PUBLIC NOTICE
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURE PLAN FOR DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS’ BUCK POWER STATION IN ROWAN COUNTY
CLOSURE PLANS SUMMARY
Duke Energy Progress, LLC submitted a proposed 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 proposed closure plan describes the excavation and removal of an estimated 6.7 million tons of coal ash from the Primary Basin, Secondary Basin, Additional Primary Basin and Additional Primary Basin Dry Stack. 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 proposed closure plan estimates that that STAR Technology facility construction will be completed in 2020, CCR excavation be completed in 2029, and final site restoration finished in 2030. The proposed closure plan is currently under review by department staff. A copy of the proposed closure plan for Buck may be reviewed at the Rowan County Health Department, Rowan 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 proposed closure plan. All comments received by March 16, 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: rowancomments@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 by a public hearing to record public comment. The public session for the Buck Power Station in Rowan County will start at 6 p.m. on February 24 at North Rowan High School, 300 N Whitehead Ave., Spencer, N.C. 28159. Speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.