U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
POLLUTION/SITUATION REPORT
Eden NC Coal Ash Spill - Removal Polrep
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region IV
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Subject:
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POLREP #4
Coal Ash Assessments continue on the Dan River
Eden NC Coal Ash Spill
B41W
Eden, NC
Latitude: 36.4878601 Longitude: -79.7189733
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To:
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From:
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Kevin Eichinger, Region 4 OSC, Perry Gaughan, Region 4 OSC, Myles Bartos, Region 3 OSC
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Date:
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3/24/2014
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Reporting Period:
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March 16th through March 22nd, 2014
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1. Introduction
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1.1 Background
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Site Number: |
B41W |
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Contract Number: |
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D.O. Number: |
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Action Memo Date: |
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Response Authority: |
CERCLA |
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Response Type: |
Emergency |
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Response Lead: |
PRP |
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Incident Category: |
Removal Assessment |
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NPL Status: |
Non NPL |
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Operable Unit: |
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Mobilization Date: |
2/3/2014 |
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Start Date: |
2/3/2014 |
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Demob Date: |
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Completion Date: |
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CERCLIS ID: |
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RCRIS ID: |
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ERNS No.: |
1073018, 1073040 |
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State Notification: |
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FPN#: |
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Reimbursable Account #: |
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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.
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2. Current Activities
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2.1 Operations Section
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2.1.1 Narrative
The following activities occurred during this reporting period:
Coal Ash Assessments: Continued assessments were conducted from Milltown to South Boston (Friday) and Danville to Milton (Saturday).
Coal Ash Mitigation: On Monday the team met and discussed initial plans for coal ash recovery at the Schoolfield Dam and at the South Boston and Danville Water Treatment Plants (WTP). At the request of the WTP, Duke-Energy will remove the coal ash contaminated treatment sediments. It is estimated that the WTP sediments will be collected started as early as late next week. Hydraulic dredging in the Dan River at the Schoolfield Dam is planned to start by April 15th pending review of the plans by the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE). EPA is planning to coordinate a public availability session in the Town Danville to discuss the dredging operation.
Mussel Habitat Assessment: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Duke-Energy,
United States Coast Guard (USCG), EPA Superfund Technical Assistance Response Team (START) visually assessed areas of the Dan River for impacted mollusks and other aquatic life. The team conducted ponar grabs along the identified
area of ash recovery upstream from the Schoolfield Dam. Additional assessments were completed up river at the sand dredging
operations. Official findings to be reported soon. The team also assessed the Dan Danville Park where reports
of ‘millions’ of dead clams were reported along the river banks. While onsite, it
was determined by VDGIF that the clam shell deposits, opened and relatively
neatly piled, were caused by feeding muskrats and raccoons.
Surface Water Sampling: Surface water split sampling
continued on Thursday with Duke-Energy and START. START continues to validate, manage and post EPA sample data as it is received from the laboratory.
Public Meeting: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) hosted a
public meeting with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and VDGIF in Danville to discuss VA involvement in the response and
to answer questions from the public on Tuesday, March 18th. EPA was in attendance.
Virginia Governor and Director of VDEQ Visits: The Governor of Virginia tour the Danville WTP and spoke with officials from the Town of Danville on Tuesday, March 18th. The Director of VDEQ also toured the release site and met with the On-Scene Coordinators (OSC).
Danville Coal Ash Advisory Group: EPA, VDEQ,
and VDH attended a meeting with the Danville Advisory Group on Thursday evening
to provide them with a summary of actions to date and a brief comparison of
this spill to the TVA spill. The group was formed by the City of Danville
to have a “third” party review information, aid in the interpretation and
messaging of the data to the public.
Weekly Planning Meeting: On Wednesday March 19th, the weekly meeting of all federal, state and local stakeholders was held. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss short term goals and operations, water sampling and sediment data to date and long term ecological assessments and goals. At the request of the State and Local stakeholder, Remedial Project Manager (RPM) Craig Zeller presented on the TVA Kingston Fly Ash Spill.
State Agriculture and Veterinarian Coordination Meeting: On Wednesday March 19th, On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) Eichinger and Technical Services Support (TSS) Chief Adams coordinated a conference call with representatives from the Departments of Agriculture and Veterinarian Services from the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Discussed the EPA surface water and the river sediment sample results related to
farm animal exposure and crop irrigation so they can develop their messages and recommendations to the farming community/stakeholders.
Boat Ramp Project: Duke-Energy is constructing a new boat ramp on-site to facilitate safety access to the Dan River for their operations as well as EPA/State Operations. During the excavation, a excavator damaged an old, abandoned drainage line. The line contained old stagnant water that was release to the Dan River. Duke-Energy made the necessary notifications to North Carolina Department of Natural Environment and Natural Resources. Surface Water sampling was conducted after the release.
Coal Ash Dust Mitigation: Duke-Energy began spraying a
dust suppression cover (Eco-Green) on the coal ash impoundment to minimize any coal ash from
becoming airborne.
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 |
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2.2 Planning Section
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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 and the WTPs
Attend Danville's "Coal Ash Advisory Group" meeting to provide an update on response actions.
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2.3 Logistics Section
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Secure access to the Town of Danville Park near the Schoolfield Dam.
Secure temporary office space in the City of Danville.
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2.4 Finance Section
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No information available at this time.
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2.5 Other Command Staff
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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.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) hosted a public meeting with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and VDGIF in Danville to discuss VA involvement in the response and to answer questions from the public. on Tuesday, March 18th. EPA was in attendance.
The Governor of Virginia tour the Danville WTP and spoke with officials from the Town of Danville on Tuesday, March 18th. The Director of VDEQ also toured the release site and met with the On-Scene Coordinators (OSC).
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3. Participating Entities
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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
US Coast Guard
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
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4. Personnel On Site
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1 Region 4 On-Scene Coordinators
1 Region 3 On-Scene Coordinators
4 Superfund Technical Assistance Response Team Members
3 US Coast Guard Gulf Strike Team Members
2 Community Involvement Coordinators (CIC) - providing support from the Regional Offices
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5. Definition of Terms
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- OSC - On-Scene Coordinator
- CIC - Community Involvement Coordinator
- SESD - Science and Ecological Support Division
- PRP - Potential Responsible Party
- VDEQ - Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- NCDENR - North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
- EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
- WTP - Water (drinking) Treatment Plant
- USACE - United States Army Corp of Engineers
- USCG - United States Coast Guard
- NPDES - National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit Program
- USFWS - United States Fish and Wildlife Services
- VDGIF - Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
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6. Additional sources of information
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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.
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7. Situational Reference Materials
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No information available at this time.
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