Public Hearing on NCDEQ Request for Public Comment on Draft Coal Ash Pond Closure Plan for Duke Energy Progress' Weatherspoon Power Station in Robeson County

3268 S Robeson Rd Rowland NC 28383

PUBLIC NOTICE
N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT COAL ASH POND CLOSURE PLAN FOR DUKE ENERGY PROGRESS’ WEATHERSPOON POWER PLANT IN ROBESON 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 1.7 million tons of coal ash from the 1979 Ash Basin.  The ash will be removed and transported by truck to two cement production facilities in South Carolina (Holly Hill and Harleyville).   CCR excavation is estimated to be completed in 2028, and final site restoration completed in 2029.  The proposed closure plan is currently under review by department staff.  A copy of the proposed closure plan for Weatherspoon may be reviewed at the Robeson County Health Department, Robeson 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 5, 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: weatherspooncomments@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 Weatherspoon Power Plant in Robeson County will start at 6 p.m. on February 13 at South Robeson Intermediate School, 3268 S Robeson Rd, Rowland, N.C. 28383.  Speaker registration will begin at 5:30 p.m.