NCDEQ Request for Public Comment on Draft Coal Ash Pond Closure Plan for Duke Energy Progress' Cape Fear Power Station in Chatham County

PUBLIC NOTICE
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT COAL ASH POND CLOSURE PLAN FOR DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS’ CAPE FEAR POWER STATION IN CHATHAM COUNTY

CLOSURE PLANS SUMMARY
Duke Energy Progress, LLC submitted a proposed draft coal combustion residuals (CCR) impoundment closure plan to the Department of Environmental Quality on the December 31, 2019 deadline, as required by the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA).  The draft closure plan describes the complete excavation and removal of an estimated 5.7 million tons of coal ash from the 1956 Ash Basin, 1963 Ash Basin, 1970 Ash Basin, 1978 Ash Basin and 1985 Ash Basin.  The ash will be removed and beneficiated with the STAR Technology process.  STAR Technology is a thermal process that reduces the amount of unburnt carbon in the ash, transforming it into a high-quality product for use in the concrete industry.  The draft closure plan estimates that the STAR Technology facility construction will be complete in 2021, CCR excavation be complete in 2029, and final site restoration in 2029.  The proposed closure plan is currently under review by department staff.  A copy of the proposed closure plan for Cape Fear may be reviewed at the Chatham County Health Department, Chatham County Public Library or online at: https://deq.nc.gov/news/key-issues/coal-ash-excavation.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft proposed closure plan. All comments received by March 4, 2020 will be considered in determining whether the plan will be approved by the state.  Written comments may be submitted to: Louise Hughes, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, Attn: Louise Hughes 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C., 27699-1601.  Public comments may also be submitted by email to: capefearcomments@ncdenr.gov.  

PUBLIC MEETING

In accordance with state law, the department will hold a public meeting and hearing (“public session”) in each county where the coal ash facilities are located.  The public session will start with a meeting to provide information and answer questions immediately followed a public hearing to record public comment.  The public session for the Cape Fear Power Station in Chatham County will start at 6 p.m. on February 12 at the Chatham County Agriculture and Conference Center, 1192 US-64 Business, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.  Speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.