Coal Ash Due Diligence Update
Environment Committee
August 13, 2014
Purpose
• Provide an overview Staff’s due diligence review
of Duke Energy/Charah’s proposal to use coal ash
as a structural fill at Charlotte-Douglas
International Airport (the “Airport”)
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Two Questions
Is this project:
1. Unambiguously good for the environment?
2. Unambiguously good for the Airport?
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Process
• Developed a multi-jurisdictional, multi-disciplinary project
team.
• Educated the staff on the science of coal ash
through site visits, education sessions, lectures, and other
materials
• Focused on Environmental, Science & Engineering,
Community, Legal and Economic aspects
• Worked with Duke Energy, Charah, and the Catawba
Riverkeeper on the due diligence review
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Good for the Environment?
• Project would move approximately 4.7 million tons of
coal ash by truck from Mountain Island Lake into an
engineered structural fill at the Airport
• Some potential short term negative impacts (i.e.,
traffic, dust, etc.).
• Significant long-term benefit to Mountain Island Lake.
• Yes. Good for the environment.
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Good for the Airport?
• Estimated cost savings for the Airport of
approximately $30 million for developing a fourth
runway.
• Investigation concluded that the risk of putting coal
ash under the airfield was an unacceptable risk.
• No other configuration of the project or site worked.
• No. Not good for the Airport.
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Conclusions
• Staff cannot answer both questions affirmatively.
• Would not recommend moving forward with the
project as originally proposed.
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Further Considerations
• However, staff believes that there is great benefit
to the City in moving the coal ash away from
Mountain Island Lake.
• Developed an approach that would meet both
original conditions.
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Alternative Proposal
• Asked Duke Energy to consider a landswap with the
Airport.
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How is this good for the Airport?
• Airport has a standing offer on the property to
purchase at any time.
• Property is consistent with the Airport’s longterm plans.
• Acquiring property would be unambiguously good
for the Airport.
• Currently, Duke Energy reviewing the City’s
proposal.
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Current Status & Next Steps
• Duke Energy is conducting its due diligence on our
proposal.
• Waiting for a response prior to conducting any further
activity related to this project.
• If no, then project is concluded.
• If yes, FAA will have to approve the swap.
• If approved, swap must include deed restrictions on
development and a requirement for environmental
monitoring to ensure water quality.
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