station If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact Mr. Shannon Langley at (919) 546-2439 or Shannon.Langley@duke-energy.com. 1 certify, 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. Bused on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system. or those persons- &ref:11y responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accrate, and complete. I can aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fines and imprisornnent fir knowing violations. Sincerely, }` Harry K.. Sideris SVP - Environmental, Health and Safety attachments Mr. Jeffrey Poupart Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report January 22, 2015 cc: Mr. Michael Jacobs, Chairman w/attachments North Carolina Coal Ash Commission 4218 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4218 Donald van der Vaart— Secretary, NC DEQ w/attachments Jim Wells, VP, Duke Energy CCP w/attachments Richard Baker, via email w/attachments E. Shannon Langley—via email w/attachments Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report as required by N.C.G.S. § 130A- 309.212(e) January 2016 „ to., DUKE ENERGY,- a F" Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities CONTENTS Contents Page Contents Section 1 - Introduction 2 Section 2- Site Background 2 2.1 Allen Steam Station 2 2.2 Belews Creek Steam Station 3 2.3 Buck Combined Cycle Station 3 2.4 Cliffside Steam Station 4 2.5 Dan River Combined Cycle Station 5 2.6 Marshall Steam Station 6 2.7 Riverbend Steam Station 7 Section 3—Surface Water Sampling Summary 9 Section 4—Surface Water Protection and Restoration Summary 11 Section 5— Discharge Identification Status 12 Section 6—Discharge Assessment Status 13 Table 3-1. Duke Energy Coal-Fired Steam Stations 2015 Surface Water Quality Sampling Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 1 -INTRODUCTION Section 1 - Introduction The purpose of this document is to address the requirements of North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) § 130A-309.212(e), Reporting, as established by North Carolina Senate Bill 729, the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 (CAMA), for multiple ash basin sites operated under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits as referenced herein. The following requirements are contained in N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212: (e) Reporting. —In addition to any other reporting required by the Department, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit an annual Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report to the Department no later than January 31 of each year. The Report shall include a summary of all surface water sampling, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundment for the preceding year, including the status of the identification, assessment, and correction of unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State. The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall also submit all information required to be submitted to the Department pursuant to this section to the Coal Ash Management Commission. CAMA establishes the submittal date of this report as no later than January 31, 2016. This report satisfies the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(e) for activities occurring in 2015 at multiple facilities with ash basin treatment units. Section 2 - Site Descriptions 2.1 Allen Steam Station Allen Steam Station (Allen Station) is a five-unit, coal-fired, electric generating plant with a capacity of 1,140 megawatts located on the west bank of the Catawba River on Lake Wylie in Belmont, Gaston County, North Carolina. The site is located east of South Point Road (NC 273), and the surrounding area generally consists of residential properties, undeveloped land, and Lake Wylie. Allen Station's ash basins consist of an active ash basin and an inactive ash basin. The active ash basin was commissioned in 1973 and is currently in operation. The inactive ash basin is located to the north of the active ash basin and is not in operation. A large portion of the area on top of the inactive ash basin is permitted as an industrial landfill by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Waste Management (Permit No. 3612). The area contained within the ash basin waste boundary is approximately 322 acres. There are two earthen dikes impounding the active ash basin: the East Dike, located along the west bank of Lake Wylie, and the North Dike, separating the active and inactive ash basins. The surface area of the active ash basin is approximately 169 acres (Duke Energy, 2009) with an 2 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2•SITE DESCRIPTIONS operating pond elevation of approximately 633.5 feet. The full pond elevation of Lake Wylie is approximately 568.7 feet. The ash basin is operated as an integral part of the Allen Station's wastewater treatment system, which receives flows from the ash removal system, coal pile runoff, landfill leachate, flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, the station yard drain sump, and stormwater flows. Due to variability in Allen Station operations and weather, the inflows to the ash basin are highly variable. The inflows from the ash removal system and other plant discharges are discharged through sluice lines to the ash basin. Prior to 2009, all of the fly ash produced was sluiced to the ash basin. Since 2009, fly ash has been dry-handled and is infrequently sluiced to the ash basin. All of the bottom ash produced by the Allen Station is sluiced to the ash basin. Effluent from the ash basin is discharged from the discharge tower via a 42-inch-diameter reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) to Lake Wylie. The water surface elevation in the ash basin is controlled by the use of stop logs in the discharge tower. 2.2 Belews Creek Steam Station Belews Creek Steam Station (Belews Creek Station) is a coal-fired electric generating facility with a capacity of 2,240 megawatts located on Belews Lake in Stokes County, North Carolina. Belews Creek Station is a two-unit station, which began commercial operation in 1974. Belews Creek, a tributary of the Dan River, was impounded by Duke Energy (formerly Duke Power at the time of initial impoundment)to form Belews Lake. Belews Lake is approximately 3,800 acres in area and provides cooling water for the Belews Creek Station. The ash basin system consists of a single cell impounded by an earthen dike located on the north end of the ash basin. The ash basin system was constructed from 1970-1972 and is located approximately 3,200 feet northwest of Belews Creek Station. The waste boundary for the ash basin encompasses approximately 342 acres. The full pond elevation for the Belews Creek Station ash basin is approximately 750 feet. The normal pond elevation of Belews Lake is approximately 725 feet. Due to the nature of Belews Creek Station operations, inflows to the ash basin are highly variable. The inflows from Belews Creek Station to the ash basin are discharged to the southeast portion of the ash basin. The ash basin pond elevation is controlled by the use of concrete stop logs. The discharge from the ash basin is through a concrete discharge tower located in the northwest portion of the ash basin. The concrete discharge tower drains through a 24-inch-diameter SDR 17 high density polyethylene pipe (HDPE) conduit for approximately 1,600 feet and then discharges into a concrete flume box. The discharge is to an un-named tributary that flows northward to the Dan River. 2.3 Buck Steam Station Buck Steam Station (Buck Station) is a former coal-fired electricity generating facility with a capacity of 256 megawatts located near the town of Salisbury in Rowan County, North Carolina. As of April 2013, all of the coal-fired units have been retired. The site is located northwest of Leonard Road, and the surrounding area generally consists of residential properties, 3 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS undeveloped land, and the Yadkin River. The site now contains the new Buck Combined Cycle Station (BCCS), a 620-megawatt natural gas-powered electric generating station. The entire Buck Station and BCCS site is approximately 640 acres in area. The ash basin system at the Buck Station was used to retain and settle ash generated from coal combustion at Buck Station. The ash basin system consists of three cells, the associated earthen dikes, discharge structures, and two canals. The cells are designated as Cell 1 Additional Primary Pond (Cell 1), Cell 2 Primary Pond (Cell 2), and Cell 3 Secondary Pond (Cell 3). The ash basin is located to the south (Cell 1) and southeast (Cells 2 and 3) of the retired Buck Station Units 1 through 6 and the BCCS. The original ash pond at Buck Station began operation in 1957 and was formed by constructing a dam across a tributary of the Yadkin River. The footprint of the original ash pond was the approximate current footprint of Cells 2 and 3. As the ash pond capacity diminished over time, the original pond was eventually divided into two ash ponds (Cells 2 and 3) by construction of a separate dike. In 1982, additional storage was created by construction of Cell 1, separate from the other cells, by building a new dike up gradient from Cell 2. Until Cell 1 was constructed, ash generated from the coal combustion process at Buck Station was sluiced (via ash discharge lines) to Cell 2. Following construction of Cell 1, sluiced ash was rerouted from Cell 2 to Cell 1. Flow from Cell 1 enters Cell 2 via the Primary Cell Discharge Tower. Flow from Cell 2 enters Cell 3 via the Old Primary Cell Discharge Structure. Flow from Cell 3 discharges to the Yadkin River through the Secondary Cell Discharge Tower. The approximate pond elevations for the three ash basin cells are: Cell 1 —pond elevation 705 feet; Cell 2—pond elevation 682 feet; and Cell 3—pond elevation 674 feet. The elevation of the Yadkin River near the site is approximately 624 feet. The area contained within the waste boundary for Cell 1 encompasses approximately 90 acres. For purposes of delineating the waste boundary, Cells 2 and 3 are considered a single unit, with the area contained within this portion of the waste boundary encompassing approximately 80.7 acres. Cell 3 was developed by increasing the elevation of the earthen dike along the Yadkin River and constructing an intermediate dike across the ash placed in Cell 2. The ash basin system is operated as an integral part of the site's wastewater treatment system. During operation of the coal-fired units, the ash basin received variable inflows from the ash removal system and other permitted discharges. Currently, the ash basin receives variable inflows from the station yard drain sump, stormwater flows, Buck Station wastewater, and BCCS wastewater. Effluent from the ash basin is discharged through the discharge tower into a concrete-lined channel to the Yadkin River. The water surface elevation in the ash basin is controlled by the use of stoplogs. 2.4 Cliffside Steam Station Cliffside Steam Station (Cliffside Station) is a coal-fired, electricity-generating facility located along the south bank of the Broad River in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties at 573 Duke Power Road, Cliffside, North Carolina. Cliffside Station currently operates Units 5 and 6 only. 4 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC I 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS The original Units 1-4 were retired in October 2011. The surrounding area generally consists of residential properties, undeveloped land, and the Broad River. Cliffside Station has one active ash basin and two inactive ash basins, the Units 1-4 inactive ash basin, and the Unit 5 inactive ash basin. The active ash basin and the Units 1-4 inactive ash basin are located in Cleveland County to the east and southeast of Cliffside Station. The Unit 5 inactive ash basin is located in Rutherford County west of Cliffside Station. The active ash basin is located approximately 1,700 feet to the east-southeast of Cliffside Station adjacent to the Broad River. The active ash basin is impounded by earthen dikes located between the west portion of the basin and Suck Creek and between the northeast portion of the basin and the Broad River. The waste boundary associated with the active ash basin is approximately 117 acres in area. The approximate maximum pond elevation of the active ash basin is 770 feet. The main section of the pond is operated below 765 feet to leave extra storage capacity during a heavy flood event. The two ash storage areas are located adjacent to the active ash basin. The ash located in these storage areas was removed from the active ash basin. The Units 1-4 inactive ash basin is located approximately 400 feet to the southeast of the retired Units 1-4 and approximately 1,300 feet to the northeast of Unit 6, adjacent to the Broad River. The Units 1-4 inactive ash basin is impounded by an earthen dike located along the north and northeast side of the basin. The waste boundary associated with the Units 1-4 inactive ash basin is approximately 14.5 acres in area. The Unit 5 inactive ash basin is located approximately 1,000 feet to the southwest of Unit 5 and approximately 1,000 feet west of Unit 6, south of the Broad River. The Unit 5 inactive ash basin is impounded by two earthen dikes located along the north and northeast sides of the basin. The waste boundary associated with the Unit 5 inactive ash basin is approximately 58 acres in area. The ash basin system has been an integral part of the Cliffside Station's wastewater treatment system, which has received inflows from the ash removal system, station yard drain sump, stormwater flows, and station wastewater. Currently, the inflows from the ash removal system and the station yard drainage basin are discharged through HDPE sluice lines into the active ash basin. The inflows are variable based on Unit 5 and Unit 6 operations. Effluent from the ash basin system is discharged from the active basin to the Broad River through a concrete discharge tower located in the northeast portion of the basin. The concrete discharge tower drains through a 42-inch RCP into a riprap-lined channel that discharges to the Broad River. The ash basin pond elevation is controlled by the use of concrete stoplogs. 2.5 Dan River Steam Station Dan River Steam Station (Dan River Station)was a coal-fired generating facility located near the town of Eden in Rockingham County, North Carolina. The three-unit station began commercial operation in 1949. All three coal-fired units, along with three oil-fired combustion turbine units, were retired in 2012 and are currently being decommissioned. Simultaneously, the Dan River Combined Cycle Station (DRCCS), a 620-megawatt natural gas-fired facility, began commercial operations on site on December 10, 2012. The Dan River site is located on the 5 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS north bank of the Dan River, and the surrounding area generally consists of undeveloped and agricultural land, the Dan River, and a small number of residential properties. The ash basin system is located adjacent to the Dan River and consists of a Primary Cell, a Secondary Cell, and associated embankments and outlet works. The ash basin is impounded by earthen dikes, and an earthen/ash divider dike separates the Primary Cell from the Secondary Cell. The Primary Cell lies at an elevation of approximately 535 feet and has a surface area of approximately 21.8 acres. The Secondary Cell lies at an elevation of approximately 527 feet and has a surface area of approximately 12.2 acres. The original ash basin was constructed in 1956 with an approximate crest elevation of 525 feet. In 1968 and 1969, the ash storage basin was expanded to cover the area occupied today. At that time, the dikes were raised to an approximate elevation of 530 feet. In 1976 and 1977, the intermediate dike was constructed to stage sluicing by subdividing the basin into a Primary Cell and Secondary Cell. The intermediate dike and new Primary Cell dikes were vertically expanded through inward dike construction, where the outward dike slope was maintained and extended upward to the dike crest. Through inward dike construction, portions of the main dike were constructed over ash. The intermediate dike was also constructed over ash. In 1980, newer dikes, referenced as the dredge dikes, were constructed north of the Primary and Secondary Cells, creating a dredge pond and two dry storage areas. Ash was dredged to the southernmost portion of the northern ash fill, and free liquids were allowed to gravity drain to the topographically lower dredge pond located between the dry storage areas. Once dewatered, ash was transported and placed dry in the two dry storage areas known as Ash Fill 1 and Ash Fill 2. The placement of ash in the ash storage areas occurred during multiple projects. The ash basin was operated as an integral part of the site's wastewater treatment system. During operation of the coal-fired units, the ash basin received variable inflows from the ash removal system, station yard drain sump, stormwater flows, and other permitted discharges. The coal ash was sluiced to the southwest corner of the Primary Cell on a variable basis (i.e., dependent on Dan River Station operations) via sluice pipes. Flow is routed from the Primary Cell to the Secondary Cell through a concrete discharge tower. Effluent from the Secondary Cell is routed to the Dan River via a concrete discharge tower located in the Secondary Cell. The water surface in both the Primary and Secondary Cells is controlled by the use of stop logs. 2.6 Marshall Steam Station Marshall Steam Station (Marshall Station) is a four-unit, coal-fired electric generating plant with a capacity of 2,090 megawatts located in Catawba County, North Carolina, near the community of Terrell. The site is located north of NC Hwy 150, east of Sherrills Ford Road and south of Island Point Road, and the surrounding area generally consists of residential properties, undeveloped land, and Lake Norman. The ash basin system consists of a single cell impounded by an earthen dike located on the southeast end of the ash basin. The ash basin system was constructed in 1965 and is located 6 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS approximately 2,000 feet northeast of the power plant. The area contained within the ash basin waste boundary is approximately 382 acres in area. The full pond elevation for the Marshall Steam Station ash basin is approximately 790 feet. The normal pond elevation of Lake Norman is approximately 760 feet. The ash basin is operated as an integral part of Marshall Steam Station's wastewater treatment system and receives inflows from the ash removal system, coal pile runoff, landfill leachate, FGD wastewater, the station yard drain sump, stormwater flows, and station wastewater. Due to variability in station operations and weather, inflows to the ash basin are highly variable. Inflows from the station to the ash basin are discharged into the northwest portion of the ash basin. The discharge from the ash basin is through a concrete discharge tower located in the eastern portion of the ash basin. The concrete discharge tower drains through a 30-inch-diameter, slip- lined corrugated metal pipe (CMP), which discharges into Lake Norman. The ash basin pond elevation is controlled by the use of concrete stop logs in the discharge tower. 2.7 Riverbend Steam Station Riverbend Steam Station (Riverbend Station) is a former coal-fired electric generating facility, which had a capacity of 454 megawatts located in Gaston County, North Carolina, near the town of Mt. Holly. As of April 1, 2013, all of the coal-fired units have been retired. The seven-unit station began commercial operation in 1929 with two units and then expanded to seven by 1954. During its final years of operation, Riverbend Station was considered a cycling station and was brought online to supplement energy supply when electricity demand was at its highest. The ash basin system consists of a Primary Cell and a Secondary Cell, separated by an intermediate dike. The ash basin at Riverbend Station 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. The Primary Cell is impounded by an earthen embankment dike, referred to as Dam #1 (Primary), located on the west side of the Primary Cell. The Secondary Cell is impounded by an earthen embankment dike, referred to as Dam#2 (Secondary), located along the northeast side of the Secondary Cell. The toe areas for both dikes are in close proximity to Mountain Island Lake. 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 Riverbend Station's wastewater treatment system, which predominantly received inflows from the ash removal system, station yard drain sump, and stormwater flows. Before Riverbend Station was retired, 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 7 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS Primary Cell. Discharge from the Primary Cell to the Secondary Cell is through a concrete discharge tower located near the divider dike. Although Riverbend 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 CMP 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. 8 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 3—SURFACE WATER SAMPLING SUMMARY Section 3 — Surface Water Sampling Summary The NPDES program regulates wastewater discharges from ash basins to surface waters to ensure that surface water quality standards are maintained. Surface water discharges are identified and evaluated to locate potential outfalls for inclusion in the permit. The NPDES permitting program requires that permits be renewed at least every five years. Routine surface water monitoring was performed in 2015 in accordance with each site's NPDES permit conditions and CAMA. Table 3-1 below summarizes the 2015 routine surface water quality sampling conducted at the seven Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC coal-fired steam stations described in Section 2. Table 3-1. Duke Energy Coal-Fired Steam Stations 2015 Surface Water Quality Sampling Station Water Quality Water Chemistry Trace Elements Allen Steam Electric Plant2 X X Fish tissues Belews Creek Steam Electric Fish tissues,sediments, Plant2 X X plankton,and macroinvertebrates Buck Steam Electric Plant3 X X Fish tissues Cliffside Steam Electric Plant2 X X Fish tissues Fish tissues, sediments, Dan River Steam Electric Plant384 X X benthic macroinvertebrates, Corbicula,and periphyton Marshall Steam Electric Plants X X Fish tissues Riverbend Steam Electric Plant2 X X Fish tissues 'Temperature,dissolved oxygen.conductivity,pH,secchi disk transparency depth(at lake stations only) 2 Total alkalinity,biological oxygen demand(Belews and Cliffside only),hardness(Allen only),dissolved organic carbon,total organic carbon(Belews,Cliffside,and Riverbend stations).total solids,total dissolved solids,total suspended solids,turbidity,and silica.Ions included aluminum,bromide(Allen and Cliffside only),chloride,sulfate,calcium,magnesium,potassium,sodium,iron, and manganese.Trace elements(total)included arsenic,barium(Riverbend only),chromium(Riverbend only),boron,cadmium, copper,copper(soluble), lead,mercury(Allen and Cliffside.Riverbend only),nickel(Riverbend only),selenium,silver(Riverbend only),and zinc.Nutrients included total phosphorus,total Kjeldahl nitrogen,nitrate-nitrite,ammonia, and orthophosphate. 'Water Quality has been collected and reported in previous years by the Yadkin Pee De River Basin Association. `Additional water chemistry constituents analyzed for Dan River include potassium,aluminum,silver,barium,beryllium,chromium, cadmium,and zinc. 5 Total dissolved solids and trace elements including arsenic,boron,cadmium,chromium,copper,copper(soluble).lead,mercury, selenium,and zinc. On February 2, 2014, Duke Energy identified a release from the Dan River station as a result of pipe failure. The release was later quantified to have contained between 30,000 and 39,000 tons of ash. Duke immediately took action in effort to cease the release, and on February 8, 2014 completed a permanent fix to the pipe that had failed. Subsequently, Duke has entered into a United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act(CERCLA) Administrative Order of Consent requiring long-term water and sediment monitoring, proper removal and disposal of coal ash, 9 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 3—SURFACE WATER SAMPLING SUMMARY and payment of EPA CERCLA response costs. Duke Energy also signed a cooperative agreement for Natural Resource Damage Assessment with the states of North Carolina and Virginia, and the United States Department of Interior. This agreement requires additional data collection and assessment, expediting restoration, and payment of the trustees' assessment and restoration costs. Duke Energy removed approximately 5,207 tons of ash and sediment from various locations. It was determined by EPA that this was effectively all of the ash that could be removed without damaging ecosystems of the Dan River. Subsequently, EPA has declared that they "do not believe human health has been impacted by this coal ash spill"and that, as of July 15, 2014, water quality in the Dan River had returned to normal. In October 2014, DEQ staff reported that aquatic insects, worms, and other invertebrates "appealed]to be thriving." In 2015, Duke Energy continued long-term water, ecological, and sediment monitoring work in accordance with the EPA CERCLA Administrative Order of Consent. 10 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 4—SURFACE WATER PROTECTION AND RESTORATION SUMMARY Section 4 — Surface Water Protection and Restoration Summary In 2015, Duke Energy identified and submitted a number of documents to comply with the CAMA requirements. Documents submitted and additional activities of note undertaken are listed below: • Revisions to NPDES permit applications and required supplemental information for seven (7) Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (DEC) coal-fired plants (Riverbend Station, Belews Creek Station, Dan River Station, Cliffside Station, Marshall Station, Allen Station, and Buck Station). • Submitted Groundwater Monitoring Program Assessments for seven (7) DEC sites. • Developed and submitted Groundwater Correction Plans for seven (7) DEC sites. • Conducted weekly and annual dam inspections. • Submitted ash basin excavation plans for two (2) DEC high-priority sites (Dan River Station and Riverbend Station). • Submitted Emergency Action Plans for high- and medium-hazard dams. • Undertook action to sample and provide water quality analysis for drinking water supply wells. • Submitted characterization of ash basin free water and ash basin interstitial water for ash basins at seven (7) DEC sites. • Sampled and submitted results for surface waters and seep locations as part of Groundwater Assessment development. • Began removal of ash from basins at Riverbend Station, Dan River Station, and Cliffside Station. • Identified potential areas of wetness in proximity to ash basins and provided information on these areas to DEQ. • Obtained NPDES permit coverage for stormwater discharges at Riverbend Station, Allen Station, Marshall Station, Cliffside Station, and Dan River Station. • Received letter applicable to three DEC facilities allowing for removal of free water (i.e., decanting) from Dan River Station, Buck Station, and Riverbend Station facilities. • Continued long-term water, ecological, and sediment monitoring work in accordance with the EPA CERCLA Administrative Order of Consent for Dan River Station. Upcoming commitments and activities related to the CAMA include: • Annual Groundwater Protection and Restoration Report. • Final Groundwater Corrective Action Report. • End stormwater discharge to impoundments at retired plants. • Close impoundments at DEC sites, Dan River Station and Riverbend Station • End stormwater discharge to impoundments at active plants. • Close basins as required by CAMA. • Develop and install new ash handling methods as ash basins are closed. 11 Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities Section 5 — Discharge Identification Status The Discharge Identification Plans submitted in September 2014 for all seven (7) DEC sites addressed the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(d), Identification and assessment of discharges; correction of unpermitted discharges. Inspection procedures developed to satisfy the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(d)were presented in these plans and used as the basis for developing the topographic map required by N.C.G.S § 130A-309.212(a)(2). These documents were submitted to DEQ on September 30, 2014 for all seven (7) DEC stations described in Section 2. In 2015, Duke Energy implemented the procedures outlined in the previously submitted Discharge Identification plans. Duke Energy Carolinas,LLC I 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Carolinas Facilities SECTION 6—DISCHARGE ASSESSMENT STATUS Section 6 — Discharge Assessment Status Duke Energy submitted the required Topographic Map and Discharge Assessment Plans to DEQ on December 30, 2014. The plan addressed the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A- 309.212(a)(2), topographic map, and (b), Assessment of Discharges from Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments to the Surface Waters of the State. The elements required in N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(a)were incorporated into the plan. These documents were submitted to DEQ on December 30, 2014 for all seven (7) stations described in Section 2. During 2016, Duke Energy provided sampling data to DEQ of potential discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments. Duke Energy participated in numerous meetings and site visits with DEQ staff, staff from EPA Region 4, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff in evaluating such potential discharges. DUKE Harry K. Sideris Senior Vice President ENERGYEnvironmental.Health&Safety 526 S. Church Street Mail Code:EC3XF Charlotte, NC 28202 (704)382-4303 January 22, 2016 Mr. Jeff Poupart Water Quality Permitting Section Chief North Carolina Division of Water Resources 1617 Mail Services Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1617 Subject: Submittal of 2015 Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress, LLC. Dear Mr. Poupart, In accordance with North Carolina General Statute 130A-309.212(e), Duke Energy is required to "...submit an Annual Surface Water Protection Report to the department no later than January 31 of each year." Duke Energy is pleased to submit the attached 2015 Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Reports for Duke Energy Progress, LLC. The attached report provides information for the following facilities: Duke Energy Progress, LLC Asheville Steam Station, Cape Fear Steam Station, H.F. Lee Energy Complex, Mayo Steam Station, Roxboro Steam Station, Weatherspoon Steam Station, L.V. Sutton Energy Complex If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact Mr. Shannon Langley at (919) 546-2439 or Shannon.Langley@duke-enerqy.com. I certify, 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 information, including the possibility of fines and imprisonment for knowing violations. Sincerely, Harry K.. Sideris SVP — Environmental, Health and Safety attachment Mr. Jeffrey Poupart DEP Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report January 22, 2015 cc: Mr. Michael Jacobs, Chairman w/attachments North Carolina Coal Ash Commission 4218 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4218 RECEIVED/NCDEQ+D'�� ' Donald van der Vaart—Secretary, NC DEQ w/attachments Jim Wells, VP, Duke Energy CCP w/attachments FEB N g %' 'n Richard Baker, via email w/attachments Water E. Shannon Langley—via email w/attachmentsQuality Permitting Section Duke Energy Progress. LLC 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report as required by N.C.G.S. § 130A- 309.212(e) January 2016 RECEIVEDINCDEQIDWR tit/tabs DUKE FEB 08 2016 ENERGY® WaterQuality PermittingQSection WatOiN Duke Energy Progress,LLC.12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities CONTENTS Contents Page Contents Section 1 - Introduction 2 Section 2- Site Background 3 2.1 Asheville Steam Electric Plant 3 2.2 Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant 3 2.3 H.F. Lee Energy Complex 4 2.4 Mayo Steam Electric Plant 5 2.5 Roxboro Steam Electric Plant 5 2.6 L.V. Sutton Energy Complex 6 2.7 Weatherspoon Plant 6 Section 3—Surface Water Sampling Summary 8 Section 4—Surface Water Protection and Restoration Summary 9 Section 5—Discharge Identification Status 10 Section 6— Discharge Assessment Status 11 Table 3-1. Duke Energy Coal-Fired Steam Stations 2015 Surface Water Quality Sampling Duke Energy Progress,LLC.I 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 1-INTRODUCTION Section 1 - Introduction The purpose of this document is to address the requirements of North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) § 130A-309.212(e), Reporting, as established by North Carolina Senate Bill 729, the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014 (CAMA), for multiple ash basin sites operated under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits as referenced herein. The following requirements are contained in N.C.G.S § 130A-309.212: (e) Reporting. —In addition to any other reporting required by the Department, the owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall submit an annual Surface Water Protection and Restoration Report to the Department no later than January 31 of each year. The Report shall include a summary of all surface water sampling, protection, and restoration activities related to the impoundrfient for the preceding year, including the status of the identification, assessment, and correction of unpermitted discharges from coal combustion residuals surface impoundments to the surface waters of the State. The owner of a coal combustion residuals surface impoundment shall also submit all information required to be submitted to the Department pursuant to this section to the Coal Ash Management Commission. CAMA establishes the submittal date of this report as no later than January 31, 2016. This report satisfies the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(e) for activities occurring in 2015 at multiple facilities with ash basin treatment units. 2 Duke Energy Progress,LLC.12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS Section 2 - Site Descriptions 2.1 Asheville Steam Electric Plant The Asheville Steam Electric Plant (Asheville Plant) is located near Asheville, in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The Asheville Plant began commercial operation in the 1960s, with additions in the 1990s and around 2000, and consists of two coal-fired units that primarily use bituminous coal. In addition to the coal-fired units, the Asheville Plant has two combustion turbines. Coal combustion residuals (CCR) have been managed in the Asheville Plant's on-site ash basins and used as beneficial fill at the nearby Asheville Regional Airport (Asheville Airport). Lake Julian was built for cooling water purposes by damming the flow of Powell Creek on the north side of the Asheville Plant. A large portion of Lake Julian borders the east side of the Asheville Plant site. Surface water from the French Broad River is also pumped into Lake Julian as a supplemental water supply. The water from the French Broad River enters a stilling area of the lake on the north side of the Asheville Plant. Heated water is discharged back into Lake Julian to the east of the Asheville Plant. The French Broad River borders the west side of the property and flows south to north. Powell Creek also flows south to north prior to formation of Lake Julian. Powell Creek flows east to west from the Lake Julian Dam to the French Broad River. The Asheville Plant and ash basins are located on the east side of 1-26 and the French Broad River where the ash management system consists of a series of basins. The original 1964 ash basin, built during Asheville Plant construction and expanded in the 1970s, is now overlain with wastewater treatment wetlands. The treatment wetlands basins are lined. The 1964 ash basin was replaced in approximately 1982 with a second ash basin, built to the south of the 1964 basin. The 1982 ash basin is now being dewatered, excavated, and transported to the Asheville Airport for structural fill. New ash, generated daily, is dewatered in concrete-lined basins located on a portion of the 1964 ash basin. The ash basin system is part of the Asheville Plant's wastewater treatment system; receiving inflows from ash transport water, coal pile runoff, storm water runoff, and various low volume wastes. The treated wastewater is permitted to discharge to the French Broad River permitted Outfall 001. A 500-foot compliance boundary circles the ash management area. 2.2 Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant The Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant (Cape Fear Plant) is located on approximately 900 acres in central North Carolina near Moncure, in Chatham County. The site is along the east bank of the Cape Fear River, southeast of Moncure and west of Corinth Road. Cape Fear Plant operations began in 1923 with additional units added from 1924 to 1969. In the most recent configuration, the Cape Fear Plant employed two coal-fired units along with four oil-fueled combustion turbine units. Ash generated from coal combustion was stored on-site in ash basins. Operations were terminated at the Cape Fear Plant in October 2012 and demolition activities are currently underway. 3 Duke Energy Progress,LLC. 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facildies SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS Five ash basins have historically been used at the Cape Fear Plant and are referenced using the date of construction: 1956, 1963, 1970, 1978, and 1985. The 1956 ash basin is located north of the former Cape Fear Plant, and the remaining ash basins are located south of the Cape Fear Plant area. The 1963 and 1970 ash basins were constructed on the west side of the Cape Fear Plant property, adjacent to the Cape Fear River. The 1978 ash basin was constructed east of and abutting the 1963 and 1970 ash basins. The 1985 ash basin was constructed east of the existing ash basins between the discharge canal and Corinth Road. The ash basins are impounded by earthen dams. A 500-foot compliance boundary encircles the ash basins. Currently, the 1956, 1963, and 1970 ash basins are dry and entirely covered with vegetation (hardwood and pine trees). A small area near the southern end of the 1970 ash basin is seasonally wet. The 1978 ash basin is partially vegetation-covered (trees and scrub), and a portion of the southern end of the ash basin retains water. The 1985 ash basin has some grass cover and ponded water in its southwest corner. All wastewater, formerly generated by the site, historically discharged to the effluent channel prior to the combined outfall. The combined outfall now contains all waste stream flows and is located in the effluent channel. Downstream of the effluent channel, the man-made canal becomes an unnamed tributary of the Cape Fear River. 2.3 H.F. Lee Energy Complex The H.F. Lee Energy Complex (Lee Plant) was a coal-fired electricity generating facility located west of Goldsboro in Wayne County, North Carolina. The Lee Plant began commercial operation in 1951. Additional coal units were added in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and four oil-fueled combustion turbine units were added in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The three coal-fired units were retired in September 2012 followed by the four oil-fueled combustion turbine units in October 2012. In December 2012, the H.F. Lee Combined Cycle Plant was brought on-line. The combined cycle plant applies two sources of energy, combustion and steam turbines, to convert natural gas to electricity. The property encompasses approximately 2,100 acres, including the ash basins, a cooling pond (located to the east of the Lee Plant operations area), and the Neuse River. Ash generated from coal combustion was conveyed to the ash basins, which include the inactive and active basins. Combined, the active and inactive ash basins encompass approximately 314 acres (171 acres for the inactive ash basins and 143 acres for the active ash basin). The inactive ash basins were built as three cells in approximately the late 1950s and early 1960s. The active ash basin was constructed in the late 1970s. Sluicing fly ash and bottom ash at the active basin was discontinued in late 2012 to early 2013 as the Lee Plant ended production of coal combustion residuals. The active basin discharges treated wastewater to the Neuse River through an NPDES permitted outfall. 4 Duke Energy Progress,LLC.12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS 2.4 Mayo Steam Electric Plant The Mayo Steam Electric Plant (Mayo Plant) is a single-unit, coal-fired electric generating facility located in Person County, North Carolina, near the city of Roxboro. The Mayo Plant became fully operational in June 1983. The Mayo Plant is located on Boston Road (US Highway 501) north of Roxboro. The northern property line extends to the North CarolinaNirginia state line. The overall topography of the Mayo Plant generally slopes toward the east (Mayo Reservoir) and northeast(Crutchfield Branch). The Mayo Plant ash basin is approximately 153 acres in size with an earthen dike. Ash generated from the Mayo Plant's coal combustion is contained in the ash basin. The ash basin was constructed and began receiving ash in 1983. The ash basin is located north of the Mayo Plant operational area and west of Mayo Lake. A former permitted landfill is located on the east side of the ash basin. The Mayo Plant NPDES permit (NC0038377) authorizes two discharges to Mayo Lake. Outfall 001 discharges cooling tower water and circulating water system discharge water. Outfall 002 is comprised of a number of streams, including internal Outfall 008 (cooling tower blowdown), internal Outfall 009 (FGD blowdown), ash transport water, coal pile runoff, and other sources, including water from wastewater treatment processes. Stormwater outfalls are also authorized for the Mayo Plant. 2.5 Roxboro Steam Electric Plant The Roxboro Steam Electric Plant (Roxboro Plant) is located in northcentral North Carolina near Semora. A large part of the Roxboro Plant property encompasses Hyco Reservoir. The Roxboro Plant is located in Person County along the east bank of Hyco Reservoir north of Roxboro, North Carolina, and west of McGhees Mill Road. The Roxboro Plant began operations in 1966. Additional units were added in 1968, 1973, and 1980. Throughout its operational history, the Roxboro Plant has used coal-fired units to produce steam. Ash generated from coal combustion is stored on-site in ash basins. Ash generated from coal combustion has been stored in on-site ash basins and a lined landfill. Ash has been sluiced to the ash basins or conveyed in its dry form to the lined landfill. Two ash basin areas have been used at the Roxboro Plant and are referenced using the date of construction and relative location: the 1966 semi-active East Ash Basin and the 1973 active West Ash Basin. The East Ash Basin is located southeast of the Roxboro Plant, and the West Ash Basin is located south of the Roxboro Plant. An unlined landfill was constructed on the East Ash Basin in the late 1980s. A lined landfill was subsequently constructed over the unlined landfill around 2004. The ash basins are impounded by earthen dams. Currently, the East Ash Basin and lined landfill are covered with vegetation (grasses and shrubs)where the landfill is not active. The West Ash Basin has some grass cover and ponded water, mostly along the southern and eastern edges of the basin. Wet ash and runoff from the 5 Duke Energy Progress,LLC.12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS East Ash Basin landfill is directed to the West Ash Basin for settling. The West Ash Basin encompasses approximately 200 acres and discharges by a permitted outfall into Hyco Lake. 2.6 L.V. Sutton Energy Complex The L.V. Sutton Energy Complex(Sutton Plant) is a former coal-fired electric generating facility located in New Hanover County, North Carolina, near the city of Wilmington. The Sutton Plant started operations in 1954. As of November 2013, all of the coal-fired units were retired when a new, natural gas-fired combined-cycle unit began operation. The facility is located north of Wilmington on the west side of Highway 421. The topography around the property is relatively gentle, generally sloping downward toward the Cape Fear River. The Sutton Plant utilizes an approximately 1,100-acre cooling pond located adjacent to the Cape Fear River. The ash management area is located adjacent to the cooling pond, north of the Sutton Plant. The Sutton Plant, cooling pond, and ash management area are located on the east side of the Cape Fear River. The ash management area is located adjacent to the cooling pond, north of the Sutton Plant. The ash management area consists of: • A former ash disposal area located south of the ash basins, on the south side of the canal; • An ash basin built in approximately 1971 (old ash basin); and • A clay-lined ash basin built in approximately 1984 (new ash basin) and located toward the northern portion of the ash management area. The ash basins are impounded by an earthen dike. The ash basin system was an integral part of the Sutton Plant's wastewater treatment system, which received inflows from the ash removal system, Sutton Plant yard drain sump, and stormwater flows. During coal-fired electric generation, inflows to the ash basins were highly variable due to the cyclical nature of operations. The Sutton Plant NPDES permit authorizes the discharge of cooling pond blowdown, recirculation cooling water, non-contact cooling water, and treated wastewater from internal Outfalls 002, 003, 004 via Outfall 001 from the cooling pond to the Cape Fear River. The 500-foot compliance boundary circles the ash basins and former ash disposal area. 2.7 Weatherspoon Plant The Weatherspoon Plant is a former coal-fired electric generating facility located in Robeson County, North Carolina, near the city of Lumberton. The Weatherspoon Plant started operations in 1949. Two additional units were added in the 1950s. Four oil-and natural gas-fueled combustion turbines were added in the 1970s. As of October 2011, all of the coal-fired units were retired. The four oil- and natural gas-fueled units continue to operate to meet peak demand. The facility is located southeast of Lumberton on the east side of North Carolina Highway 72. The topography around the property generally slopes downward toward the Lumber River. The Weatherspoon Plant utilizes an approximately 225-acre cooling pond located adjacent to the Lumber River. The ash basin is located north of the cooling pond, northeast of the Weatherspoon Plant. The Weatherspoon Plant NPDES permit(NC005363) authorizes the discharge of recirculated cooling water, ash sluice water, domestic wastewater, chemical metal 6 Duke Energy Progress,LLC. I 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 2-SITE DESCRIPTIONS cleaning water, and low volume wastewater, including reject water from a reverse osmosis water treatment unit from the cooling pond via Outfall 001 to the Lumber River under severe weather conditions and cooling pond maintenance. The Weatherspoon Plant, cooling pond, and ash basin are located on the east side of the Lumber River. The ash basin is located north of the cooling pond, northeast of the Weatherspoon Plant. The ash basin consists of approximately 65 acres. The 500-foot compliance boundary circles the ash basin. The ash basin is impounded by an earthen dike. Ash generated from coal combustion was stored on-site in the ash basin. Overflow from the ash basin drains to the northeast corner of the cooling pond. 7 Duke Energy Progress,LLC.12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 3—SURFACE WATER SAMPLING SUMMARY Section 3 — Surface Water Sampling Summary The NPDES program regulates wastewater discharges from ash basins to surface waters to ensure that surface water quality standards are maintained. Surface water discharges are identified and evaluated to locate potential outfalls for inclusion in the permit. The NPDES permitting program requires that permits be renewed at least every five years. Routine surface water monitoring was performed in 2015 in accordance with each site's NPDES permit conditions and CAMA. Table 3-1 below summarizes the 2015 routine surface water quality sampling conducted at the seven Duke Energy Progress, LLC coal-fired steam stations described in Section 2. Table 3-1. Duke Energy Coal-Fired Steam Stations 2015 Surface Water Quality Sampling Station Water Quality' Water Chemistry Trace Elements Asheville Steam Electric Plant2 X X Fish tissues Cape Fear Steam Electric Plant X X Fish tissues H.F.Lee Energy Complex X X Fish tissues Mayo Steam Electric Plant X X Fish tissues, sediment s Roxboro Steam Electric Plant2 X X Fish tissues, sediments Sutton Steam Electric Plant2 — X X Fish tissues, sediment s Weatherspoon Steam Electric X X Fish tissues Plant2 'Temperature,dissolved oxygen,conductivity.pH,secchi disk transparency depth(at lake stations only) `Total alkalinity,total dissolved solids,and turbidity.Ions included chloride,sulfate,calcium,magnesium,and sodium.Trace elements(total)included arsenic,boron(Asheville and Mayo),copper,lead(Asheville),mercury(Asheville and Mayo),and selenium.Nutrients included total phosphorus,total nitrogen,nitrate-nitrite,ammonia,and total organic carbon. 8 • Duke Energy Progress,LLC. 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 4—SURFACE WATER PROTECTION AND RESTORATION SUMMARY Section 4 — Surface Water Protection and Restoration Summary In 2015, Duke Energy identified and submitted a number of documents to comply with the CAMA requirements. Documents submitted and additional activities of note undertaken in 2015 are listed below: • Revisions to NPDES permit applications and required supplemental information for seven (7) Duke Energy Progress (DEP) coal-fired plants (Cape Fear Plant, Asheville Plant, Mayo Plant, Roxboro Plant, Lee Plant, Sutton Plant, and Weatherspoon Plant). • Submitted Groundwater Monitoring Program Assessments Sampling, Analysis, and Reporting Plans for seven (7) DEP sites. • Developed and submitted Groundwater Corrective Action plans for seven (7) DEP sites. • Conducted weekly and annual dam inspections. • Submitted ash basin excavation plans for two (2) DEP high-priority sites (Asheville Plant and Sutton Plant). • Submitted Energency Action Plans for high- and medium-hazard dams. • Undertook action to sample and provide water quality analysis of drinking water supply wells. • Submitted characterization of free water and interstitial water in ash basins for seven (7) DEP sites. • Sampled and submitted surface water and seep locations as part of Groundwater Assessment development. • Began (or continued)transport of coal ash from basins at Sutton Plant and Asheville Plant. • Announced closure of Asheville Plant's coal-fired units and replacement with natural gas-fired generation. • Obtained NPDES coverage for Sutton Plant fully authorizing ash basin dewatering to facilitate ash removal. • Identified additional potential areas of wetness in proximity to ash basins and provided information on these areas to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). • Received letter from DEQ allowing for removal of ash basin free water(i.e., decanting) from Asheville Plant, Cape Fear Plant, Lee Plant, and Weatherspoon Plant. • Received DRAFT industrial storm water permit for Asheville Plant. Upcoming commitments related to the CAMA of 2014 include: • Annual Groundwater Protection and Restoration Report • Final Groundwater Corrective Action Report • End stormwater discharge to impoundments at retired plants • Close impoundments at DEP sites Asheville and Sutton. • End stormwater discharge to impoundments at active plants • Develop and install new ash handling methods as ash basins are closed. 9 • Duke Energy Progress,LLC. 12015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 5-DISCHARGE IDENTIFICATION STATUS Section 5 — Discharge Identification Status The Discharge Identification Plans submitted in September 2014 for all seven (7) DEP sites addressed the requirements of N.C.G.S § 130A-309.212(d), Identification and assessment of discharges; correction of unpermitted discharges. Inspection procedures developed to satisfy the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(d) were presented in these plans and used as the basis for developing the topographic map required by N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(a)(2). These documents were submitted to DEQ on September 30, 2014 for all seven (7) DEP stations described in Section 2. In 2015, Duke Energy implemented the procedures outlined in the previously submitted Discharge Identification Plans. 10 • Duke Energy Progress,LLC. 2015 North Carolina Surface Water Protection and Restoration Annual Report Duke Energy Progress Facilities SECTION 6—DISCHARGE ASSESSMENT STATUS Section 6 — Discharge Assessment Status Duke Energy submitted the required Topographic Map and Discharge Assessment Plans to DEQ on December 30, 2014. The plan addressed the requirements of N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(a)(2), topographic map, and (b), Assessment of Discharges from Coal Combustion Residuals Surface Impoundments to the Surface Waters of the State. The elements required in N.C.G.S. § 130A-309.212(a) were incorporated into the plan. These documents were submitted to DEQ on December 30, 2014 for all seven (7) DEP stations described in Section 2. During 2016, Duke Energy provided sampling data to DEQ of potential discharges from coal combustion residual surface impoundments. Duke Energy participated in numerous meetings and site visits with DEQ staff, staff from EPA Region 4, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff in evaluating such potential discharges.