TVA seeks public input on proposed changes to ash storage at Bull Run
The Tennessee Valley Authority is proposing changes to plans for closure of a coal ash storage area and wastewater treatment at its Bull Run Fossil Plant near Clinton, Tennessee.
TVA is asking the public to comment on those revisions in a draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment issued on April 22.
That document is available at tva.com/nepa.
The revised draft SEA will consider the potential environmental impacts of several alternatives for closure of the main ash impoundment.
The project would include turning a portion of the impoundment into a temporary process water basin during construction of a permanent basin for wastewater and storm water at the site.
The current stilling pond would be closed, with ash removed to an existing onsite landfill, and turned into the permanent process water basin.
TVA proposes this interim action to close the main ash impoundment in place with a temporary cover until a permanent solution is approved by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.
A cap and cover closure system is pending review by TDEC.
These plans are subject to TDEC approval and change based on the outcome of an Environmental Investigation Plan under way through a TDEC order.
Details of that plan are available at tva.com/BullRunEIP.
Comments will be accepted through May 13, 2019 and can be submitted online at tva.com/nepa, by email to arfarless@tva.gov, and in writing to Ashley Farless, NEPA Specialist, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market Street, BR2C-C, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Please note that any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
This is a proposed temporary solution for handling of process water, and is not intended to be a final decision on the main ash impoundment.
TVA is still conducting an environmental investigation at Bull Run, under a TDEC order, that will help guide the outcome of any decisions made on all CCR at Bull Run, according to TVA public relations spokesperson Scott Brooks.