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Public Input Sought On Closure Plans For Coal Ash Ponds At H.F. Lee Plant

Duke Energy

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public comment on closure plans for the four coal ash impoundments at the H.F. Lee plant in Goldsboro. 

Under the Coal Ash Management Act of 2016, Duke Energy submitted draft closure plans to DEQ describing the complete excavation and removal of an estimated 6.2 million tons of coal ash at the H.F. Lee plant.  Sarah Young-Perkins, Public Information Officer with the N.C. Division of Water Resources said the H.F. Lee plant was selected as one of three beneficiation projects in North Carolina where coal ash at the site will be used to produce cementitious products.

“The STAR (Staged Turbulent Air Reactor) technology is a thermal process that reduces the amount of unburnt carbon in the ash and it transforms it into a high-quality product for use in the concrete industry,” said Young-Perkins.

The STAR system, which would be completed later this year, is capable of processing 300,000 tons of coal ash each year. 

“Duke’s draft closure plan for H.F. Lee estimates that the STAR technology facility would be complete in 2020, excavation [of coal ash] would be complete by 2029, and that a final site restoration would occur in 2030.”

DEQ will hold a public meeting Tuesday evening at Wayne Community College at 6pm.  The deadline to submit comments on the closure plans is March 3rd

Jared Brumbaugh is the Assistant General Manager for Public Radio East. An Eastern North Carolina native, Jared began his professional public radio career at Public Radio East while he was a student at Craven Community College earning his degree in Electronics Engineering Technology. During his 15+ years at Public Radio East, he has served as an award-winning journalist, producer, and on-air host. When not at the station, Jared enjoys hiking, traveling, and honing his culinary skills.