U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Eden NC Coal Ash Spill - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
|
|
Subject:
|
POLREP #3
Coal Ash Assessments continue on the Dan River
Eden NC Coal Ash Spill
B41W
Eden, NC
Latitude: 36.4878601 Longitude: -79.7189733
|
|
To:
|
|
|
From:
|
Kevin Eichinger, Region 4 OSC, Perry Gaughan, Region 4 OSC, Myles Bartos, Region 3 OSC
|
|
Date:
|
3/18/2014
|
|
Reporting Period:
|
March 9 through March 15th, 2014
|
|
1. Introduction
|
|
|
1.1 Background
|
|
|
|
|
Site Number: |
B41W |
|
Contract Number: |
|
|
D.O. Number: |
|
|
Action Memo Date: |
|
|
Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
|
Response Type: |
Emergency |
|
Response Lead: |
PRP |
|
Incident Category: |
Removal Assessment |
|
NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
|
Operable Unit: |
|
|
Mobilization Date: |
2/3/2014 |
|
Start Date: |
2/3/2014 |
|
Demob Date: |
|
|
Completion Date: |
|
|
CERCLIS ID: |
|
|
RCRIS ID: |
|
|
ERNS No.: |
1073018, 1073040 |
|
State Notification: |
|
|
FPN#: |
|
|
Reimbursable Account #: |
|
NOTE: Fifteen (15) Situation Reports (SITTEPS) were generated for the reporting period beginning February 3, 2014 through February 21, 2014. The SITREPS can be found at http://epaosc.org/site/doc_list.aspx?site_id=9065. Future response updates will be transmitted via Pollution Reports (POLREPS) using the established POLREP distribution process.
1.1.1 Incident Category
Emergency Response, Inactive Facility
1.1.2 Site Description
The Dan River Steam Station is a decommissioned coal-fired electric generation plant operated by Duke-Energy. The plant is located in Eden, NC adjacent to the Dan River. Duke-Energy began decommissioning the plant in 2012 when a new natural gas-fired electric generation facility was brought on-line. The main powerhouse building and two wet coal ash storage impoundments remain along with ancillary structures. Two dry coal ash storage landfills also remain on-site.. The two ash impoundments (primary and secondary) contain a total of approximately 1.2 million tons of coal ash.
1.1.2.1 Background and Description of Threat
While conducting a routine security inspection at approximately 1500 hrs on February 2, 2014, security officials at the Duke Energy Plant located in Eden, North Carolina noticed a drop in the levels of the primary coal ash pond. Duke Energy's Environmental Division conducted a subsequent inspection and identified a coal ash release into the Dan River through a storm sewer management pipe. The pipe runs beneath the coal ash pond and drains rainfall off the facility. The pipe is not part of the ash management system. Initial efforts by Duke Energy to stop the flow were unsuccessful, and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) was notified of the release later in the day on February 2, 2014. Upon responding to the scene, NCDENR notified the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 and requested EPA assistance in the oversight of cleanup activities. Following coordination with the EPA Region 4 Telephone Duty Officer, two On-Scene Coordinators (OSC)s were deployed to the scene from Atlanta, Georgia. Due to proximity and the potential for cross-regional impacts, an OSC was deployed from EPA Region 3 to provide additional assessment and oversight support. Region 4 OSC's Eichinger and Negron arrived just after midnight on 02/04/2014. EPA is currently in Unified Command with Duke Energy and NCDENR and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ). EPA Region 4 Science and Ecological Support Division (SESD) personnel are also assisting with the response.
Duke Energy reported that 50,000 – 82,000 tons (60,000 – 100,000 Cubic Yards) of coal ash and 27 million gallons of coal ash contaminated water was released to the Dan River. This estimate was later updated to 30,000 - 39,000 tons of coal ash after a third party Engineering Firm completed an engineering study and analysis.
There are two ash ponds (primary and secondary) that contain a total of approximately 1.2 million tons of coal ash.The source of the release was a damaged 48" storm sewer line extending under the primary ash pond.The dike wall on the river side of the primary ash pond was undamaged and completely intact. The dike wall on the plant side of the ash pond was eroded and compromised, but did not release material.
On February 6, 2014, a 27' concrete plug was installed in outfall of the 48" storm sewer line that completely ceased the coal ash and coal ash water release to the Dan River.
On February 14, EPA and NCDENR identified a second storm sewer line extending under the primary ash basin as a potential source of an additional release from the ash basin. On February 18, 2014, Duke Energy was ordered to immediately halt unauthorized discharges of groundwater from this second 36-inch concrete storm water pipe after sample results indicated that this line was releasing water that contained elevated levels of arsenic.This line was sealed with a 40-foot section of concrete on February 21, 2014.
A third storm water outfall to the Dan River, up-river from the release locations was sampled and the preliminary results have been received. NC DENR is reviewing the current NPDES Permit and evaluating this discharge.
EPA has been collecting water quality and sediment samples at the spill source and multiple locations upstream and downstream from the spill site. Sampling locations include both raw water intakes and finished potable water at the Danville, South Boston and Clarksville Drinking Water Treatment Plants. To date, none of the finished water samples have shown any detections above Federal Maximum Contaminant Levels. Sample results and sample location maps can be found at http://epa.gov/region04/duke-energy/.
NCDNER and VADEQ has also been conducting water quality samples at the spill source and multiple locations upstream and downstream from the spill site. Both organizations are also collection fish tissue samples.
1.1.2.1 Removal Site Inspection
Duke Energy reported that 50,000 – 82,000 tons (60,000 – 100,000 Cubic Yards) of coal ash and 27 million gallons of coal ash contaminated water was released to the Dan River. This estimate was later updated to 30,000 - 39,000 tons of coal ash. Coal ash deposits in the river vary from up to 6 feet at the storm drain outfall to a few inches down-river. The majority of the coal ash appears to have deposited between the release location and the City of Danville Dam, approximately 20 river miles for the release site. Initial water quality monitoring and sampling indicated elevated metals concentrations that exceeded State water quality standards and EPA Removal Screening Levels.
|
|
2. Current Activities
|
|
|
2.1 Operations Section
|
|
|
|
2.1.1 Narrative
The following activities occurred during this reporting period:
Coal Ash Sediment Assessments - Duke Energy continued coal ash deposit assessments of the Dan River near Danville on Wednesday, March 12th. These assessments will likely continue for the next few weeks to map out areas for possible coal ash removal. US Fish and Wildlife continues to evaluate areas upstream of the Schoolfield Dam for endangered species concerns. Future operations will center on Dan River assessments and removal operations over the near future and be centered in Danville because of ease of access to the river. The area of ash deposit is estimated at 350 yards by 50 yards. The thickness varies from trace amounts to thirteen inches. START and Duke Energy also visually assessed the mudflats in Kerr Reservoir. US ACOE reported that this was a natural deposition area in the Kerr Reservior. It was unclear if the sediments contained ash. START had collected samples of this area, data packages with full results are due Monday, 3/17.
Sand Mining Area Assessments – Duke and EPA assessed three areas in the Dan River where sand mining occurs (Danville and South Boston areas). No coal ash was immediately visible in any of these areas. However, the river flow was high and future assessments may be warranted.
Disposition of the 48" and 36" storm water pipes - For safety reasons, Duke is electing to simply remove the remaining sections of ungrouted 48" and 36" storm water pipes currently located under the primary ash basin. Plans to remove the entire coal ash basins and close the impoundments were reportedly submitted to North Carolina before March 15th. Approximately a 400 foot section of the 48" pipe and a 500 foot section of the 36" pipe remain un-grouted under the primary ash basin.
Storm Water Management - With the closure of two major storm water pipes which divert rain event water around the ash basins, a large quantity of storm water is being diverted to the primary ash basin tower which flows to the secondary ash basin. Dukes NPDES permit at the secondary ash basin continues to handle a large quantity of storm water from the site.
Surface Water, Sediment and Drinking Water Sampling - START continues sampling support which was scaled back to one day a week and episodic WTP sampling based on high turbidity events. VADEQ and NCDNR have also scaled back to once per week on surface and drinking water samples. VADEQ fish tissue data was received and distributed. START is currently validating, managing and posting sample data as it is received from the laboratory.
Wednesday, March 12th - Duke's Director of Water Quality and Environmental Services conducted a weekly meeting of all federal, state and local stakeholders to discuss short term goals and operations, water sampling and sediment data to date and long term ecological assessments and goals.
VaDEQ Fish Study - during the stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, March 12th, VaDEQ stated that during its fish sampling effort two weeks ago of 18 species collected near the Schoolfield Dam in Danville, Va, no significant levels of arsenic or metals were found above background levels in fish tissue. VaDEQ considers this sampling a background sampling event for future fish studies this spring/summer.
NC DNR Water Quality- conducted an extensive review of all storm water and discharge pipes at the Duke Energy Eden NC facility on Thursday, March 13th. A similar inspection of the Duke Belews Creek Facility was conducted on Tuesday, March 11th.
Drinking Water Treatment Plants Status and Sampling
Danville, South Boston, and Clarksville WTPs continue to monitor the situation and report any problems. EPA will develop a step by step SOP for sample collection and provide it to each of the WTPs for the episodic sampling events. The plants report no problems with removing the increased sediment, and there is no impact to the finished water. No impacts to drinking water have been reported any of the water treatment facilities. The EPA Region 3 OSCs continue to communicate with downstream WTPs, Virginia Department of Health, and Virginia Department of Emergency Management. START is currently validating, managing and posting EPA sample data as it is received from the laboratory.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
Duke Energy is the Potentially Responsible Party
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
| Waste Stream |
Medium |
Quantity |
Manifest # |
Treatment |
Disposal |
| Coal Ash |
Solid/Liquid |
~22 CU. FT. |
N/A |
N/A |
Returned to the Coal Ash Basin |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.2 Planning Section
|
|
|
|
2.2.1 Anticipated Activities
Continue to develop, refine and implement river ash removal plans.
Review surface and drinking water sample data provided by NCDENR, VADEQ and Duke-Energy.
Continue to engage and include all response partners.
Continue to review, validate and post EPA sample data to the Site Website.
Continue to develop and release site fact sheets.
Keep the community informed through fact sheets and State/Local contacts.
2.2.1.1 Planned Response Activities
Implement coal ash removal plans at the Schoolfield Dam.
Coordinate a conference call with State/Local Public Health and Department of Ag with EPA Risk Assessors to discuss EPA sample results and potential impacts to livestock and crop irrigation.
Attend a Public Information Session at the City Danville City Hall. The session will be led by Virginia DEQ.
Attend Danville's "Coal Ash Advisory Group" meeting to provide an update on response actions.
|
|
|
2.3 Logistics Section
|
|
|
|
Data management personnel resources being evaluated.
Two US Coast Guard Gulf Coast Strike Team Members will mobilize to the site with boats to assist with oversight and response operations.
|
|
|
2.4 Finance Section
|
|
|
|
No information available at this time.
|
|
|
2.5 Other Command Staff
|
|
|
|
2.5.1 Safety Officer
Duke-Energy, with EPA oversight, is providing safety officers and assistant safety officers.
2.5.2 Liaison Officer
The EPA Region 4 Office of External Affairs continues to be actively engaged in fulfilling information requests in coordination with external affairs programs in EPA Region 3 and EPA Headquarters.
2.5.3 Information Officer
Public
Information and Community Involvement
The EPA Region 3 and 4 Community Involvement
Coordinators (CIC) are engaged with Duke Energy developing site-specific
information updates to inform the community of on-going activities. Community briefing were held in Danville, VA, Eden, NC and the South Boston, VA. While
public outcry over the spill is understandably high, the sessions were
generally well-received, and EPA collected questions from the public to
generate an FAQ sheet. EPA Region
4 continues to share validated sampling results with our response partners. Validated data is prepared for public
release in coordination with the Region 4 Regional Emergency Operations Center,
Region 4 Office of External Affairs, and EPA Headquarters on the incident-specific
website. Duke and NCDENR analytical results are
posted on their websites.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has scheduled a Public Information Session at the City of Danville City Hall on Tuesday, 3/18. EPA OSC's will attend the meeting.
|
|
3. Participating Entities
|
|
|
3.1 Unified Command
EPA Region 3 and 4
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Duke Energy
3.2 Cooperating Agencies
US Fish and Wildlife
US Army Corp of Engineers
North Carolina Health and Human Services
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
North Carolina Office of Emergency Management
North Carolina, Rockingham County Department of Health and Human Services
City of Eden, NC
Dan River Basin Association
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Virginia Department of Health
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
City of Danville, VA
Town of South Boston, VA
Town of Clarksville, VA
Virginia Halifax County
|
|
4. Personnel On Site
|
|
|
1 Region 4 On-Scene Coordinators
1 Region 3 On-Scene Coordinators
4 Superfund Technical Assistance Response Team Members
2 Community Involvement Coordinators (CIC) - providing support from the Regional Offices
|
|
5. Definition of Terms
|
|
|
- OSC - On-Scene Coordinator
- CIC - Community Involvement Coordinator
- SESD - Science and Ecological Support Division
- PRP - Potential Responsible Party
- VADEQ - Viginia Department of Environmental Quality
- NCDENR - North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
- EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
- WTP - Water (drinking) Treatment Plant
- ACOE - Army Corp of Engineers
- USCG - United States Coast Guard
- NPDES - National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit Program
|
|
6. Additional sources of information
|
|
|
6.1 Internet location of additional information/report
6.2 Reporting Schedule
Pollution Reports (POLREPS) will be transmitted using the established distribution process. The distribution frequency of POLREPS will vary based on the operational needs of the emergency response.
|
|
7. Situational Reference Materials
|
|
|
No information available at this time.
|
|
|
