Abstract |
The release of over five million cubic yards of coal ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston, Tennessee, facility in December 2008, which flooded more than 300 acres of land, damaging homes and property, is a wake-up call for diligence on coal combustion waste disposal units. The government and utilities must marshal best efforts to prevent such catastrophic failure and damage. A first step toward this goal is to assess the stability and functionality of the ash impoundments and other units, then quickly take any needed corrective measures. This assessment of the stability and functionality of the E. W. Brown Main Pond Dam management unit is based on a review of available documents and on the site assessment conducted by Dewberry personnel on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. Dewberry found the supporting technical documentation adequate (Section 1.1.3). As detailed in Section 1.2.6, there are recommendations that may help to maintain a safe and trouble-free operation; Dewberry recommends an updated dam break analysis (currently in progress). |