Johnsonville Fossil Plant Ash Impoundment Closure Environmental Impact Statement
Humphreys County, Tennessee
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the future management of coal combustion residuals (CCR) material in Ash Pond 2 at the Johnsonville Fossil Plant (JOF) located in Humphreys County, Tennessee.
This EIS supports the implementation of the closure of Ash Pond 2, a CCR surface impoundment at JOF, in a manner that is protective of human health and the environment. TVA’s intention to prepare an EIS to address CCR management at JOF Ash Pond 2 was previously noticed in November 2019. The project was paused after completion of scoping while TVA continued to refine the project proposal and alternatives. Another Notice of Intent was issued to reinitiate the EIS.
See the complete Notice of Intent posted below in the “Documents” section of this page.
Alternatives
In addition to a No Action Alternative, this EIS will address alternatives that meet the purpose and need for the project. TVA plans to consider the following alternatives:
- No Action
- Closure-in-Place of Ash Pond 2
- Closure-by-Removal of Ash Pond 2 to an Existing Offsite Landfill
- Closure-by-Removal of Ash Pond 2 to a New Onsite Landfill
- Closure-by-Removal of Ash Pond 2 to an Existing Offsite and New Onsite Landfill
- Closure-by-Removal of Ash Pond 2 to an Offsite Beneficial Re-use Processing Facility with unusable CCR and excavated soil material going to an existing offsite or new onsite permitted landfill.
Public Involvement
TVA published the Notice of Intent on November 25, 2019. Public comments were accepted through December 20, 2019, concerning both the scope of the review and environmental issues that should be addressed. TVA also hosted a public information session on December 2, 2019, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the New Johnsonville City Hall, Safe Room, 319 Long Street, New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and accepted comments at this meeting.
After consideration of comments received during the scoping period, TVA developed a Scoping Report summarizing the public and agency comments that were received. The scoping report was released on March 23, 2020.
TVA published another Notice of Intent on November 26, 2024. Public comments were invited concerning both the scope of the review and environmental issues that should be addressed through December 30, 2024.
The comments received during both scoping periods will be considered as the EIS is developed. Additional opportunities for the public to comment on the proposed actions and environmental analysis will be provided during the public review period of the draft EIS.
Next Steps
After consideration of comments received during the scoping period, TVA will develop and distribute a scoping document that will summarize public and agency comments that were received and identify the schedule for completing the EIS process.
Following analysis of the issues, TVA will prepare a draft EIS for public review and comment. In making its final decision, TVA will consider the analyses in this EIS and substantive comments that it receives. A final decision on proceeding with the management and final disposal of CCR and closure of the surface impoundment will depend on a number of factors. These include results of the EIS, relevant state law requirements, engineering and risk evaluations, and financial considerations.
TVA anticipates holding a community meeting near JOF after releasing the Draft EIS. Meeting details will be posted on TVA’s website. TVA expects to release the Draft EIS in late 2025.
Related Documents
Contact
More information on this environmental review can be obtained from:
Brittany Kunkle
NEPA Specialist
[email protected]
865-632-6470
400 West Summit Hill Drive, WT 11B
Knoxville, TN 37902