The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will host a public hearing on Monday, June 21 on a draft permit modification for the Duke Energy Belews Creek Steam Station. The proposed modification includes the ash handling and hauling activities required for the excavation and closure of the coal ash impoundment. The excavated coal combustion residuals will be placed in a new lined landfill located onsite at 3195 Pine Hall Road in Walnut Cove, North Carolina.
The Department approved the coal ash impoundment closure plan for the Belews Creek Facility on August 17, 2020. The closure by excavation is consistent with the 2020 Settlement Agreement and signed Consent Order between DEQ, community and environmental groups, and Duke Energy. Members of the public are invited to attend online or by phone and provide their comments on the proposed permit.
If you wish to speak at the public hearing, you must register by June 21 at 4 p.m. To register, please visit: https://bit.ly/3fkzbDz or call (919) 618-0968.
For those who are unable to attend or who experience technical difficulties, comments can also be submitted by email to DAQ.publiccomments@ncdenr.gov with the subject line ["Duke Belews.21A"] You may also leave a voicemail comment at (919) 707-8726. Comments will be accepted until June 23, 2021 at 5 p.m.
The draft permit, draft permit review, environmental justice draft report and other closure plan documents can be found here.