Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s largest power producer, has announced its plans to recycle coal ash in ponds at its Jefferies, Winyah and Grainger generating stations, using the waste for beneficial purposes.
The company has recycled fly ash, bottom ash and gypsum since the 1970s, and plans to use the waste product to provide economic, environmental and customer benefits. The company’s gypsum ash is currently used by the cement and concrete block industries and has helped build projects including Charleston’s Revenel Bridge.
Recent regulations from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) calling for the closure of coal-fired power stations have resulted in an increased demand for ash and the development of new technology that increases the viability of pond ash.
Sustainable industry
"As we continue working to close units at Jefferies and Grainger and consider long-term needs for Winyah, Santee Cooper is focused on solutions that are cost-effective and beneficial to the environment and the economy," said R.M. Singletary, executive vice president of corporate services. "This is a triple win. It is cost-effective, which means it is responsive to our customers' best interests. It utilises innovative technology to help an important South Carolina industry be sustainable. And it is an EPA-approved use of ash.
"This plan also addresses comments by our neighbours, the City of Conway, and DHEC about long-term placement of the ash, and it does so in a manner that is responsible to customers. It's a solution that really does have something favourable for all involved."
The plans will empty the ash ponds at the three stations over the next 10 to 15 years. Santee Cooper will provide excavation, loading and transportation of the ash to the plants where it will be used.