NCDEQ Request for Public Comment on Modification to Coal Ash Impoundment Closure Plan for Duke Energy Carolinas' Allen Power Station in Gaston County

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PUBLIC NOTICE

N.C. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON MODIFICATION TO COAL ASH IMPOUNDMENT CLOSURE PLAN FOR DUKE ENERGY CAROLINAS’ ALLEN POWER STATION IN GASTON COUNTY
 

CLOSURE PLAN SUMMARY

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC submitted a modification to coal combustion residuals (CCR) impoundment closure plan on July 31, 2023. The closure plan describes the excavation and removal of an estimated 19.42 million tons of coal ash from the Active Ash Basin, Retired Ash Basin, and structural fills DORS No. 1 and DORS No. 2. The modified plan requests that ash be removed to (4) four lined landfills rather than (3) three landfills as originally approved by the Department of Environmental Quality on October 27, 2020. Closure activities have begun at the facility. Dewatering activities are continuing. The North Starter Landfill is constructed and operational. The South Starter Landfill is under construction. The Ash Basin Landfill and the newly proposed Canal Road Landfill are pending final design and permitting. CCR excavation will be completed in 2034 with final landfill closure in 2035. The revised closure plan is currently under review by department staff. A copy of the revised closure plan for Allen may be reviewed online at: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/key-issues/coal-ash-excavation.


PUBLIC COMMENTS

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the modified closure plan. All comments received by December 19, 2024 will be considered in determining whether the modified 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@deq.nc.gov.