allen fossil plant emission control project final environmental assessment

274 Pages·2014·9.92 MB·English

Document Type: EA-Administrative Record
Index Field: Final Environmental
Assessment
Project Name: Allen Fossil Plant Emission
Control Project
Project Number: 2013-33

ALLEN FOSSIL PLANT EMISSION CONTROL PROJECT
FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Shelby County, Tennessee

Prepared by:
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
Chattanooga, TN

August 2014
To request further information, contact:
Ashley R. Farless, PE, AICP
NEPA Compliance
Tennessee Valley Authority
1101 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
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Contents
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 – PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION ......................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction and Background ................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Decision to be Made ................................................................................................................ 1
1.3 Purpose and Need ................................................................................................................... 1
1.4 Summary of Proposed Action .................................................................................................. 2
1.4.1 Gas Plant Construction and Operation .............................................................................. 2
1.4.2 Gas Pipeline Construction and Operation ......................................................................... 4
1.4.3 Water Requirements .......................................................................................................... 4
1.4.4 Transmission System ........................................................................................................ 4
1.5 Related Environmental Reviews and Consultation Requirements .......................................... 6
1.6 Scope of the Environmental Assessment ................................................................................ 6
1.7 Public and Agency Involvement ............................................................................................... 7
1.8 Necessary Permits or Licenses ............................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 2 - ALTERNATIVES ........................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Description of Alternatives ....................................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Alternative A – No Action Alternative ................................................................................ 9
2.1.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) .................. 10
2.1.2.1 Retire ALF ................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.2.2 Components of the CT/CC Facility ........................................................................... 10
2.1.2.3 Construction Activities ............................................................................................... 17
2.2 Alternatives Considered But Eliminated From Further Discussion ........................................ 19
2.2.1 Alternative C – Emission Controls, Scrubbers ................................................................ 19
2.2.2 Alternative D – Retire ALF, Rely on Energy Efficiency ................................................... 23
2.2.3 Alternative E – Convert ALF to Natural Gas Fuel............................................................ 24
2.2.4 Alternative F – Retire ALF, Construct a Renewable Energy Source (Wind or
Solar) .............................................................................................................................. 25
2.2.5 Alternative G – Retire ALF, Upgrade TVA’s Transmission System/Rely on
Power Purchase Agreements ......................................................................................... 26
2.2.6 Alternative H – Convert ALF to Renewable Biomass Fuel .............................................. 26
2.2.7 Alternative Locations for Proposed CT/CC Plant ............................................................ 27
2.3 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................................... 29
2.4 Identification of Mitigation Measures ...................................................................................... 29
2.5 The Preferred Alternative ....................................................................................................... 31
CHAPTER 3 – AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSEQUENCES ................................................................................................................. 33
3.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................... 33
3.1.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 33
3.1.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 33
3.1.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 33
3.1.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 34
3.2 Climate Change ..................................................................................................................... 37
3.2.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 37
3.2.1.1 Southeastern United States ...................................................................................... 37
3.2.1.2 Greenhouse Gases ................................................................................................... 37
3.2.1.3 Greenhouse Gases and Electric Utilities .................................................................. 38
3.2.1.4 Biogas ....................................................................................................................... 38
3.2.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 39
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Allen Fossil Plant Emission Control Project
3.2.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 39
3.2.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 39
3.3 Land Use ................................................................................................................................ 42
3.3.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 42
3.3.1.1 Proposed CT/CC Facility .......................................................................................... 42
3.3.1.2 Natural Gas Pipeline ................................................................................................. 43
3.4 Prime Farmland ...................................................................................................................... 46
3.4.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 47
3.4.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 47
3.4.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 47
3.4.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 48
3.5 Vegetation .............................................................................................................................. 48
3.5.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 48
3.5.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 49
3.5.2.1 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 49
3.6 Wildlife .................................................................................................................................... 49
3.6.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 49
3.6.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 50
3.6.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 50
3.6.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 50
3.7 Aquatic Ecology ..................................................................................................................... 51
3.7.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 51
3.7.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 53
3.7.2.1 No Action Alternative................................................................................................. 53
3.7.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 53
3.8 Threatened and Endangered Species ................................................................................... 54
3.8.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 54
3.8.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 58
3.8.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 58
3.8.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 59
3.9 Geology .................................................................................................................................. 60
3.9.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 60
3.9.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 61
3.9.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 61
3.9.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 61
3.10 Wetlands ................................................................................................................................ 63
3.10.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 63
3.10.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 64
3.10.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 64
3.10.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 64
3.11 Floodplains ............................................................................................................................. 65
3.11.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 65
3.11.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 65
3.11.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 66
3.11.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 66
3.12 Water Resources ................................................................................................................... 66
3.12.1 Groundwater .................................................................................................................... 67
3.12.1.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................ 67
3.12.1.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 68
3.12.2 Surface Water .................................................................................................................. 69
3.12.2.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................ 69
ii Final Environmental Assessment
Contents
3.13 Natural Areas, Parks and Recreation .................................................................................... 77
3.13.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 77
3.13.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 78
3.13.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 78
3.13.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 78
3.14 Cultural and Historic Resources ............................................................................................ 79
3.14.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 79
3.14.1.1 Previous Studies ....................................................................................................... 79
3.14.1.2 Current Study ............................................................................................................ 81
3.14.1.3 Existing Resources ................................................................................................... 81
3.14.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 82
3.14.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 82
3.14.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 82
3.15 Visual Resources ................................................................................................................... 83
3.15.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 83
3.15.1.1 Proposed CT/CC Facility .......................................................................................... 83
3.15.1.2 Natural Gas Pipeline ................................................................................................. 84
3.15.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 84
3.15.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 84
3.15.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 85
3.16 Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste ......................................................................... 86
3.16.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 87
3.16.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 87
3.17 Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................ 95
3.17.1 Affected Environment ...................................................................................................... 95
3.17.2 Environmental Consequences......................................................................................... 96
3.17.2.1 Alternative A – No Action .......................................................................................... 96
3.17.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ........... 97
3.18 Noise .................................................................................................................................... 100
3.18.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................................... 100
3.18.2 Environmental Consequences....................................................................................... 103
3.18.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ......... 103
3.18.2.3 Impacts of Operations ............................................................................................. 104
3.19 Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 105
3.19.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................................... 105
3.19.2 Environmental Consequences....................................................................................... 106
3.19.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ........................................................................................ 106
3.19.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ......... 107
3.20 Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice........................................................................ 110
3.20.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................................... 110
3.20.1.1 Demographics ......................................................................................................... 110
3.20.1.2 Economic Conditions .............................................................................................. 112
3.20.1.3 Housing ................................................................................................................... 113
3.20.1.4 Community Facilities and Services ......................................................................... 113
3.20.1.5 Environmental Justice ............................................................................................. 116
3.20.2 Environmental Consequences....................................................................................... 117
3.20.2.1 Alternative A – No Action ........................................................................................ 117
3.20.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ......... 119
3.21 Public Health and Safety ...................................................................................................... 123
3.21.1 Affected Environment .................................................................................................... 123
3.21.2 Environmental Consequences....................................................................................... 124
Final Environmental Assessment iii
Allen Fossil Plant Emission Control Project
3.21.2.1 Alternative A: No Action Alternative ....................................................................... 124
3.21.2.2 Alternative B – Retire ALF, Construct a Natural Gas-Fired Facility (CT/CC) ......... 125
3.22 Unavoidable Adverse Environmental Impacts ..................................................................... 126
3.23 Relationship of Short-Term Uses and Long-Term Productivity ........................................... 126
3.24 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitments of Resources ................................................... 127
3.25 Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................................... 127
3.25.1 Scoping for Cumulative Effects Analysis ....................................................................... 127
3.25.1.1 Identification of the Significant Cumulative Effects Issues...................................... 127
3.25.2 Geographic Area of Analysis ......................................................................................... 128
3.25.3 Identification of “Other Actions” ..................................................................................... 128
3.25.3.1 Operations of the T.E. Maxson WWTP ................................................................... 129
3.25.3.2 Existing MLGW Gas and Electric Transmission Line ............................................. 129
3.25.3.3 Operations of Frank C. Pidgeon Industrial Park ..................................................... 130
3.25.3.4 Port of Memphis Operations ................................................................................... 130
3.25.4 Analysis of Cumulative Effects ...................................................................................... 130
CHAPTER 4 – LIST OF PREPARERS ............................................................................................ 133
4.1 NEPA Project Management ................................................................................................. 133
4.2 Other Contributors ................................................................................................................ 133
CHAPTER 5 – ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT RECIPIENTS .................................................. 139
CHAPTER 6 – LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................... 143

iv Final Environmental Assessment
Contents
List of Appendices
Appendix A Detailed Maps Of Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline ROW
Appendix B Supplemental Information Regarding Off Site Transmission And Construction Power
Supply
Appendix C Water Body Crossing Procedures And Pipeline Testing, Reliability, And Safety
Information
Appendix D Emission Control Project Allen Fossil Plant NEPA Review Process
Appendix E Public and Agency Comments Received on Draft EA and TVA’s Response to
Comments
Appendix F Agency Correspondence

List of Tables
Table 2-1. Primary Plant Characteristics of the Proposed CT/CC Facility .................................... 13
Table 2-2. Summary of Pipeline Locations Assumed to be Crossed by Subsurface Directional
Drilling .......................................................................................................................... 18
Table 2-3. Comparative Analysis of ALF Landfill Alternatives Required for Scrubber Operation . 21
Table 2-4. Summary and Comparison of Alternatives by Resource Area .................................... 30
Table 3-1. Potential ALF CT/CC Facility Operating Scenarios1 .................................................... 35
Table 3-2. Potential Operating Scenarios for CT/CC Facility Auxiliary Equipment1 ..................... 35
Table 3-3. Comparison of Actual Units 1 - 3 Emissions and Future Potential CT/CC Facility
Emissions in Tons/Year ............................................................................................... 36
Table 3-4. Existing ALF CO Emissions (2005-2013) ................................................................... 39
2
Table 3-5. Projected ALF CC CO Emissions ............................................................................... 40
2
Table 3-6. Land Use/Land Cover Within the Region ..................................................................... 43
Table 3-7. Soil Types Mapped Within Proposed Project Area ...................................................... 47
Table 3-8. Riparian Condition of Streams Crossed by the Potential Gas Pipeline ...................... 52
Table 3-9. Species of Conservation Concern Within Proposed Project Area1 .............................. 55
Table 3-10. Preliminary 2,475-Year Return Period Ground Motion Parameters at the Proposed
CT/CC Site ................................................................................................................... 62
Table 3-11. Wetland Acreage Impacts ............................................................................................ 63
Table 3-12. Representative Pollutant Sources Within ALF Project Area ........................................ 71
Table 3-13. McKellar Lake Runoff Inflow ........................................................................................ 72
Table 3-14. List of Water Bodies Crossed by the Proposed Gas Pipeline ...................................... 75
Table 3-15. Parks and Natural Areas Within 5 Miles of Project Area ............................................. 78
Table 3-16. Previous Cultural Resource Studies Within 0.5-Mi of the APE .................................... 80
Table 3-17. Previous Cultural Resources Studies Within or Intersecting the APE ........................ 81
Table 3-18. Visual Assessment Ratings for Existing Affected Environment .................................. 84
Table 3-19. Representative Hazardous Wastes Generated During Construction .......................... 90
Table 3-20. Typical Hazardous Wastes Generated During Operation ............................................ 92
Table 3-21. Typical Nonhazardous Wastes Generated During Construction ................................. 98
Table 3-22. Common Indoor and Outdoor Noise Levels ............................................................... 102
Table 3-23. Representative External Noise Levels Expected On Site at the Existing ALF and
Near Off Site Areas .................................................................................................... 103
Table 3-24. Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels ........................................................... 104
Table 3-25. Construction Period Roadway Noise Impact Analysis ............................................... 104
Table 3-26. Primary Routes with 2012 Average Annual Daily Traffic Counts ............................... 106
Table 3-27. Traffic Volume on Routes Crossed by the Proposed Gas Pipeline .......................... 106
Final Environmental Assessment v
Allen Fossil Plant Emission Control Project
Table 3-29. Traffic Impacted Associated with Construction of the Proposed CT/CC facility ....... 107
Table 3-30. Existing ALF Workforce Distribution........................................................................... 110
Table 3-31. Demographic Characteristics ..................................................................................... 111
Table 3-32. Largest Employers by Sector Within Shelby County, Tennessee ............................ 112
Table 3-33. Employment Characteristics of the Resident Labor Force ........................................ 112
Table 3-34. Primary Education Facilities Within 1-Mile of the Project Area ................................. 114
Table 3-35. Summary of Other Past, Present or Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions in the
Vicinity of the Proposed Project ................................................................................. 129

List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Project Location ............................................................................................................. 3
Figure 1-2. Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Location ....................................................................... 5
Figure 2-1. Components of a Typical CC Generation Facility ........................................................ 12
Figure 2-2. Illustration of TVA’s John Sevier CC Project ................................................................ 12
Figure 2-3. Site Utilization Areas On and Near the Proposed CT/CC Facility ............................... 15
Figure 3-1. Land Use/Land Cover Near the Proposed CT/CC Facility .......................................... 44
Figure 3-2. Environmental Features Near the Proposed CT/CC Facility ....................................... 45
Figure 3-3. Community Facilities Near the Proposed CT/CC Facility .......................................... 115
Figure 3-4. Environmental Justice Populations in the Project Area ............................................. 118
vi Final Environmental Assessment
Symbols, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
Symbols, Acronyms, and Abbreviations
≥ Greater Than or Equal To
$/MMBTU Dollar Per Million British Thermal Unit
AADT Average Annual Daily Traffic
ac Acre
ACS American Community Survey
ALF Allen Fossil Plant
APE Area of Potential Effect
BMP Best Management Practices
Btu British Thermal Unit
CAA Clean Air Act
CC Combined Cycle
CCR Coal Combustion Residuals
CD Consent Decree
CEQ Council on Environmental Quality
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
CESQG Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CO Carbon Monoxide
CO Carbon Dioxide
2
CT Combustion Turbine
CWA Clean Water Act of 1972
dB Decibels
dBA A-Weighted Decibel
DWTP Davis Water Treatment Plant
EA Environmental Assessment
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
EJ Environmental Justice
EO Executive Order
EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act
ERP Emergency Response Plan
ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973
FFCA Federal Facilities Compliance Agreement
FGD Flue Gas Desulfurization
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FONSI Finding of No Significant Impact
GHG Greenhouse Gas
gpm Gallons Per Minute
HCl Hydrochloric acid
HFC Hydrofluorocarbon
Hg Mercury
HRSG Heat Recovery Steam Generator
Hz Hertz
IRP Integrated Resource Plan
IX Ion Exchange
kV Kilovolt
lb/MMBTU Pounds Per Million British Thermal Units
lb/TBTU Pounds Per Trillion British Thermal Units
Ldn Day-Night Sound
Final Environmental Assessment vii
Allen Fossil Plant Emission Control Project
Leq Equivalent Sound Level
MMBTU Million British Thermal Units
MGD Million Gallons per Day
MLGW Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division
MSL Mean Sea Level
mi2 Square Miles
MW Megawatt
NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NMSZ New Madrid Seismic Zone
NO Nitrogen Oxides
x
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRHP National Register of Historic Places
NWI National Wetland Inventory
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Pb Lead
PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl
PFC Perfluorocarbons
PILC Paper Insulated Lead Covered
PM Particulate Matter
PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PV Photovoltaic
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
RMP Risk Management Plan
ROW Right of Way
SC Simple Cycle
SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction
SEA Supplemental Environmental Assessment
SO Sulfur Dioxide
2
SO Sulfur Oxides
x
SQG Small Quantity Generator
STG Steam-Turbine Generator
TCA Tennessee Code Annotated
TDEC Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
TL Transmission Line
TMSP Tennessee Multi-Sector Storm Water General Permit
TNM Traffic Noise Model
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
TSDF Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility
TVA Tennessee Valley Authority
USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
USCB U.S. Census Bureau
USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation
USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
USFS U.S. Forest Service
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS U.S. Geological Survey
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

Final Environmental Assessment viii