When given the opportunity to voice opinions and get answers, residents impacted by the closing and ultimately the closure plans for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Johnsonville Fossil Plant, were a no-show at the Thursday evening Environmental Investigation Plan (EIP) meeting in New Johnsonville. Only one concerned citizen showed.
TVA representatives set up a series of posters explaining the different options available for coal combustion residuals and also were on-hand to explain the many tests commissioned by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).
Public Relations Director Hail Rymer said that TVA is developing the plan and seeking public comment following direction from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation regarding coal ash and other coal combustion residuals stored at TVA’s coal plants in Tennessee, including those that no longer generate power.
The Johnsonville Fossil Plant EIP provides details on how TVA plans to investigate and assess the risks to soil, surface water and groundwater from CCR stored at Johnsonville. The EIP can be viewed online via the website link provided below.
There is still time to express questions or concerns. The public comment period runs from Sept. 26 through Nov. 9 and can be submitted in writing at TN Commissioner’s Order Comment, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market St. BR 4A, Chattanooga, TN 37402; via email at TDECorder@tva.gov; and online at www.tva.com/JOFEIPcomments.
According to Rymer, comments must be received by the end of the comment period, Nov. 9 and that any comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record available for public inspection.
For additional information visit www.tva.com/JohnsonvilleEIP.