The The cleaning of the fecal mud spills from the TVA Kingston Fossil Plant took place just before 1 am on Monday 22 December 2008, when the ash embankment broke out on 84-acre (0.34 km 2 ) containment area solid waste at the Fossil Kingston Museum at the Kingston Valley Authority in Roane County, Tennessee. 1.1 billion US gallons (4.200.000 m 3 ) coal fly ash is released. The coal-fired power plant, located across the Clinch River from Kingston city, uses a pond to dry fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion, which is then stored in wet form in dredging cells. The porridge (a mixture of fly ash and water) crosses the Emory River and the Goose embry, to the opposite shore, covering up to 300 hectares (1.2 km 2 ) of the surrounding land. , destroying homes and flowing up and down rivers in nearby waters such as the Emory and Clinch Rivers (a tributary of the Tennessee River). This is the biggest fly ash release in US history.
Video Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill
Detail
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initially estimated that the spill releases 1.7 million cubic yards (1.3 million mÃ,³) of mud, which is gray. After the air survey, official estimates more than tripled to 5.4 million cubic meters (4 million mÃ, ³) on December 25, 2008. The spill covered the surrounding soil with 1.8 m (1.8 m) mud. The first EPA estimates that the spill will take four to six weeks to be cleaned; However, Chandra Taylor, a staff attorney for the South Environmental Law Center, said cleaning could take months and possibly years. In June 2009, six months after the spill, only 3% of the spill was cleaned and is now estimated to cost between $ 675 and $ 975 million to be cleaned, according to TVA.
The 84-acre (0.34Ã, km 2 ) is not outlined above the soil of filling ashes, which is 60 feet (18 m) above the ash pool and 74 feet (23 m) above season level cold Emory River, 741 feet (226 m) above sea level, contains fly ash mud generated by coal combustion finely ground in steam power plants. Fly ash is a fine particulate pollutant produced by coal combustion, which is collected rather than allowing them to escape into the atmosphere, then mixed with water so they can be pumped into a retaining pond. As the particle settles, it is dried to dry the cell. The dredger is surrounded by a 60-foot (18 m) tall wall, which has twice leaked since 2002. Although the soil around the power plant is largely rural than settlement, the spill caused a wave of water and ash mud covering 12 houses, pushing each other from its foundation, making the three uninhabitable, and causing some damage to 42 residential properties. It also clears the road, breaks the main gas line, blocks the railroad tracks, cuts down trees, damages waterways, and destroys power lines. Although 22 residences were evacuated, no one was reportedly injured or needed hospitalization. It is the largest coal-related mud spill in US history, more than three times the size of the Martin 2000 mud slush, which shed 306 million tonnes of US (1.160.000 m 3 ) coal waste liquid. 1.1 billion billion gallons (4,200,000 m 3 ) of mud is enough to fill 1,660 Olympic-size swimming pools, and the volume released is about 101 times larger than the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 (1.1 billion/10.9 million = 100.9). On December 23, 2008, a TVA spokesman, Gil Francis Jr., stated that, at the time of the spill, the area contained about 2.6 million cubic meters (2.2 million mÃ,³) of ash, and two thirds of which had been released , which will later be found to cover an area of ​​300 acres (1.2 km 2 ). The New York Times notes that the amount of spills is greater than the amount stated in the pond before the spill, an unexplainable mismatch of TVA. The affected containment area is one of three; the other two remain intact, while only a retaining wall for a solid waste disposal area of ​​84 acres (0.34 km).
The spill killed a number of "unusual" fish, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Although residents are afraid of water contamination, the initial six-mile (10 km) water test in the upstream of the ash stream indicates that public water supplies meet drinking water standards. River water testing near the spill shows increased levels of lead and thallium, and an "almost undetectable level of mercury and arsenic". On January 1, 2009, the first independent test results, conducted in the Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry laboratory at Appalachian State University, showed significant increases in toxic metals (including arsenic, copper, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, nickel, and thallium) in samples of slurry and river water.
The Kingston Fossil Plant received a total of 6.48 inches (16.46 cm) of rain between December 1 and December 22, plus 1.16 inches (2.95 cm) on 29 and 30 November. This rain combined with 12 Â ° F (-11%). Â ° C) temperatures identified by TVA as factors that contribute to the failure of the embankment. The October 2008 inspection report has identified a "small leak" on the damaged wall, but the report has not been completed. Locals say that the spill was not a unique occurrence; The 1960s pool has been observed to leak, and is being repaired, almost annually since 2001. A TVA press release confirmed that there were two previous seepage cases, in 2003 and 2006.
Maps Kingston Fossil Plant coal fly ash slurry spill
Response
TVA spokesman, Gil Francis Jr. said that TVA "took steps to stabilize the runoff from this incident." Responding to a video showing dead fish in the Clinch River, which has received runoff from the spill, it states "in terms of toxicity, until the analysis comes, you can not call it poisonous." He goes on to say that "it does have some heavy metal in it, but it's not poisonous or anything." Chandra Taylor, a lawyer from the Southern Environmental Law Center, called the statement irresponsible, stating that coal fly ash contains concentrated concentrations of mercury, arsenic and benzene. He added, "These things happen naturally, but they concentrate in the burning process and the rest are more toxic than started." Nevertheless, due to the pressure imposed in 2000 by the utility, coal industry, and Clinton administration officials, fly ash is not strictly regulated as a toxic pollutant by the EPA. Residents and environmental groups expressed concern that the fly ash mud could become more dangerous after drying, but has not received information about this from TVA. On January 1, 2009, TVA distributed a fact sheet stating that the ashes were "harmless."
Meanwhile, the EPA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation are awaiting the results of soil and water testing to assess their responses, while the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency suggests that a barrier will be built to stop ashes from reaching the Tennessee River. At the beginning of December 24, 2008, a flyover by The New York Times performed a record-keeping work done on the nearest railroad track, which had been blocked when 78,000 cubic meters (60,000 m 3 ) from a mud-covered track. In the afternoon, dump trucks are used to store rocks into the Clinch River to prevent further downstream contamination. TVA also slows streams, for the same purpose. The cleansed porridge from Swan Pond Road is brought back to one of the intact cropping ponds. On December 30, 2008, TVA has announced asking for help from the Army Engineer Corps to dredge the ash-filled Emory River to restore navigation. On January 1, 2009, TVA announced that instead of trying to clear all the porridge, they would spray the seeds, straw, and mulch on top of it, "to combat dust and erosion".
Lisa Evans, a lawyer for environmental group Earthjustice (based in Oakland, CA), spoke out against the government, accusing them of having loose regulations on the matter. He also blamed the industry for ineffective protection, citing other similar cases. He stated that "The saddest thing is that this is completely inevitable, people in this community should not be in danger, it is not a complicated matter like nuclear waste, it is something that utilities can know." Thomas J. FitzGerald, director of the environmental group of the Kentucky Resources Council and coal waste expert, told the New York Times that ash should have been buried in landfills lined up to prevent toxins seeping into the ground. and ground water (as recommended in the 2006 EPA report), and stated that "I find it difficult to understand that the State of Tennessee will approve it as a permanent dumping ground." Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, at the site of the spill week, acknowledged that Tennessee's Department of Environment and Conservation, which regulates coal disposal, may be over-reliant on TVA's own inspections and engineering studies on ash pools and cell dredges. "Believe me, there will be a full view on this to understand the cause of this and try to make sure it never happens again," he said. Concern has also been expressed by environmental groups and local residents that there are no warnings issued to residents living in the area about the potential dangers of the site. On December 27, 2008 TVA issued a list of precautions to the population, but did not provide information about the specific level of toxic materials in ash, although Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and Chris Irwin of United Mountain Defense told me. > The Tennessean newspaper that they believe TVA knows what's inside, because TVA has tested it before the spill. TVA released factory-side product inventories on December 29, 2008; it includes arsenic, lead, barium, chromium, and manganese. Since the pool contains several decades of ash from coal of several different types, it is believed that the spill area may contain "hot spots" of higher toxicity.
Responding to independent efforts on water quality sampling and photo capture, TVA was illegally detained, for an hour or so, two members of the environmental organization based in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, who were crossing public land in the area. spill, and cite three other individuals, warning them that any attempt to enter public waters again would lead to prosecution.
TVA President Tom Kilgore said that, in connection with the oil spill, the Authority would consider diverting the Kingston plant to "dry" side methods, which would reduce the possibility of another spill. Five TVA-operated factories use this method, while Kingston and five others use the "wet" process. The power plant continues to operate, with waste being sent to one of the two remaining intact pools remaining.
On December 26, 2008, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation stated that they are satisfied with the water quality after the oil spill but will continue to examine and face the potential for chronic health effects. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen visited the spill site on December 31, 2008. The US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees TVA, held a hearing on January 8 to examine the disaster. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich was invited to Tennessee to survey the disaster site, and announced plans to visit during the second week of January 2009.
At the Senate confirmation hearing on January 14, 2009, Lisa P. Jackson, Barack Obama's choice to lead the EPA under his administration, declared his intention to immediately review coal ash disposal sites across the country. Also on January 14, 2009, Nick J. Rahall, a US Representative of West Virginia and chair of the United States Agency for Natural Resources Commission, introduced a draft law to regulate coal ash disposal sites throughout the United States.
Legal action
On December 23, 2008, environmental group Greenpeace requested a criminal investigation into the incident, focusing on whether TVA could prevent an oil spill. On December 30, 2008, a group of landowners filed suit against TVA for $ 165 million in a Tennessee state court. Also on December 30, 2008, the South Alliance for Clean Energy announced its intention to prosecute TVA under the federal Water Act and the Conservation and Resource Recovery Act.
"On February 4, 2009, the EPA, in accordance with Executive Order 12088, and TDEC issued a letter to TVA in which the EPA gave notice to TVA that the EPA considers disposal of it as an unpredictable pollutant disposal that is contrary to the Clean Water Act."
On May 11, 2009, "TVA and the Federal Environmental Protection Agency announced today an EPA Order and Agreement that documents the relationship between TVA and EPA in managing the ashes spill cleanup of Kingston and further ensures that TVA will meet all federal and state requirements. in recovering the affected area. "
The main purpose of the critical time phase of the EPA Order is to speed up the removal of ash from the Emory River. Ashes living on the Emory River are subject to significant migration in heavy storms. More than 3.5 million cubic yards were removed in a 12-month period, with 85% being deleted within 10 months. The critical time phase accelerates the removal of ash from the river by 75% from initial expectations and safely transfers it to a permanent, layered and leachate collection facility in Perry County, Alabama called Arrowhead Landfill. The Arrowhead landfill is located in a thick layer of Lime Selma. Significant benefits are gained by the recipient communities in both jobs and regional improvements. The once closed Emory River reopens at the end of spring 2010 and has reopened for full community use with only minor zone build limits. Drinking water continues to be safe for consumption, and the air quality associated with this site continues to meet federal standards. The critical time phase removes 90% of the ash located on the Emory River, leaving about 500,000 cubic meters of material to be covered in the next phase of cleaning. A more comprehensive action report completed in March 2011 and can be found in the EPA OSC Report for Time Critical Removal Actions
In August 2010, the non-timing-critical phase began removing ash from the rest, embodying more embankments and beginning preparations to seal failed dredged cells with underground walls and earthquake-resistant underground caps. In addition, the non-time-critical phase is to conduct an ecological evaluation of the risk of ash residue in the river.
Critics of the EPA response claim that the solution is environmental racism. Roane County population is 91% Caucasian. The EPA sends 300 miles of toxic coal ash to Uniontown, Alabama, which has a population of 88% African Americans. Dr Robert Bullard, a champion for victims of environmental racism, claims that the EPA response is a Caucasian health priority for the health of African Americans. The incidence of coal ash is often used compared to the Flint water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
Mode and mechanism
According to the AECOM report commissioned by TVA and released June 25, 2009, the failure occurred due to various causes, mainly due to the melting of the "slimes" layer and other water saturated materials deep in the growing ash pile. The collapse occurs for about an hour in successive waves to break away and slide.
Refresh and spill locations
The Kingston Fossil Plant is located on the peninsula at the intersection of the Emory River (in the north) and the Clinch River (in the south and east), just over 4 miles (6.4 km) upstream from the last mouth along the Tennessee River. Watts Bar Dam, located along Tennessee 38 miles (61 km) downstream from the mouth of the Clinch, ignited a Watts Bar Lake reservoir stretching 72 miles (116 km) from Tennessee (to Fort Loudoun Dam), 23 miles lower (37 miles km) from Clinch (to Melton Hill Dam), and 12 miles lower (19 km) from Emory. The factory, originally known as the Kingston Steam Plant, was built in the early 1950s primarily to provide electricity for atomic energy installations at nearby Oak Ridge.
The factory ash dump disposal area is located just north of the mill along the Emory River coast on the peninsula. The pond was originally made by diking off the lake section at the Emory encounter with Swan Pond Creek, which flows down from Harriman (above the ridge to the northwest). The disposal area consists of a main ash pool (where the ash is originally disposed), flanked to the southeast by a still pond (where water from the main pool is placed to separate it farther from ash) and in the northwest by "dredging cells," at where ash from the main pool is placed to condense further. The embankment breakage takes place in the northwest corner of the dredger cell area, facing the Swan Pond Creek spill.
See also
- Environmental impact of the coal industry
- Environmental disaster
- Buffalo Creek Flood
- Martin County sludge spill
References
External links
- New York Times maps and diagrams from the ash spill area
- US Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Response to TVAA Folio Plant Live Release Broadcast
- US Environmental Protection Agency Coordinator: "Kingston Fly Ash TVA"
- Tennessee Valley Authority: Ash slide at Kingston TVA power plant
- Videos
- Stories from Democracy Now! , December 24, 2008
- Videos from knoxnews.com
- Videos from knoxnews.com
- CBS News Videos
- CBS News Videos
- Video from United Mountain Defense
Source of the article : Wikipedia
0 Comments