DRAKESBORO, Ky.—The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for public input on a proposal to convert from wet to dry storage of coal ash and other coal combustion residuals at its Paradise Fossil Plant near Drakesboro, Kentucky.

A public open house will be held April 10 from 5-7 p.m. CDT at Muhlenberg North Middle School in Greenville, Kentucky, so the public can learn more about the proposal and share views with TVA.

Specifically, TVA is seeking comment on a draft Environmental Assessment that will inform TVA decision-makers, regulators and the public about the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action.

 TVA’s preferred alternative is to implement the following projects:

• construct and operate a new fly ash gypsum dewatering facility
• construct and operate a new dry fly ash conversion system
• construct and operate a new CCR landfill
• close the gypsum pond disposal complex
• close the 2A/2B Boiler Slag Pond
• close the Peabody Ash Pond

In 2009, TVA committed to end wet coal ash and gypsum storage and convert to dry storage at all its fossil plants, including Paradise. These proposed actions will help TVA meet its goal and comply with state and federal regulations.

Paradise Fossil Plant currently has three units; however, units 1 and 2 will be idled and replaced with natural gas generation by mid-summer. Unit 3 will continue operation with air emission controls. TVA is constructing a state-of-the-art combined cycle natural gas plant at Paradise.

To learn more about the options considered and provide comments, go online to www.tva.gov/nepa. Comments on the Draft EA must be received no later than April 27, 2017. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the project administrative record and will be available for public inspection. You may submit your comments online, email them to [email protected], or in writing to Ashley Pilakowski, NEPA Specialist, 400 West Summit Hill Dr., WT 11D, Knoxville, TN 37902.

For more information about TVA and its 83-year mission of service to the Tennessee Valley, click here.