PUBLIC NOTICE
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURE PLAN FOR DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS’ ALLEN POWER STATION IN GASTON COUNTY
CLOSURE PLANS SUMMARY
Duke Energy Carolinas, 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 13.5 million tons of coal ash from the Active Ash Basin, Retired Ash Basin, and structural fills DORS No. 1 and DORS No. 2. The ash will be removed to a new lined landfill located within the footprint of the Active Ash Basin. The proposed closure plan estimates landfill construction and excavation for the first disposal cell of the landfill will begin in 2021. CCR excavation will be completed in 2034 with final landfill closure in 2035. The proposed closure plan is currently under review by department staff. A copy of the proposed closure plan for Allen may be reviewed at the Gaston County Health Department, Gaston 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 19, 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: allencomments@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 Allen Power Station in Gaston County will start at 6 p.m. on February 27 at Stuart Cramer High School, 101 Lakewood Road, Belmont, N.C. 28012. Speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.