James DeYoung Power Plant Closure
Project Overview
After the retirement of Holland’s James DeYoung coalfired plant, the goal of the BPW was to return the prime real estate on Lake Macatawa to redevelopment and reusable space for the community. To achieve this and comply with the requirements of newly promulgated federal and state CCR rules, the coal yard and ash impoundments needed to obtain “clean closure” by removal of the remaining ash and coal material and restoring the land and underlying groundwater to acceptable cleanup standards, compliant with environmental regulations.
Project Scope
NTH was retained by BPW to assist with closure of the ash pond system and coal yard at the James DeYoung (JDY) Plant, pursuant to 40 CFR Parts 257 for disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities. NTH led the site investigation and engineering design effort for the closure and construction, including hydraulic analysis and evaluation, decontamination and remediation procedures agency negotiations, and final closure verification. Additionally, NTH provided construction administration and observation during closure activities, and assisted in obtaining EGLE approval for closure of their impoundments consistent with Part 257 of the federal regulations and Parts 115 and 201 of State regulations.
Client Benefit
NTH was responsible for helping to evaluate potential groundwater impacts in support of BPW’s clean closure goal. We developed the groundwater sampling and analysis plan in accordance with the requirements promulgated under 40 CFR Part 257. We prepared the initial groundwater report for the ash impoundments and coal yard consistent with the requirements of the CCR regulations.
NTH conducted additional field investigation activities that provided an alternate source demonstration for a constituent of concern above the GWPS proving that it was the result of migration from a neighboring facility onto the JDY property, successfully assisting BPW with clean closure of the JDY ash ponds and coal yard.
NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH) has been providing environmental services, such as groundwater monitoring, water compliance assistance, and closure design to the Holland Board of Public Works (HBPW) since 2005.
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