Pirkey Plant
CCR Compliance at Pirkey
In 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule addressing the handling, storage and disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs). CCRs are the materials that remain after coal is burned.
The following ash storage sites at Pirkey Plant are included in the CCR monitoring program:
- The east bottom ash pond
- The west bottom ash pond
- The landfill
- The FGD stackout area
All storage sites are in active use. Pirkey Plant uses dry fly ash handling. Fly ash is stored in a lined landfill.
We strive to take advantage of opportunities to beneficially reuse as much CCR material as possible. For details, please see the AEP Corporate Sustainability Report.
September 2019
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) continued its groundwater monitoring activities around Pirkey Plant’s coal ash storage sites. We analyzed this data relative to EPA groundwater protection standards.
Analysis of this data by an independent third party indicates that the east and west ash ponds and landfill are causing the levels of cadmium, cobalt and lithium in the groundwater within the plant site to rise above EPA standards. We also found levels of Beryllium in the FGD stackout area above EPA standards.
We met with plant neighbors and community leaders to answer questions and discuss next steps. SWEPCO will develop mitigation plans to address these groundwater impacts. We will seek public input before making a final decision as to what measures to take.
March 2018
SWEPCO completed the first steps in the new groundwater monitoring program under this rule.
SWEPCO took a series of groundwater samples at the boundaries of all four ash storage sites. We took some samples before the groundwater passed beneath the ash storage sites. (The reports refer to this as up-gradient.) We took other samples after it passed beneath the sites (down-gradient). We used the data to establish baseline levels for 21 different substances in the groundwater. Moving forward, we will use these baselines to help determine if our ash storage sites are impacting the groundwater.
It is important to remember that variations in the level of these substances in groundwater are natural and occur for many reasons.
The initial data at Pirkey Plant show potential groundwater impacts very close to our storage sites. This led us to expand our groundwater monitoring to look at 21 different substances in the groundwater.
We are working to understand what the numbers mean. We will do additional monitoring and analysis to determine if there are groundwater impacts from our storage sites farther from the immediate area.
We proactively reached out and met with plant neighbors and community leaders to answer questions about the data collected so far and to discuss next steps.
Independent third parties completed Alternate Source Reviews for the four CCR storage sites at Pirkey Plant. The reviews consider other factors that could impact sampling results as the groundwater passes the CCR storage sites.
We successfully completed an alternate source demonstration for the FGD stackout area.
November 2018
The CCR rule established location restrictions for coal ash storage sites. It requires that storage site locations be evaluated regarding proximity to groundwater aquifers, wetlands, fault areas, seismic zones and unstable areas (example: presence of quicksand).
AEP and SWEPCO recently completed the required review of location restrictions for Pirkey Plant’s CCR storage sites. This review found that the CCR storage sites at Pirkey Plant meet all location restrictions.
- SWEPCO will continue to test water from all of these wells twice each year.
- SWEPCO will develop plans to stop placing material in both bottom ash ponds and will close those sites.
- SWEPCO also will develop mitigation plans to address the groundwater impacts of the ash ponds and landfill. We will seek public input before making a final decision as to what measures we will take to mitigate groundwater impacts.
Additional Information
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-06-24
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-11-24
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-24
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 09-13-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-24
- pdf Certified Engineer Report for Surface Impoundments 01-10-24
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 1 10-17-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 2 10-17-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-26-23
- pdf Closure Completion Notification 10-17-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 10-03-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-17-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Plan 09-19-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 06-27-23
- pdf Intent to Initiate Closure of Active CCR Unit Notification 04-25-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-30-23
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 01-25-23
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-23
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-22
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 11-07-22
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 6-16-22
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-25-22
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-22
- pdf Registration Application 01-27-22
- pdf Written Closure Plan 01-31-22
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-21
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-22
- pdf Director Decision on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure Intent due to Source Boiler Retirement 01-12-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-22-21
- pdf Post-Closure Plan 12-02-21
- pdf Safety Factor Assessments 10-16-21
- pdf Inflow Design Flood System Control Plans 10-16-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-04-21
- pdf Structural Stability Assessments 10-16-21
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-21
- pdf Hazard Potential Classifications 08-01-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 05-31-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-09-21
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-29-21
- pdf Statistical Method Selection Certification 01-26-21
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-31-20
- pdf Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure Intent Notification due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-23-20
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-02-20
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 02-02-20
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 10-10-19
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-19
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 08-11-19
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 07-23-19
- pdf Assessment of Corrective Action Initiation Notification 04-25-19
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-25-19
- pdf Location Restrictions Report 10-16-2018
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring Network Design Report 03/09/17
- pdf Statistical Analysis Plan 2-06-2017
- pdf History of Design and Construction 10-16-2016
- pdf Liner Design Certification 9-27-2016
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-06-24
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-24
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 09-13-24
- pdf Closure Completion Notification 03-06-24
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 02-16-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-24
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 01-24-24
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 01-18-24
- pdf Certified Engineer Report for Landfills 01-10-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring System Design and Construction Certification 12-12-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 11-22-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 10-03-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Plan 09-19-23
- pdf Intent to Initiate Closure of Active CCR Unit Notification 09-01-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 06-27-23
- pdf Written Closure Plan 05-01-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-30-23
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 01-25-23
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 11-07-22
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 6-16-22
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-25-22
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-22
- pdf Registration Application 01-27-22
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-22-21
- pdf Run-on and Run-off Control Plans 10-16-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-04-21
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 05-31-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-09-21
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-29-21
- pdf Statistical Method Selection Certification 01-28-21
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-31-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-23-20
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-02-20
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 02-02-20
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 10-09-19
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-19
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 08-10-19
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 02-18-19
- pdf Location Restrictions Report 10-16-2018
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring Network Design Report 03/09/17
- pdf Statistical Analysis Plan 2-06-2017
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 03-15-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-24
- pdf Certified Engineer Report for Landfills 01-10-24
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 10-03-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Plan 09-19-23
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-23
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-22
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-22
- pdf Registration Application 01-27-22
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring System Design and Construction Certification 01-24-22
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-22
- pdf New Landfill or Lateral Expansion Construction Certification 01-21-22
- pdf Run-on and Run-off Control Plans 10-16-21
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-21
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-30-21
- pdf Statistical Method Selection Certification 01-28-21
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-21
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-20
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-20
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Landfills 01-10-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 10-09-19
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-19
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 08-10-19
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-25-19
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring System Design and Construction Certification 10-29-2018
- pdf New Landfill or Lateral Expansion Design Certification 11-13-18
- pdf Location Restrictions Report for Lateral Expansion 10-29-2018
- pdf Location Restrictions Report 10-16-2018
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring Network Design Report 03/09/17
- pdf Statistical Analysis Plan 2-06-2017
- pdf Initial Post-Closure Plan 10-16-2016
- pdf Initial Closure Plan 10-16-2016
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-06-24
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-11-24
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-24
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 09-13-24
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 06-04-24
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-07-24
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-24
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 01-30-24
- pdf Certified Engineer Report for Surface Impoundments 01-10-24
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 11-22-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 10-03-23
- pdf Closure Completion Notification 10-17-23
- pdf Fugitive Dust Plan 09-19-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-06-23
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-30-23
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-23
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 01-25-23
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-23
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-22
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 11-07-22
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 6-16-22
- pdf Intent to Initiate Closure of Active CCR Unit Notification 05-25-22
- pdf Intent to Initiate Closure of Active CCR Unit Notification 03-30-22
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-25-22
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-22
- pdf Registration Application 01-27-22
- pdf Written Closure Plan 01-31-22
- pdf Progress Report on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-21
- pdf Director Decision on Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure Intent due to Source Boiler Retirement 01-12-22
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-22
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-22-21
- pdf Post-Closure Plan 12-02-21
- pdf Safety Factor Assessments 10-16-21
- pdf Structural Stability Assessments 10-16-21
- pdf Inflow Design Flood System Control Plans 10-16-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-04-21
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-21
- pdf Hazard Potential Classifications 08-01-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 05-31-21
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 03-09-21
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-29-21
- pdf Statistical Method Selection Certification 01-28-21
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-21
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 12-31-20
- pdf Surface Impoundment Alternative Closure Intent Notification due to Source Boiler Retirement 11-30-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 10-23-20
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-02-20
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action Report 01-31-20
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 02-02-20
- pdf Certified Engineer Reports for Surface Impoundments 01-10-20
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 10-08-19
- pdf Fugitive Dust Report 09-30-19
- pdf Statistically Significant Level of Constituents Above Groundwater Protection Standard Notification 08-09-19
- pdf Alternate Source Demonstration Report 04-25-19
- pdf Location Restrictions Report 10-16-2018
- pdf Groundwater Monitoring Network Design Report 03/09/17
- pdf Statistical Analysis Plan 2-06-2017
- pdf History of Design and Construction 10-16-2016
- pdf Liner Design Certification 9-27-2016