| - ProposalCoverSheet
- AmerenProposalDraftRevisions(FinaltoPCB)
- BuscherTestimony(FinaltoPCB)
- In the Agency’s amended Section 840.104 definitions have been added, deleted, and refined. Four new definitions have been proposed. The first new definition is “Contaminant.” This definition is found in the Act at 415 ILCS 5/3.165. It is added bec...
- Other new definitions include "on-site" and “off-site.” They are used to identify property that is, or is not, part of the Hutsonville Power Station. The concepts are introduced in the Agency’s Section 840.114, appear in several other sections, and...
- LDunaway_Testimony(FinaltoPCB)
- Professional Experience
- Bureau of Water
- Environmental Protection Specialist II June, 1989 to April, 1991
- Shreveport Louisiana
- Bradley University August, 1978 to May, 1982
- Post-graduate work; Field Mapping of the Black Hills Region, South Dakota
- USEPA Groundwater Monitoring and Restoration June 1 & 2, 1993
- USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund October 18-21, 1993
- Computer Modeling for Groundwater Systems August 21, to December 16, 1995
- Applied Ground Water Statistics for Landfills Short Course July 8 & 9, 1997
- Statistical Methods in Water Resources August 6-10, 2001
- Ozark Underground Laboratory Karst Short Course March 12, 2003
- Aqueous Geochemistry for Environmental Regulators March 9 & 10, 2004
- Overview of Environmental Geophysics May 6, 2004
- Geotechnology for Non-Engineers April 20, 2005
- RCobbTest8_7(FinaltoPCB)
- 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.301 (General Prohibition against Use Impairment of Resource
- Groundwater) (Emphasis added).
- UUndergraduate Education
- ULicense
- UCertification
- UProfessional Representation
- UProfessional Affiliation
- UHonors
- UExpert Witness Experience
- UPublications
- Liebman testimony_840(FinalToPCB)
- NightingaleTestimony(FinaltoPCB)
- BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
- RESUME
- STEPHEN F. NIGHTINGAL, PE.
- MANAGER, PERMIT SECTION
- BUREAU OF LAND
- ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
- UEXPERIENCE
- 4/06 - PRESENT MANAGER, PERMIT SECTION, BUREAU OF LAND - RESPONSIBLE FOR STATE (SOLID WASTE), RCRA (HAZARDOUS WASTE), AND UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL PERMITTING ACTIVITIES.
- REGISTERED AS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER IN ILLINOIS
|
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION)
:
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.101
THROUGH 840.144
)
)
)
)
)
)
R09-21
(Rulemaking - Land)
NOTICE
John T. Therriault, Clerk
Illinois
Pollution Control Board
James
R.
Thompson Center
Suite 11-500
100 W. Randolph
Chicago, Illinois
6060 I
Matthew J. Dunn, Chief
Office
of the Attorney General
Environmental Bureau, North
69 West Washington
St., Suite 1800
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Attached
Service List
Virginia Yang
General Counsel
Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271
Tim Fox, Hearing Officer
Illinois
Pollution Control Board
James
R.
Thompson Center
Suite 11-500
100 W. Randolph
Chicago, Illinois 60601
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that I have today filed with the Office of the Clerk ofthe Illinois
Pollution Control Board the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Proposed Amendments to
Ameren's Proposed 35 III. Adm. Code 840, Testimony of Richard P. Cobb, Testimony of William
E. Buscher, Testimony
of Lynn E. Dunaway, Testimony of Stephen F. Nightingale, Testimony of
Christian J. Liebman, and Motion to Waive Filing Requirements, copies of which are herewith
served upon you.
ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
By
~
Assistant Counsel
WoAt
Division
of Legal Counsel
DATE: August 18,2009
1021 North Grand Avenue East
P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
(217)782-5544
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.100
)
THROUGH 840.152
)
AGENCY’S PRE-FILED PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO AMEREN’S PROPOSED 35 ILL.
ADM. CODE 840.100 THROUGH 840.152
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
TITLE 35: ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SUBTITLE G: WASTE DISPOSAL
CHAPTER I: POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
SUBCHAPTER j: SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS
PART 840
SITE-SPECIFIC CLOSURES OF SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS
SUBPART A: CLOSURE OF ASH POND D, HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION
Section
840.100
Purpose
840.102
Applicability
840.104
Definitions
840.106
Abbreviations and Acronyms
840.
840.108
Incorporations by Reference
110 108
840.
Hydrogeologic Site Investigation
112 110
840.
Groundwater Monitoring System
114 112
840.
Groundwater Monitoring Program
116 114 Groundwater Quality Standards Compliance Zones
840.
118 116
840.
Demonstration of Compliance
120 118
840.
Groundwater Collection Trench
122 120
840.
Groundwater Discharge System
124 122
840.
Final Slope and Stabilization
126 124
840.
Final Cover System
128 126
840.
Closure Plan
130 128
840.
Contents of Closure Plan
132 130
840.
Modification of Existing Permits
134 132 Completion of Closure,
840.
Closure Report and Certification of Completion of
Closure
136 134
840.
Post-Closure Maintenance of Cover System
138 136
840.
Post-Closure Care Plan
140 138
840.
Contents of Post-Closure Care Plan
142 140
840.
Post-Closure Report and Certification of Completion of Post-Closure Care Plan
144 142
840.
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
146 144 Construction Quality Assurance Program Modification of Closure Plan and Post-
Closure Care Plan
840.148
Review, Approval and Modification of Closure Plan and Post-Closure Care Plan
840.150
Review and Approval of Closure Report and Certification of Completion of
Closure, Post-Closure Report and Certification of Completion of Post-Closure
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Care Plan
840.152
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
AUTHORITY: Implementing Section 22 of the Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 5/22)
and Section 8 of the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (415 ILCS 55/8), and authorized by
Sections 22, 27, and 28 of the Environmental Protection Act (415 ILCS 51/22, 27, and 28) and
Section 8 of the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (415 ILCS 55/8).
SOURCE: Adopted in R09- ________ at _____ Ill. Reg., effective __________, 2009.
SUBPART A: CLOSURE OF ASH POND D, HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION
Section 840.100
Purpose
This Subpart provides for the closure of Ash Pond D located at the Hutsonville Power Station,
15142 East 1900 Avenue, Hutsonville, Crawford County, Illinois.
Section 840.102
Applicability
This Subpart exclusively applies to the closure and post-closure care of Ash Pond D, located at
the Hutsonville Power Station.
, and particularly, no other Part of Subtitle G applies to the
closure of Ash Pond D.
Section 840.104
Definitions
Unless otherwise specified, the definitions of the Environmental Protection Act ("Act") [415
ILCS 5] apply to this Subpart. The following definitions also apply:
"Agency" means the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
"Aquifer" means saturated (with groundwater) soils and geologic materials which are
sufficiently permeable to readily yield economically useful quantities of water to wells,
springs, or streams under ordinary hydraulic gradients.
[415 ILCS 55/3(b)]
"Ash Pond D" means the surface impoundment designated as Ash Pond D, located at
the Hutsonville Power Station, 15142 East 1900 Avenue, Hutsonville, Crawford
County, Illinois.
"Board" means the Illinois Pollution Control Board.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
“Contaminant” means any solid, liquid or gaseous matter, any odor, or any form of
energy, from whatever source.
[415 ILCS 5/3.165]
"Hutsonville Power Station" or “Hutsonville site”
means the electric generating
station located at l5142 East 1900 Avenue, Hutsonville, Crawford County, Illinois.
“On-site” means the same or geographically contiguous property constituting the
Hutsonville Power Station.
“Off-site” means any property that is not part of the Hutsonville Power Station.
"Operator" means the person responsible for the operation of Ash Pond D.
"Owner" means the person who owns Ash Pond D.
“Person” is any individual, partnership, co-partnership, firm, company, limited liability
company, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, estate, political
subdivision, state agency, or any other legal entity, or their legal representative, agenct
or assigns.
[415 ILCS 5/3.315]
"Professional engineer" means a person who has registered and obtained a seal
pursuant to the Professional Engineering Practice Act of
1989. [225 ILCS 325]
"Professional geologist" means a person licensed under the laws of the State of Illinois
to practice as a professional geologist.
[415 ILCS 5/58.2]
“Site” means any location, place, tract of land and facilities, including but not limited
to, buildings and improvements used for purposes subject to regulation or control by this
act or regulations thereunder.
[415 ILCS 5/3.460]
"Surface impoundment" means for purposes of this Subpart a natural topographic
depression, a man-made excavation, or a diked area used to retain coal combustion
wastes and free liquids that was designed and constructed prior to 1990 and currently
operates under or has been subject to a water pollution control permit issued by the
Agency. For purposes of this Subpart, a surface impoundment that contains coal
combustion waste is not a landfill.
"Zone A" means for purposes of this Subpart the three dimensional region of
groundwater that has been impacted by Ash Pond D bounded by a vertical plane 25 feet
from the outside edge of the bermed area surrounding Ash Pond D to the south, north,
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
east, and west and extending to the base of the uppermost aquifer.
"Zone B" means the three dimensional region of the uppermost aquifer outside Zone A
the three dimensional region of the uppermost aquifer outside Zone A and located 500
feet South of the Hutsonville Power Station boundary, in the North Half of Section 20,
Township 8 North, Range 11 West of the Second Principal Meridian, Crawford County,
Illinois, lying East of Township Road 254A which extends in a Northwesterly direction
across said Section 20; the area located 500 feet South of the Hutsonville Generation
Plant boundary, in the North half of Section 21, Township 8 North, Range 11 West of the
Second Principal Meridian, Crawford County, Illinois, lying West of the Wabash River;
and the area located within the Hutsonville Power Station, North of the southern
Hutsonville Power Station boundary, in the South Half of Section 17, Township 8 North,
Range 11 West of the Second Principal Meridian, Crawford County, Illinois, lying West
of the Wabash River and extending from the river towards Ash Pond D 2,040 feet,
turning North and extending 940 feet towards the Wabash River, and turning
Southeasterly and extending 2,200 feet to the point of origin.
Section 840.106
Abbreviations and Acronyms
Agency
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
CQA
Construction Quality Assurance
Mg\L
milligrams per liter
GMZ
Groundwater Management Zone
NPDES
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
TDS
total dissolved solids
Section 840.108
Incorporations by Reference
a)
The Board incorporates the following material by reference:
NTIS. National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road,
Springfield, VA 22161 (703) 605-6000.
"Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes," March 1983, Doc.
No. PB84-128677. EPA 600/4-79-020 (available on-line at
http://nepis.epa.gov/).
“Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental
Samples,” August 1993, Doc. No. PB94-120821 (referred to as “USEPA
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Environmental Inorganic Methods”). EPA 600/R-93-100 (available on-
line at http://nepis.epa.gov/).
“Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples,”
June 1991, Doc. No. PB91-231498. EPA 600/4-91-010 (available on-line
at http://nepis.epa.gov/).
“Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples –
Supplement I,” May 1994, Doc. No. PB95-125472. EPA 600/4-94-111
(available on-line at http://nepis.epa.gov/).
“Methods for the Determination of Organic and Inorganic Compounds in
Drinking Water: Volume I,” EPA 815-R-00-014 (August 2000) (available
on-line at http://nepis.epa.gov/).
"Practical Guide for Ground-Water Sampling," EPA Publication No.
EPA/600/2-85/104 (September 1985), Doc. No. PB 86-137304
"Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods,"
USEPA Publication No. SW-846, as amended by Updates I, II, IIA, IIB,
III, IIIA, and IIIB (Doc. No. 955-001-00000-1), (available on-line at
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm).
USGS. United States Geological Survey, 1961 Stout St., Denver, CO 80294
(303) 844-4169.
"Techniques of Water Resources Investigations of the United States
Geological Survey, Guidelines for Collection and Field Analysis of
Ground-Water Samples for Selected Unstable Constituents," Book I,
Chapter D2 (1976).
b)
This Section incorporates no later editions or amendments.
Section 840.110 108
Hydrogeologic Site Investigation
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must design and implement a hydrogeologic site
investigation, approved by the Agency in the closure plan, of Ash Pond D to determine the
nature and extent of contamination originating from Ash Pond D and to develop hydrogeologic
information for the uses set forth below. Information from any hydrogeologic site investigation
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
performed since 1999 may be used to satisfy the requirements of this Section. The uses of the
hydrogeologic site investigation shall include, but not be limited to:
a)
Providing To provide
information to define hydrogeology and to assess the
groundwater impacts associated with Ash Pond D;
b)
Providing To provide
information to perform a model to assess the groundwater
impacts associated with closure of Ash Pond D; and
c)
Providing To provide
information to establish a groundwater monitoring system.
Section 840.112 110
Groundwater Monitoring System
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must design and install a groundwater monitoring system,
approved by the Agency in the closure plan, that enables it to monitor groundwater to evaluate
post-closure groundwater quality and trends and to demonstrate compliance with the applicable
groundwater quality standards at designated compliance points as set forth in Sections 840.116
and 840.118 of this Part. If approved in the closure plan, any Any groundwater monitoring well
system in operation since 1999 that complies with the requirements standards set forth in this
Section may be used to satisfy in part
the requirements of this Section.
a)
Standards for monitoring well design and construction.
1)
All monitoring wells must be cased in a manner that maintains the
integrity of the bore holes.
2)
Wells must be screened to allow sampling only at the specified
desired
interval.
3)
All wells must be covered with vented caps, unless located in flood-
prone areas, and equipped with devices to protect against tampering
and damage.
b)
The groundwater monitoring system must consist of a sufficient number of wells,
installed at appropriate locations and depths to yield groundwater samples that:
1)
Represent the quality of background water that has not been affected by
contamination from Ash Pond D; and
2)
Represent the quality of groundwater at the compliance point or points.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
b)
Standards for the location of monitoring points.
1)
A network of no fewer than three monitoring points must be established at
locations downgradient of Ash Pond D with respect to groundwater flow.
c2
)
Monitoring wells must be located in statigraphic horizons that could serve as
contaminant pathways.
c)
Standards for sample collection and analysis.
1)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must utilize sampling and analysis
procedures that ensure that collected samples are representative of the
zone being monitored and that the results can be relied upon to provide
data representative of the zone being monitored.
2)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must establish a quality
assurance program.
d)
The groundwater monitoring system approved n the closure plan must include a
maintenance plan.
Section 840.114 112
Groundwater Monitoring Program
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must develop a groundwater monitoring program that
enables it to monitor groundwater to evaluate post-closure groundwater quality both on-site and
off-site. The owner or operator must begin the groundwater monitoring program upon
completion of the installation of the groundwater monitoring system in accordance with Section
840.112 and the approved closure plan. of the final cover system installation.
The groundwater
monitoring program must comply with following requirements:
a)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must monitor each well included in the
groundwater monitoring system installed pursuant to Section 840.112110 for
the following constituents on a quarterly basis beginning upon completion of
the installation of the groundwater monitoring system and continuing for the
first five years after approval of the closure plan: 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410(a)
and (d) except radium-226 and radium-228. Any constituent that is non-detect
in the down-gradient wells for four consecutive quarters or has a concentration
that is not statistically greater than the concentration detected in the up-gradient
wells for four consecutive quarters may be dropped from the monitoring
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
program in both the up-gradient and down-gradient wells with the exception of
boron, iron, manganese, pH, sulfate, and TDS. The owner or operator must also
monitor for the following: specific conductance, groundwater elevation, and
monitoring well depth.
b1)
After Five five years after approval of the closure plan, the owner or operator of
Ash Pond D may
request modification of the post-closure care plan to reduce the
frequency of groundwater monitoring to semi-annual sampling by demonstrating
upon a determination of
all of the following:
1A
)
That monitoring effectiveness will not be compromised by the reduced
frequency of monitoring;
2B)
That sufficient quarterly
data has been collected to characterize
groundwater; and
3C)
That concentrations of constituents monitored pursuant to subsection (a)
of this Section at the down-gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site
monitoring wells inside Zone B
show no statistically significant increasing
trends that can be attributed to Pond D.
c2)
Beginning fifteen years after closure, or five years after reducing the monitoring
frequency to semi-annual pursuant to subsection (a)(l) of this Section If and
concentrations of constituents monitored pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section
at the down-gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site monitoring wells inside
Zone B show no statistically significant increasing trends for the five years after
reducing the monitoring frequency to semi-annual, the owner or operator of Ash
Pond D may request modification of the post-closure care plan to reduce
monitoring frequency to annual sampling by demonstrating all of the factors set
forth in subsections (b)(1) through (b)(3) of this Section
.
3)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D may discontinue groundwater monitoring
for the constituents in subsection (a) of this Section when no statistically
significant increasing trend that can be attributed to Pond D is detected in the
concentration of any such constituent at the down-gradient monitoring wells
inside Zone B for three consecutive years after changing to an annual monitoring
frequency pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of this Section and all concentrations of
constituents monitored in accordance with Section 840.112 are at or below Class I
groundwater quality standards for a period of five years.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
d)
Sampling and analysis data from groundwater monitoring and decisions to drop
any constituent from the monitoring program must be reported to the Agency no
later than 30 days after the sampling and analysis have been completed as
provided in Section 840.144(a) of this Part.
e)
Representative samples from the groundwater monitoring system must be
collected and analyzed in accordance with the procedures for groundwater
monitoring and analysis set forth in the following documents as incorporated by
reference at Section 840.108 of this Part or other procedures approved by the
Agency:
1)
"Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes";
2)
"Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental
Samples";
3)
"Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples";
4)
"Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples-
Supplement I";
5)
“Methods for the Determination of Organic and Inorganic Compounds in
Drinking Water”;
6)
"Practical Guide for Ground-Water Sampling";
7)
"Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes, Physical/Chemical Methods"
(SW-846), as amended by Updates I, II, IIA, IIB, III, IIIA, and IIIB;
8)
"Techniques of Water Resources Investigations of the United States
Geological Survey, Guidelines for Collection and Field Analysis of
Ground-Water Samples for Selected Unstable Constituents."
f)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must establish a groundwater monitoring
quality assurance program for sample collection, preservation and analysis.
b)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must monitor each well installed pursuant
to Section 840.110 for the following inorganic constituents on an annual basis
until monitoring pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section is discontinued in
accordance with Section 840.1l2(a)(3): antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium,
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
cadmium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, cyanide, fluoride, lead, mercury,
nickel, nitrate as N, selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc.
1)
Monitoring of inorganic constituents must be performed during the first
quarter of each monitoring year as the monitoring year is defined in the
closure plan.
2)
Any inorganic constituent listed in this subsection observed to exceed its
Class I groundwater quality standard must be monitored on a quarterly
basis. After four consecutive quarterly samples show no exceedance of
the Class I groundwater quality standard for such constituent, the owner
or operator of Ash Pond D may reduce the monitoring frequency of that
constituent to annual sampling.
c)
Elements of the Groundwater Monitoring Program may be modified upon
agreement with the Agency, so long as the modification is in accordance with the
provisions of this Subpart.
Section 840.116 114 Groundwater Quality Standards Compliance Zones
a)
Prior to the completion of the post-closure care period, the applicable
groundwater quality standards at the Hutsonville site for concentrations of
contaminants from Ash Pond D shall be the concentrations as determined by
groundwater monitoring, if such concentrations exceed the standards for Class I:
Potable Resource Groundwater set forth in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410. After
completion of the post-closure care period, the on-site concentrations of
contaminants from Ash Pond D as determined by groundwater monitoring, if such
concentrations exceed the standards for Class I: Potable Resource Groundwater
set forth in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410, shall be the applicable groundwater
standards at the Hutsonville site if:
1)
To the extent practicable, the exceedence has been minimized and
beneficial use, as appropriate for the class of groundwater, has been
returned;
2)
Any threat to public health or the environment has been minimized; and
3)
An institutional control prohibiting potable uses of groundwater is placed
on the Hutsonville site in accordance with the Uniform Environmental
Covenants Act (765 ILCS 122).
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
No generally applicable groundwater quality standards apply within Zone A or
Zone B. Within Zone A and Zone B, from the effective date of this rule and
continuing indefinitely thereafter, concentrations of constituents may exceed any
generally applicable groundwater quality standard established by the Board or the
Agency, including the Class I groundwater quality standards, as set forth in 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 620.
b)
Off-site, the applicable groundwater quality standards for Class I: Potable
Resource Groundwater are as set forth in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401 (e.g.,
numerical standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410 in upper zone of underlying
aquifer; nondegradation standard of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.Subpart C in lower
zone of underlying aquifer) unless a groundwater management zone (GMZ) has
been established as provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.250 with the written
permission of the affected property owner(s) for off-site properties with
groundwater contamination from Ash Pond D so that monitoring wells may be
installed and such other corrective actions designed and implemented as necessary
to achieve compliance with 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.
1)
A GMZ for off-site properties with groundwater contamination from Ash
Pond D and any related design and construction activities must be
proposed and approved in the closure plan or post-closure care plan, as
appropriate.
2)
Groundwater quality standards for an off-site GMZ are set forth at 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 620.450(a)(4).
b)
As provided in Section 840.116 of this Part, the results of annual trend analysis
will be used to determine compliance within Zone B.
Section 840.118 116
Demonstration of Compliance
a)
Compliance with the on-site and off-site groundwater quality standards set forth
in Sections 840.116(a) and (b) of this Part:
1)
Compliance with on-site groundwater quality standards will be achieved
when no statistically significant increasing trend that can be attributed to
Ash Pond D is detected in the concentrations of all constituents monitored
in accordance with Section 840.114 of this Part at the down-gradient
boundaries of the Hutsonville site for four consecutive years after
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
changing to an annual monitoring frequency pursuant to Section
840.114(c) of this Part.
2)
Compliance with off-site groundwater quality standards:
A)
Compliance with off-site groundwater quality standards set forth in
Section 840.116(b) of this Part will be achieved when:
i)
A statistically significant decreasing trend in concentrations
of constituents monitored in accordance with Section
840.114 of this Part at the down-gradient boundaries of the
Hutsonville site is detected in the concentrations of all
constituents monitored for a period of four consecutive
years after changing to an annual monitoring frequency
pursuant to Section 840.114(c) of this Part; and
ii)
All concentrations of constituents monitored in accordance
with Section 840.114 of this Part are at or below the
applicable groundwater quality standards as provided in
Section 840.116(b) of this Part at the down-gradient
boundaries of the Hutsonville site.
B)
If a groundwater management zone for off-site properties with
groundwater contamination from Ash Pond D is established as
provided in Section 840.116(b) of this Part, the compliance points
will be determined as set forth in the GMZ approved in the closure
plan or post-closure care plan, as appropriate.
3)
A Mann-Kendall analysis must be performed at 95 percent confidence to
determine whether the increasing or decreasing trend is statistically
significant.
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must establish and identify in the closure
plan and post-closure care plan no fewer than three down-gradient monitoring
wells located within Zone B for determining groundwater quality.
b)
Compliance must be demonstrated as follows:
1)
To demonstrate compliance with the on-site groundwater quality standards
and subsection (a)(1) of this Section, the The owner or operator of Ash
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Pond D must perform an annual trend analysis for each monitoring well
located
at the down-gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site in Zone B
for all constituents monitored in accordance with Section 840.114112(a)
of this Subpart
and for all constituents monitored in accordance with
Section 840.112(b) that are above Class I groundwater quality standards as
provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410, based on a minimum of four
consecutive samples, by applying Sen's Estimate of Slope.
If the results
show an increasing trend, a Mann-Kendall analysis must be performed at
95 percent confidence to determine whether the increasing trend is
statistically significant.
2)
To demonstrate compliance with the off-site groundwater quality
standards and subsection (a)(2) of this Section:
A)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must perform an annual
trend analysis for each monitoring well located at the down-
gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site for all constituents
monitored in accordance with Section 840.114 of this Part that are
above Class I groundwater quality standards as provided in 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 620.401 (e.g., numerical standards of 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 620.410 in upper zone of underlying aquifer; nondegradation
standard of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.Subpart C in lower zone of
underlying aquifer) based on a minimum of four consecutive
samples, by applying Sen's Estimate of Slope; and
B)
Sampling and analysis results for each monitoring well located at
the down-gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site for all
constituents monitored in accordance with Section 840.114 of this
Part must achieve the applicable groundwater quality standards as
provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401 (e.g., numerical standards
of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410 in upper zone of underlying aquifer;
nondegradation standard of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.Subpart C in
lower zone of underlying aquifer) at the down-gradient boundaries
of the Hutsonville site.
C)
If a groundwater management zone for off-site properties with
groundwater contamination from Ash Pond D is established as
provided in Section 840.116(b) of this Part, the demonstration of
compliance will be determined as set forth in the GMZ approved in
the closure plan or post-closure care plan, as appropriate.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
c)
Compliance with nondegradation standards during closure and post-closure care
periods:
1)
If the results of sampling and analysis show an increasing trend at any
monitoring well located at the down-gradient boundaries of the
Hutsonville site, a Mann-Kendall analysis must be performed at 95
percent confidence to determine whether the increasing trend is
statistically significant. The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must
investigate the cause of a statistically significant increasing trend as
determined under subsection (b) of this Section. If the statistically
significant increasing trend occurs during post-closure care, such
investigation must include more frequent inspection of the surface of the
cover system and evaluation of
background concentrations and the
effectiveness of the groundwater collection trench required by Section
840.120118
of this Subpart.
A1)
If an investigation performed in accordance with subsection (c)(1)
of this Section attributes a statistically significant increasing trend
to a superseding cause, the owner or operator of Ash Pond D must
notify the Agency in writing, stating the cause of the increasing
trend and providing the rationale used in such a determination.
B2)
If there is no superseding cause for the statistically significant
increasing trend and sampling frequency has been reduced
pursuant to Sections 840.114(b) or (c) 840.112(a)(1) or (a)(2)
of
this Subpart to semiannual or annual sampling, the owner or
operator must return to a quarterly sampling schedule. After four
consecutive quarterly samples show no statistically significant
increasing trend, the frequency of groundwater monitoring may be
returned to either semi-annual or annual, whichever frequency was
utilized prior to the return to quarterly sampling.
C)
For purposes of this subsection (c)(1), notifications concerning
increasing trends and revisions of the sampling frequency must be
reported to the Agency in writing within 30 days after making the
determinations as provided in Section 840.144(f) of this Part.
2d)
If a statistically significant increasing trend is observed to continue over a
period of two or more consecutive years and there are no superseding
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
causes for the trend, the owner or operator must perform the following:
A1
)
A hydrogeologic investigation; and
2)
An investigation to determine there are no exceedences of Class
I standards attributable to Ash Pond D at the outer edge of Zone
B; and
B3
)
Additional site investigation, if necessary.
3e)
Based on the outcome of the activities required by subsection (c)(2) (d) of
this Section, the owner or operator of Ash Pond D must take action to
mitigate increasing trends exceedences that are causing, threatening or
allowing exceedences of off-site groundwater quality standards as set
forth in Section 840.116(b)(2). occurring at the outer edge of Zone B.
Such actions must be proposed as a modification to the post-closure care
plan within 180 days after completion of the activities required by
subsection (c)(2) of this Section.
df)
In accordance with Section 840.144 of this Part, the The owner or operator of Ash
Pond D must submit an annual report to the Agency with the results of the trend
analysis required by subsection (b) of this Section and supporting data. The
annual report must include a discussion of any statistically significant increasing
trends, actions taken to mitigate increasing trends in accordance with subsection
(c)(3) of this Section, within Zone B and a copy of any notice submitted to the
Agency pursuant to subsection (c)(1)(A)
of this Section.
Section 840.120 118
Groundwater Collection Trench
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must design, install, and, consistent with wastewater
discharge permit conditions, operate a groundwater collection trench along the south property
boundary of the Hutsonville Power Station to prevent migration of groundwater impacted by Ash
Pond D south of the property boundary. Plans for the groundwater collection trench including,
but not limited to, a plan for operation and maintenance, must be approved by the Agency in the
closure plan. The groundwater collection trench must be constructed according to a construction
quality assurance program that meets the requirements of Section 840.146 of this Part. Upon
approval by the Agency completion of the post-closure care certification required by Section
840.142140
of this Subpart, the owner or operator of Ash Pond D may discontinue operation of
the groundwater collection trench.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Section 840.122 120
Groundwater Discharge System
Groundwater collected in the groundwater collection trench must be directed to an outfall for
which the Hutsonville Power Station has NPDES authorization or to another option as approved
by the Agency in the closure plan or post-closure care plan. Ash Pond B at the Hutsonville
Power Station consistent with wastewater discharge permit conditions. Groundwater collected
must be routed through the outfall from Ash Pond B as authorized by the Hutsonville Power
Station's NPDES permit in compliance with applicable water quality standards for the Wabash
River.
Plans for the groundwater discharge system including, but not limited to, a plan for
operation and maintenance, must be approved by the Agency in the closure plan. The
groundwater collection trench must be constructed according to a construction quality assurance
program that meets the requirements of Section 840.146 of this Part.
Section 840.124 122
Final Slope and Stabilization
a)
All final slopes must be designed and constructed to a grade capable of
supporting vegetation and minimizing erosion.
b)
All slopes must be designed to drain runoff away from the cover and to
prevent ponding.
c)
Ash Pond D must meet the stability criteria of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 811.304. The
owner or operator may use coal combustion waste generated at the site in
establishing the final grade and slope. Any coal combustion waste used to
establish the final grade and slope is considered coal combustion byproduct, and
its use does not require any independent approval pursuant to 415 ILCS 5/3.135.
d)
The owner or operator may use coal combustion waste generated at the site in
establishing the final grade and slope as provided below:
1)
The earthen berms surrounding Pond D must be regraded to eliminate any
freeboard between the top of the berm and the adjacent surface of the coal
combustion waste;
2)
Additional coal combustion waste only may be placed directly on top of
coal combustion waste that is already in place;
3)
The maximum final slope must be no greater than three (3) percent;
4)
Any additional coal combustion waste used to establish the final grade and
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
slope is considered coal combustion by-product, and its use does not
require any independent approval pursuant to Section 3.135 of the Act
(415 ILCS 5/3.135).
Section 840.126 124
Final Cover System
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must design and install a final cover system for Ash Pond
D. The final cover system must consist of a low permeability layer and a final protective layer.
a)
Standards for the low permeability layer. The low permeability layer must be
designed to minimize surface infiltration and must consist of a geosynthetic
membrane cover and be constructed in accordance with the following standards:
1)
The geosynthetic membrane must have a minimum thickness of 40 mil
(0.04 inches) and
, in terms of hydraulic flux, be equivalent or superior to a
three (3) foot layer of soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 x 10-7
centimeters per second. or less.
2)
The geosynthetic membrane must be placed over a prepared base free
from sharp objects and other materials that may cause damage.
b)
Standards for the final protective layer.
1)
The final protective layer must cover the entire geosynthetic
membrane.
2)
The final protective layer must be at least three feet thick and must be
sufficient to protect the geosynthetic membrane from freezing and
minimize root penetration of the geosynthetic membrane.
3)
The final protective layer must consist of soil material capable of
supporting vegetation.
4)
The final protective layer must be placed as soon as possible after
placement of the geosynthetic membrane.
5)
The final protective layer must be covered with vegetation to
minimize wind and water erosion.
c)
Construction Quality Assurance Program. The final cover system must be
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
constructed according to a construction quality assurance program that meets the
following requirements of Section 840.146 of this Part. :
1)
The operator must designate a construction quality assurance
("CQA") officer.
2)
At the end of each week of construction of the final cover system until
construction is complete, a summary report must be either prepared by the
CQA officer or under the supervision of the CQA officer. The report must
include descriptions of the weather, locations where construction occurred
during the previous week, materials used, results of testing, inspection
reports, and procedures used to perform the inspections. The CQA officer
must certify the report.
3)
The CQA officer must exercise judgment to certify the following:
A)
That the bedding material contains no undesirable objects;
B)
That the closure plan has been followed;
C)
That the anchor trench and backfill are constructed to
prevent damage to the geosynthetic membrane;
D)
That all tears, rips, punctures, and other damage are
repaired; and
E)
That all geosynthetic membrane seams are properly
constructed and tested in accordance with manufacturer's
specifications.
Section 840.128 126
Closure Plan
a)
Within 180 days after the effective date of this rule, the owner or operator of Ash
Pond D must prepare and submit to the Agency a closure plan for review and
approval
.
b)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must maintain the closure plan onsite
or at a location specified in the closure plan.
Section 840.130 128 Contents of Closure Plan
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
The closure plan must contain
, at a minimum,
the following information or documents:
a)
Site map. The site map must identify all pertinent features and buildings at the
Hutsonville Power Station and must clearly identify the following:
1)
All of the surface impoundments located at the site;
2)
All existing and proposed groundwater collection trenches associated
with the operation or closure of Ash Pond D;
and
3)
All existing and proposed groundwater monitoring wells.
; and
4)
Diagrams depicting Zone A and Zone B.
b)
Description of Ash Pond D. The description of Ash Pond D must
include all of the following information:
1)
A description of the contents of Ash Pond D;
2)
The estimated volume of material contained in Ash Pond
D; and
3)
An analysis of the structural integrity of Ash Pond D.
c)
Description of the closure activities to be performed in accordance
with this Subpart and any additional activities performed by the
owner or operator to close Ash Pond D, including any dewatering.
d)
Description and results of the hydrogeologic site investigation required by
Section 840.110108
of this Subpart.
e)
Description of the groundwater trend analysis methods as required by Section
840.118116
of this Subpart.
f)
Plans, specifications and drawings for Description of the groundwater monitoring
system required by Section 840.112110
of this Subpart.
g)
Description of the groundwater monitoring program required by Section
840.114112 of this Subpart including, but not limited to, a description of the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
quality assurance program for sample collection, preservation and analysis
.
h)
Identification of the location of the monitoring wells used for trend
analyses required by Section 840.118116
of this Subpart.
i)
Plans, specifications and drawings for the groundwater collection trench and
discharge system set forth in Sections 840.120 and 840.122.
j)
Plans, specifications and drawings for the final slope design and construction and
demonstration of compliance with the stability criteria required in Section
840.124.
ki)
Plans, specifications and drawings for Description of the final cover system
required by Section 840.126124
of this Subpart.
lj)
Estimates of the amount of time to complete closure, including an estimate of
the time required for hydrostatic equilibrium of groundwater beneath Ash Pond
D,
the cost of closure, and the cost of post-closure care.
m)
A proposal for a groundwater management zone as set forth in Section 840.116(b)
of this Part, if applicable, and including, but not limited to, plans, specifications
and drawings for any structures or devices that must be constructed.
n)
Description of the Construction Quality Assurance program required by Section
840.146 of this Part including, but not limited to, the sampling programs required
by Section 840.146(b)(7) of this Part.
o)
Description of actions proposed to mitigate increasing trends in accordance with
Section 840.118(c) of this Part, if applicable, including, but not limited to, plans,
specifications, and drawings for any structures or devices that must be
constructed.
p)
The signature and seal of the professional engineer supervising the preparation of
the closure plan.
Section 840.132 130
Modification of Existing Permits
Within six months of the effective date of this Subpart A, the The owner or operator of Ash Pond
D must timely submit to the Agency an application to revise any state operating permit or
NPDES permit issued by the Agency as required by Sections Section 840.120118 and 840.122 of
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
this Subpart.
Section 840.134 132 Completion of Closure,
Closure Report and Certification of
Completion of Closure
a)
The owner or operator must complete closure of Ash Pond D within eighteen
months after the Agency’s approval of the closure plan.
b)
No later than 90 days after the completion of all closure activities required by this
Subpart
and approved in the closure plan, the owner or operator of Ash Pond D
must prepare and submit to the Agency a closure report for review and approval.
The report must include certification by a professional engineer that Ash Pond D
has been closed in accordance with the approved closure plan required by Section
840.128126 of this Part and the requirements of this Subpart. The report also
must contain supporting documentation including, but not limited to:
and include
all CQA reports required by Section 840.124(c)(2).
1)
Engineering and hydrogeology reports including, but not limited to,
monitoring well completion reports and boring logs, all CQA reports,
certifications, and designations of CQA officers-in-absentia required by
Section 840.146 of this Part;
2)
Photographs;
3)
A written summary of closure requirements and activities as set forth in
the closure plan and this Subpart A;
4)
Any other information relied upon by the professional engineer in making
the closure certification; and
5)
The signature and seal of the professional engineer supervising the
implementation of the closure plan, the preparation of the closure report,
and making the certification of completion of closure.
Section 840.136 134
Post-Closure Maintenance of Cover System
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must maintain the surface of the cover system beginning
immediately after construction until approval of the post-closure report by the Agency.
a)
After closure, and until completion of the post-closure report, the owner or
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
operator of Ash Pond D must conduct annual inspections of the cover system
at
the same time and frequency as the groundwater monitoring sampling schedule
set forth in Section 840.114 of this Part.
b)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must fill all rills, gullies, and
crevices six inches or deeper identified during the inspection
. Areas
identified as particularly susceptible to erosion must be recontoured.
c)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must repair all eroded and scoured
drainage channels identified during inspections
and replace lining material, if
necessary.
d)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must fill and recontour all holes and
depressions created by settling so as to prevent standing water.
e)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must revegetate all areas in excess of 100
square feet, cumulative, with failed or eroded vegetation.
that had previously
been vegetated.
f)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must repair all tears, rips, punctures, and
other damage to the geosynthetic membrane.
, if necessary.
g)
The owner or operator must prevent the growth of woody species on the
protective cover.
Section 840.138 136
Post-Closure Care Plan
a)
Within 180 days after the effective date of this Subpart A, the The
owner or
operator of Ash Pond D must prepare and submit to the Agency a post-
closure care plan.
b)
The owner or operator must maintain the post-closure care plan onsite or at a
location specified in the post-closure care plan.
Section 840.140 138
Contents of Post-Closure Care Plan
The post-closure care plan must include, at a minimum,
the following elements:
a)
Description of the post-closure care activities required by Section 840.136134 of
this Subpart;
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
b)
Description of the groundwater monitoring system required by Section
840.112110
of the Subpart and a description of the maintenance plan for the
groundwater monitoring system
;
c)
Description of the groundwater monitoring program required by Section
840.114112
of this Subpart;
d)
Identification of the location of the monitoring wells used for trend analyses
required by Section 840.118116 of this Subpart;
and
e)
Description of the operation and maintenance that will be required for the
groundwater collection trench and discharge system required by Sections 840.120
and 840.122 of this Part; A copy of the certification of closure required by
Section 840.132 of this Subpart.
f)
Description of the groundwater trend analysis methods as required by Section
840.118 of this Subpart;
g)
A proposal for a groundwater management zone as set forth in Section 840.116(b)
of this Part, if applicable;
h)
Description of actions proposed to mitigate increasing trends in accordance with
Section 840.118(c) of this Part, if applicable, and the operation and maintenance
of any structures or devices; and
p)
The signature and seal of the professional engineer supervising the preparation of
the post-closure care plan.
Section 840.142 140
Post-Closure Report and Certification of Completion of Post-Closure
Care Plan
Post-closure care must continue until a demonstration of compliance with the groundwater
quality standards as set forth in Section 840.116 has been approved by the Agency. The owner
or operator of Ash Pond D must prepare and submit to the Agency a post-closure report within
60 days after satisfying the requirements of the approved post-closure care plan and achieving
the applicable groundwater quality standards as set forth in the plan and Sections 840.116
through 840.118 of this Part. Sections 840.134 and 840.112(a)(3) of this Subpart. The post-
closure report must include a certification(s) by a professional engineer or professional
geologist that the standards and requirements set forth in this Subpart A and approved in the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
post-closure care plan of Section 840.134 and Section 840. 112(a)(3) of this Subpart
have been
met. A professional geologist may supervise post-closure care activities as appropriate under
the Professional Geologist Licensing Act (225 ILCS 745). The report also must contain
supporting documentation including, but not limited to:
a)
Engineering and hydrogeology reports including, but not limited to,
documentation of compliance with the groundwater quality standards of this
Subpart A;
b)
Photographs;
c)
A written summary of post-closure care requirements and activities as set forth in
the post-closure care plan and this Subpart A and their completion;
d)
Any other information relied upon by the professional engineer or professional
geologist, as appropriate for the activity, in making the post-closure care
certification(s); and
e)
The signature and seal of the professional engineer and professional geologist
supervising the implementation of the post-closure care plan, and the signature
and seal of the professional engineer supervising preparation of the post-closure
report and making the certification of completion of the post-closure care plan.
Section 840.144 142
Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
a)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must file groundwater monitoring data
electronically with the Agency each year during the closure of Ash Pond D and
for the entire post-closure care period. The owner or operator must submit
sampling data no later than 30 days after the end of the sampling period.
ab)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must file an annual report with the Agency
no later than January 31 of each year during the closure of Ash Pond D and for
the entire post-closure care period. Once the requirements of Section 840.142140
of this Subpart have been met, annual reports are no longer required.
The owner
or operator must submit groundwater sampling and analysis data no later than 30
days after the sampling and analysis have been completed.
bc
)
All annual reports must contain the following information:
1)
Trend analyses of all groundwater monitoring data generated by the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
groundwater monitoring program required by Section 840.114112 of this
Subpart during the preceding year
and any additional data or information
required by Section 840.118(d) of this Part;
and
2)
The completed closure or post-closure activities performed during the
preceding year. ; and
3)
A summary of all modifications made to the closure plan or post-closure
care plan during the preceding year and copies of the updated closure
and post-closure plans reflecting any such modifications.
cd
)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must maintain onsite or at a location
specified in the closure or post-closure care plan all monitoring data and trend
analysis data for 10 years following generation of the data.
de
)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must maintain the closure plan until
the end of the post-closure care period.
ef)
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D must maintain the post-closure care plan
for 10 years following the certification of the post-closure report as required by
Section 840.142140
.
fg)
All reports and notifications required under this Subpart to be submitted to the
Agency must be submitted in writing to the Bureau of Water Land, Division of
Public Water Supplies, Attn: Hydrogeology and Compliance Unit, 1021 North
South
Grand Avenue East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 or
electronically as authorized and directed by the Agency.
Section 840.146 144 Construction Quality Assurance Program
Modification of Closure
Plan or Post-Closure Care Plan
a)
The following components must be constructed according to a construction
quality assurance program:
1)
Installation of the groundwater collection trench and discharge system
required by Sections 840.120 and 840.122 of this Part;
2)
Compaction of the final cover system subgrade and foundation to design
parameters;
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
3)
Application of final cover, including installation of the geomembrane; and
4)
Construction of ponds, ditches, lagoons and berms.
b)
The construction quality assurance program must meet the following
requirements:
1)
The operator must designate a construction quality assurance ("CQA")
officer who is an Illinois licensed professional engineer (LPE).
2)
At the end of each week of construction of the final cover system until
construction is complete, a summary report must be either prepared by the
CQA officer or under the supervision of the CQA officer. The report must
include descriptions of the weather, locations where construction occurred
during the previous week, materials used, results of testing, inspection
reports, and procedures used to perform the inspections. The CQA officer
must certify the report.
3)
The CQA officer must exercise judgment to certify the following:
A)
That the bedding material contains no undesirable objects;
B)
That the closure plan has been followed;
C)
That the anchor trench and backfill are constructed to
prevent damage to the geosynthetic membrane;
D)
That all tears, rips, punctures, and other damage are
repaired;
E)
That all geosynthetic membrane seams are properly
constructed and tested in accordance with manufacturer's
specifications;
F)
That the groundwater trench is constructed to intersect the water
table;
G)
That the groundwater trench is properly constructed to slope
towards extraction points, and the extraction equipment is properly
designed and installed;
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
H)
That an appropriate operations and maintenance plan for the trench
and extraction and discharge equipment is provided;
I)
That proper filter material consisting of uniform granular fill, to
avoid clogging, is used in construction; and
J)
That the filter material as placed must possess structural strength
adequate to support the maximum loads imposed by the overlying
materials and equipment used at the facility.
4)
The CQA officer must supervise and be responsible for all inspections,
testing and other activities required to be implemented as part of the CQA
program under this Section.
5)
The CQA officer must be present to provide supervision and assume
responsibility for performing all inspections of the following activities:
A)
Compaction of the subgrade and foundation to design parameters;
B)
Application of final cover, including installation of the
geomembrane;
C)
Installation of the groundwater collection trench and discharge
system required by Sections 840.120 and 840.122 of this Part; and
D)
Construction of ponds, ditches, lagoons and berms.
6)
If the CQA officer is unable to be present to perform, as required by
subsection (b)(5) of this Section, the CQA officer must provide, in writing,
the reasons for his or her absence, a designation of a person who must
exercise professional judgment in carrying out the duties of the CQA
officer-in-absentia, and a signed statement that the CQA officer assumes
full responsibility for all inspections performed and reports prepared by
the designated CQA officer-in-absentia during the absence of the CQA.
7)
The sampling program must be implemented as part of the CQA plan for
all construction activities in order to ensure, at a minimum, that
construction materials and operations meet design specifications.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
A)
The sampling program must be designed prior to construction;
B)
The sampling program must be based upon statistical sampling
techniques and must establish and specify criteria for acceptance or
rejection of materials and operations.
The owner or operator of Ash Pond D may modify the closure or post-closure plan so long as the
modification is in accordance with the provisions of this Subpart. The updated plans must be
filed with the Agency pursuant to Section 840.142(c)(3) of this Subpart.
Section 840.148
Review, Approval, and Modification of Closure Plan and Post-Closure
Care Plan
The closure plan and post-closure care plan prepared and submitted to the Agency in accordance
with Sections 840.128 and 840.138 of this Part, and any modifications to those plans, must be
reviewed and approved by the Agency prior to implementation.
a)
A closure plan satisfying the requirements of Section 840.130 of this Part, a post-
closure care plan satisfying the requirements of Section 840.140 of this Part, and
any modifications to approved plans must be submitted to the Agency for review
and approval prior to implementation. The Agency will have 90 days from the
receipt of a plan or proposed modification to conduct a review and make a final
determination to approve or disapprove a plan or modification or to approve a
plan or modification with conditions.
1)
The Agency’s record of the date of receipt of a plan or proposed
modification to a plan will be deemed conclusive unless a contrary date is
proved by a dated, signed receipt from the Agency or certified or
registered mail.
2)
Submission of an amended plan or amended modification to a plan restarts
the time for review.
3)
The owner or operator may waive the Agency’s decision deadline upon a
request from the Agency or at the owner’s or operator’s discretion.
b)
A proposed modification to a closure plan or post-closure care plan must include
the reason for the modification, all the information and supporting documentation
that will be changed from or will supplement the information provided in the
original or most recently approved plan, and the signature and seal of the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
professional engineer supervising the preparation of the proposed modification.
c)
When reviewing a closure plan or modification, the Agency must consider:
1)
Whether the plan or modification contains, at a minimum, all the elements
required pursuant to Section 840.130 of this Part and has been
accompanied by the information and supporting documentation necessary
to evaluate the compliance of the proposed plan relative to the standards
and requirements of this Subpart A;
2)
Whether the activities, structures and devices proposed are in accordance
with the applicable standards and requirements of this Subpart A and are
otherwise consistent with generally accepted engineering practices and
principles of hydrogeology, accepted groundwater modeling practices,
appropriate statistical analyses, and appropriate sampling techniques and
analytical methods;
3)
The likelihood that the plan or modification will result in the containment
of the ash and associated contaminants and the attainment of the
applicable groundwater quality standards as set forth in Sections 840.116
and 840.118 of this Part;
4)
Whether the plan or modification contains the required professional
signatures and seals.
d)
When reviewing a post-closure care plan or proposed modification, the Agency
must consider:
1)
Whether the plan or modification contains, at a minimum, all the elements
required pursuant to Section 840.140 of this Part and has been
accompanied by the information and supporting documentation necessary
to evaluate the compliance of the proposed plan relative to the standards
and requirements of this Subpart A;
2)
Whether the activities, structures and devices proposed will be completed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the applicable standards and
requirements of this Subpart A and are otherwise consistent with generally
accepted engineering practices and principles of hydrogeology, accepted
groundwater modeling practices, appropriate statistical analyses, and
appropriate sampling techniques and analytical methods;
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
3)
The management of risk relative to any remaining contamination,
including, but not limited to, provisions for the use of long-term
restrictions on the use of groundwater as a potable water supply, if
appropriate;
4)
Whether the plan or modification contains the required professional
signatures and seals.
e)
Upon completion of the review, the Agency must notify the owner or operator in
writing of its final determination on the plan or proposed modification. The
notification must be made by certified or registered mail post-marked with a date
stamp and with return receipt requested. The Agency’s final determination will
be deemed to have taken place on the post-marked date that the notice is mailed.
If the Agency disapproves a plan or modification or approves a plan or
modification with conditions, the written notification must contain the following
information, as applicable:
1)
An explanation of the specific type of information or documentation, if
any, that the Agency deems the owner or operator did not provide;
2)
A list of the provisions of the Act, this Subpart A, or other applicable
regulations that may be violated if the plan or modification is approved as
submitted;
3)
A statement of the specific reasons why the Act, this Subpart A, or other
applicable regulations may be violated if the plan or modification is
approved as submitted; and
4
A statement of the reasons for conditions if conditions are required.
f)
If the Agency disapproves a plan or modification, approves a plan or modification
with conditions, or fails to issue a final determination within the applicable review
period, the owner or operator may, within 35 days after receipt of the final
determination or expiration of the review period, file an appeal with the Board.
Appeals to the Board must be in the manner provided for the review of permit
decisions in Section 40 of the Act (415 ILCS 5/40).
Section 840.150
Review and Approval of Closure Report and Certification of
Completion of Closure, Post-Closure Report and Certification of
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Completion of Post-Closure Care Plan
The closure report and post-closure report prepared and submitted to the Agency in accordance
with Sections 840.134 and 840.142 of this Part must be reviewed and approved by the Agency
prior to the completion of closure or post-closure care.
a)
A closure report satisfying the requirements of Section 840.134 of this Part and a
post-closure report satisfying the requirements of Section 840.142 of this Part
must be submitted to the Agency for review and approval. Closure and post-
closure activities will not be deemed complete until the reports are approved by
the Agency.
b)
Submission and review requirements and deadlines, notification requirements,
and rights of appeal shall be the same as those set forth in Section 840.148 of this
Part for closure plans and post-closure care plans.
c)
When reviewing a closure report and certification of completion of closure, the
Agency must consider whether the documentation demonstrates that the activities,
structures and devices approved in the closure plan have been completed in
accordance with this Subpart A and the approved closure plan including, but not
limited to:
1)
The performance of the hydrogeologic site investigation required by
Section 840.110 of this Part;
2)
The installation of the groundwater monitoring system required by Section
840.112 of this Part;
3)
The installation of the groundwater collection trench and discharge system
or alternative as approved by the Agency as required by Sections 840.120
and 840.122;
4)
The construction of the final slope and compliance with the stability
criteria as required by Section 840.124 of this Part;
5)
The installation of the final cover system as required by Section 840.126
of this Part;
6)
Compliance with the Construction Quality Assurance requirements of
Section 840.146 of this Part;
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
7)
The establishment of a groundwater management zone in accordance with
Section 840.116(b), if applicable;
8)
The implementation of actions to mitigate increasing trends as required by
Section 840.118(c) of this Part, if applicable;
9)
The presence of professional signatures and seals as required by Section
840.134.
d)
When reviewing a post-closure report and certification of completion of post-
closure care plan, the Agency must consider whether the documentation
demonstrates that the activities, structures and devices approved in the post-
closure care plan have been completed, operated and maintained in accordance
with this Subpart A and the approved post-closure care plan including, but not
limited to:
1)
The post-closure maintenance of the cover system as required by Section
840.136;
2)
The maintenance of the groundwater monitoring system in accordance
with Section 840.112(d);
3)
The implementation of the groundwater monitoring program as required
by Section 840.114 of this Part;
4)
The operation and maintenance of the groundwater collection trench and
discharge system, or alternative approved by the Agency, as required by
Sections 840.120 and 840.122;
5)
The performance of the groundwater trend analysis as required by Section
840.118 of this Part;
6)
The implementation of actions to mitigate increasing trends as required by
Section 840.118(c) of this Part, if applicable;
7)
Compliance with the requirements of the groundwater management zone
as established pursuant to Section 840.116(b), if applicable;
8)
Compliance with the groundwater quality standards set forth in Sections
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
840.116(a) and 840.116(b) as demonstrated in accordance with Section
840.118; and
9)
The presence of professional signatures and seals as required by Section
840.140.
Section 840.152
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Nothing in this Subpart A shall be construed to be less stringent than or inconsistent with the
provisions of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (P.L. 94-480), as
amended, or regulations adopted thereunder. Any rules adopted in this Subpart A that are less
stringent than or inconsistent with such federal laws applicable to Ash Pond D or state laws
adopted to obtain federal delegation, authorization or approval of a state program administered
pursuant to such federal laws are void by operation of law.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.101
)
THROUGH 840.144
)
PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OF WILLIAM E. BUSCHER, P.G., ON AMEREN’S PROPOSAL
AND THE AGENCY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 840.100 THROUGH
840.106, 840.120 THROUGH 840.122, 840.132, AND 840.138 THROUGH 840.150
My name is William E. Buscher. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla in
1984 with a B.S. in Geological Engineering and I am a licensed professional geologist. I am
currently the Manager of the Hydrogeology and Compliance Unit, Groundwater Section,
Division of Public Water Supplies, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (“Agency”)
Bureau of Water (“BOW”). I have worked in the Groundwater Section for over 21 years. My
primary responsibilities include application of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act (“Act”)
and Illinois Pollution Control Board’s (“Board”) rules which pertain to groundwater. I am
responsible for the direct supervision of technical & professional staff implementing
groundwater protection, assessment and remediation programs. I also provide hydrogeologic
expertise to all programs within the BOW including Public Water Supplies, Industrial and
Municipal Wastewater Permits, Mine Permits, and for special reports and projects.
My testimony today and Attachment I, included with the testimony, provide part of the
basis for the Agency’s proposed changes to the AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING
COMPANY’s (“Ameren”) proposed site-specific rules for the closure of Ash Pond D at the
Hutsonville Power Station. For further detail on my qualifications I have enclosed a copy of my
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Curriculum Vitae in Attachment I.
Specifically, my testimony addresses the following Sections proposed by Ameren,
840.100 through 840.106, Section 840.118 through 840.120, Section 840.130, and Sections
840.136 through 840.144. However, because of the Agency’s proposed addition of a new
Section 840.108 for incorporations by reference and the resulting renumbering of the existing
sections, my testimony will refer to the Agency’s proposed Sections 840.100, 840.102, 840.104,
840.106, 840.120, 840.122, 840.132, 840.138, 840.140, 840.142, 840.144, 840.148, and 840.150
unless otherwise specified.
The purpose Section of Ameren’s proposed rule was not changed.
Section 840.100 Purpose
In this Section “post-closure care” was added for clarity by maintaining the distinction
between closure and post-closure care, both of which are required by this Subpart. The problem
arises because the term “closure” is used somewhat ambiguously to refer at times to the entire set
of procedures and requirements set forth in Subpart A and at other times to refer to the planning
and construction stage preceding the post-closure care period in which the structures and devices
put in place during the closure period combine to become the operational corrective action
activities.
Section 840.102 Applicability
In addition, the Agency struck the language excluding the closure of Ash Pond D from all
other requirements under Subtitle G because the Agency simply was unwilling at this point to
accept on its face such a broad assertion. Subtitle G currently covers a range of issues, and the
nature and extent of future modifications to Subtitle G is uncertain. The Agency concluded it
was unnecessary to make this assertion in this Subpart at this time.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
In the Agency’s amended Section 840.104 definitions have been added, deleted, and
refined. Four new definitions have been proposed. The first new definition is “Contaminant.”
This definition is found in the Act at 415 ILCS 5/3.165. It is added because the term is used
repeatedly throughout Subpart A.
Section 840.104 Definitions
Other new definitions include "on-site" and “off-site.” They are used to identify property
that is, or is not, part of the Hutsonville Power Station. The concepts are introduced in the
Agency’s Section 840.114, appear in several other sections, and are used as a basis for the
Agency’s proposed groundwater quality standards for the site and demonstrations of compliance.
The use of the terms will be discussed further in Mr. Cobb’s testimony on the Agency’s
proposed Sections 840.116 and 840.118.
The fourth new definition is “person.” This definition is found in the Act at 415 ILCS
5/3.315. It was added because the term is used in other definitions.
The definitions of “surface impoundment,” “Zone A” and “Zone B” have been stricken
from the Agency’s proposed rule. “Surface impoundment” has been stricken because its use in
Subpart A is infrequent and incidental. The proposal clearly is applicable to Ash Pond D
however it is characterized. In addition, the Agency specifically objects to the last sentence in
the definition because it overstates the Board’s conclusion in AS 09-1, which appears to be
limited to landfills subject to 35 Ill. Adm. Code 810-815, and because federal regulations are
anticipated in the relatively near future that may settle the waste management status of such
facilities under RCRA’s Subtitle C or D. The definitions of “Zone A” and “Zone B” were
stricken because they are inconsistent with the Agency’s view of how the closure should be
conducted. These changes will be discussed further in Mr. Cobb’s testimony.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Section 840.106 Abbreviations and Acronyms
GMZ was added to the acronym list. GMZ stands for Groundwater Management Zone
and is based on 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.250.
The groundwater collection trench system is the engineered barrier which will be
designed to prohibit contaminated groundwater from moving off site and to capture
contaminated groundwater which has already migrated offsite. The Agency’s amended Section
840.120 requires the groundwater collection trench system design to be included in the closure
plan. The design plans will be reviewed by the Agency as part of the closure plan review.
Ameren must receive Agency approval prior to constructing the collection trench system. The
Agency’s amended language in this Section requires that the groundwater collection trench be
constructed in accordance with the construction quality assurance program requirements of the
Agency’s proposed Section 840.146. Ameren may discontinue operation of the groundwater
collection trench when the post-closure care certification required by Section 840.142 of this
Subpart, has been approved by the Agency.
Section 840.120 Groundwater Collection Trench
The current NPDES permit will need to be modified in order to accommodate the
discharge of contaminated water from the groundwater collection trench. This modification will
be required prior to operation of the trench. Ameren’s proposed language has been deleted in
Agency’s amended Section 840.122 due to the restrictions which it places on how the waste
water from the collection trench will be directed to the Wabash River discharge point. While the
Agency has no objections to Ameren’s preference to discharge through Ash Bond B, Ameren
may need to utilize an alternate discharge point if there are problems with permitting the
Section 840.122 Groundwater Discharge System
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
discharge through Ash Pond B. The Agency’s amended Section 840.122 requires Ameren to
obtain the required NPDES permits to discharge water from the collection trench to the Wabash
River and does not specify how the discharge is routed to the river or otherwise managed. The
purpose of this change was to provide Ameren with other discharge point options.
An important step in successfully implementing the amended rule is Ameren’s ability to
obtain the NPDES permit to discharge waste water from the trench into the Wabash River. The
issuance of a NPDES permit is completely independent of this rule and is governed by the
statutory rules pertaining to the NPDES permit process.
Section 840.132 Modification of Existing Permits
The Agency’s amended Section 840.132 requires Ameren to submit to the Agency an
application to revise any state operating permit or NPDES permit issued by the Agency as
required by Sections 840.120 and 840.122 of the Agency’s amended rule. This application must
be submitted to the Agency with in six (6) months of the effective date of this site-specific rule.
It is important to understand the issuance of a NPDES permit is completely independent of this
rule and is governed by the statutory rules pertaining to the permit process. The permit
modification will require a public notice. A public hearing may be requested which could
lengthen the time required to obtain a permit.
The Agency’s amended Section 840.138 requires Ameren to prepare and submit a post-
closure care plan within 180 days after the effective date of this site-specific rule.
Section 840.138 Post-Closure Care Plan
The Agency’s amended Section 840.140 adds more detail to Ameren’s post-closure care
plan. Subsection (b) has been amended to include requiring a description of the groundwater
Section 840.140 Contents of Post-Closure Care Plan
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
monitoring system maintenance plan. In the amended Subsection (e), a description of the
operation and maintenance plan for the groundwater collection trench and discharge system
required by Sections 840.120 and 840.122 of this proposed rule, has been required. Amended
Subsection (f) requires a description of the groundwater trend analysis methods as required by
Section 840.118 of the Agency’s amended rule. In amended Subsection (g) a requirement to
provide a proposal for a groundwater management zone as set forth in Section 840.116(b) of this
Agency’s amended rule has been added if the GMZ alternative is used. This would be required
only if the Ameren decides to pursue a groundwater management zone for off-site contamination
as provided in the Agency’s proposed Section 84.116(b). Amended Subsection (h) includes
providing a description of actions to be taken to address increasing trends in contaminant
concentrations on-site if required under the Agency’s proposed Section 840.118(c). Amended
Subsection (i) includes requiring the signature and seal of the professional engineer supervising
the preparation of the post-closure care plan
Section 840.142 Post-Closure Report and Certification of Completion of Post-Closure Care
Plan
Post-closure care must continue until a demonstration of compliance with the
groundwater quality standards set forth in Sections 840.116 through 840.118 of the Agency’s
proposed rule has been approved by the Agency. Amended Section 840.142 requires the owner
to submit to the Agency a post-closure report within 60 days after satisfying the requirements of
the approved post-closure care plan and achieving the applicable groundwater quality standards
set forth in the Agency’s proposed Sections 840.116 through 840.118. Additional supporting
documentation has been required in subsections (a) through (e) for post-closure work including
the signature and seal of the professional engineer and professional geologist supervising the
implementation of the post-closure care plan and the signature and seal of the professional
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
engineer supervising preparation of the post-closure report and making the certification of
completion of the post-closure care plan.
The Agency has proposed combining Subsections (a) and (b) from Ameren’s proposal
because they appeared to overlap. The Agency’s amended Subsection (a) requires the owner or
operator to file an annual report with the Agency no later than January 31 of each year during the
closure of Ash Pond D and for the entire post-closure care period. It also requires the owner or
operator to submit groundwater sampling and analysis data no later than 30 days after the
sampling and analysis have been completed, consistent with Ameren’s original proposal. The
Agency’s amended Subsection (b)(1) requires reporting increasing trends, actions taken to
mitigate increasing trends, and required notices as referenced in the amended Section
840.118(d). Ameren’s original subsection (c)(3) requiring Ameren to provide annual summaries
of all modifications to the closure and post-closure care plans was stricken because the Agency’s
proposal provides review and approval authority to the Agency for such changes. The Agency’s
amended subsection (f) contains updated Agency contact information for reporting purposes.
Section 840.144 Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements
Section 840.148 Review, Approval, and Modification of Closure Plan and Post-Closure
Care Plan
The Agency proposes new Sections 840.148 and 840.150 to provide for the review,
approval and modification of closure and post-closure care plans. Ameren’s proposed rule does
not contain a provision for prior Agency review of these plans or other important documents,
reports and requirements, including several added to the proposal by the Agency. Instead, the
Agency would be a passive recipient of plans, reports, related modifications and other
documentation. It was decided this puts the Agency in the untenable position of receiving
substantial information about the site and ongoing activities but without authority to influence
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
actions with which it may not agree. Rather than being in a position to influence events as they
develop, the Agency’s only recourse would be to rely on enforcement for any violations after
they occur. In this regard, it was also a concern that Ameren’s proposal might not be sufficiently
prescriptive in some circumstances to support effective enforcement.
While the Board’s rules do contain a few rules that are largely self-implementing, the
Agency believes that the better approach in the case of the closure of a coal ash impoundment
with off-site groundwater contamination is for the Agency to be involved in an administrative
oversight capacity during the design, construction and implementation of closure and post-
closure care activities that are likely to continue over several years. This proactive approach is
consistent with the Agency’s obligation to assure compliance with the Act and rules adopted
thereunder. Therefore, the Agency has proposed Sections that provide for the Agency’s
administrative oversight throughout the closure and post-closure process, including the
associated procedural requirements.
The Agency’s new Section 840.148 requires the closure plan, post-closure care plan and
any modification to these plans to be prepared and submitted to the Agency for review and
approval. The Agency will have 90 days from the receipt of the plan or modification to review
and make a final determination to approve or disapprove or to approve with conditions the plan
or modification. The 90-day period starts with the receipt of the plan. Submission of an
amended plan or modification restarts the clock. The owner or operator may waive the Agency’s
decision deadline upon request from the Agency or at their own discretion. Modifications to a
closure plan or post-closure plan must include the reason for the change and supporting
documentation. At subsections (c) and (d), the Agency proposes standards for review of a
closure plan, post closure plan or a modification of either plan.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
The Agency must notify the owner or operator in writing of its final determination on the
plan or proposed modification once the plan has been reviewed. The notification must be made
by certified or registered mail post-marked with a date stamp and with return receipt requested.
The Agency’s final determination will be deemed to have taken place on the post-marked date
that the notice is mailed. If the Agency disapproves a plan or modification or approves a plan or
modification with conditions, the written notification must contain the following information, as
applicable: 1) An explanation of the specific type of information or documentation that the
Agency deems the owner or operator did not provide; 2) a list of the provisions of the Act,
Subpart A, or other applicable regulations that may be violated if the plan or modification is
approved as submitted; 3) a statement of the specific reasons why the Act, Subpart A, or other
applicable regulations may be violated if the plan or modification is approved as submitted; and
4) a statement of the reasons for conditions if conditions are required.
Section 840.150
Review and Approval of Closure Report and Certification of
Completion of Closure, Post-Closure Report and Certification of
Completion of Post-Closure Care Plan
The Agency’s proposed Section 840.150 is based on the same reasoning stated in my
testimony under Section 840.148 above, the Agency’s belief that administrative oversight is
appropriate for this site as it proceeds through the closure process. The proposed Section
840.150 requires a closure report and a post-closure report prepared and submitted to the Agency
in accordance with Sections 840.134 and 840.142 of the Agency’s amended rule to be reviewed
and approved by the Agency prior to the completion of closure or post-closure care. Closure and
post-closure activities will not be deemed complete until the reports are approved by the Agency.
The submission and review requirements and deadlines, notification requirements, and rights of
appeal are the same as those described above in my testimony on amended Section 840.148 for
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
closure plans and post-closure care plans. At subsections (c) and (d), the Agency proposes
standards for review of a closure report and post-closure report. Nine criteria for review are
listed for each.
This concludes my testimony. I will be happy to address any questions.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
ATTACHMENT I
CURRICULUM VITAE
WILLIAM E. BUSCHER P.G.
853 South Mac Arthur Blvd.
Springfield, Illinois 62704
Professional Experience
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
April 1988 to Present
Bureau of Water
Division of Public Water Supplies
Groundwater Section
Springfield, Illinois
Public Service Administrator
September 1994 to Present
Duties Performed:
Hydrogeology and Compliance Unit Supervisor generally
responsible for the direct supervision of technical & professional staff
implementing groundwater protection, assessment and remediation programs.
Functions include construction & review of analytical and numerical groundwater
flow models, evaluation of the hydrogeologic aspects of groundwater protection
& remediation programs.
Environmental Protection Specialist IV
April 1993 to August 1994
Duties Performed:
Hydrogeology and Compliance Unit Supervisor generally
responsible for the direct supervision of technical & professional staff
implementing groundwater protection, assessment and remediation programs.
Functions include construction & review of analytical and numerical groundwater
flow models, evaluation of the hydrogeologic aspects of groundwater protection
& remediation programs.
Environmental Protection Engineer III
March 1991 to April 1993
Duties Performed:
Reviewing hydrogeologic aspects of implementing Illinois’
groundwater protection program. Including construction and reviewing analytical
and numeric groundwater flow models, completing groundwater protection needs
assessments, and reviewing groundwater remediation corrective action plans.
Providing technical assistance to community water supplies interested in
implementing well recharge area protection program.
Environmental Protection Engineer II
June 1990 to April 1991
Duties Performed:
Reviewing hydrogeologic aspects of implementing Illinois’
groundwater protection program. Including construction and reviewing analytical
and numeric groundwater flow models, completing groundwater protection needs
assessments, and reviewing groundwater remediation corrective action plans.
Providing technical assistance to community water supplies interested in
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
implementing well recharge area protection programs.
Environmental Protection Engineer I
April 1988 to May 1989
Duties Performed:
Review hydrogeologic aspects of implementing Illinois’
groundwater protection program. Including reviewing the lateral area of
influence determinations for pumping wells, and groundwater remediation
corrective action plans. Provided technical assistance to community water
supplies interested in implementing well recharge area protection programs.
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District
2000 Hampton Avenue
St. Louis, Mo 63139-2979
Construction Inspector
July 1987 to November 1987
Duties Performed:
Inspected sewer line installation, logged soil and rock test
borings and completed seismic studies for proposed sewer lines.
Lincoln Devore Inc. Geotechnical Consultants
1000 West Fillmore St.
Colorado Springs Co. 80907
Engineering Geologist
July 1984 to November 1986
Duties Performed:
Geotechnical report writing, soil and rock boring logging,
monitor well installation, percolation tests, geological mapping aerial photo
interpretation, seismic and resistivity studies, excavation observations and drilled
pier observations.
Education
University of Missouri-Rolla
Rolla, Missouri
Bachelor of Science Geological Engineering
May 1984
Licenses
Illinois Licensed Professional Geologist
September 1998
License Number
196.000656
Expiration Date
March 31, 2011
Additional Training
1992 United States Geological Survey (MODFLOW and MODPATH groundwater
modeling)
1995 Geology 435 - Computer Modeling of Groundwater Systems
Publications
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Buscher, W.E., and Cobb, R.P., 1990. Maximum Setback Zone Workbook. Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency. 62 pp.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.100
)
THROUGH 840.152
)
PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OF LYNN E. DUNAWAY, P.G., ON AMEREN’S PROPOSAL
AND AGENCY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 840.110 THROUGH 840.114
My name is Lynn E. Dunaway. I am a licensed professional geologist and an
Environmental Protection Specialist in the Hydrogeology and Compliance Unit, Groundwater
Section, Division of Public Water Supplies in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s
(“Agency”) Bureau of Water (“BOW”). I have worked in the Groundwater Section for more
than 21 years. My primary responsibilities include application of the Illinois Environmental
Protection Act (“Act”) and Illinois Pollution Control Board’s (“Board”) rules, including review
of potable well setback zone waiver and exception submissions, Certification of Minimal
Hazard, Title 35 Part 620 Groundwater Quality Standards, Title 35 Part 615 Existing Activities
Within Setback Zones and Regulated Recharge Areas, and Title 35 Part 616 New Activities
Within Setback Zones and Regulated Recharge Areas. Such application includes being an expert
witness at Board hearings for setback zone exceptions and amendments to the groundwater
quality standards.
I also provide hydrogeologic expertise to all programs within the BOW
including Public Water Supplies, Industrial and Municipal Wastewater Permits, Mine Permits,
and for special reports and projects. Provision of hydrogeologic expertise includes court
testimony as needed. Further, I am a remedial project manager for sites not enrolled in other
Agency remedial programs, due to the unique circumstances of the sites. These sites typically
have a BOW permit and have contaminated groundwater, but no clear regulatory status beyond
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
the BOW permit. My current remedial projects include but are not limited to former ash
impoundment sites, coal mine refuse sites and bulk fuel terminal sites. I also serve as a mentor
in the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program and the Governor’s Environmental
Corp (GEC) program. For further detail on my qualifications I have enclosed a copy of my
Curriculum Vitae in Attachment 1.
My testimony today and Attachment 1, included with the testimony, provide part of the
basis for the Agency’s proposed changes to the AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING
COMPANY’s (“Ameren”) proposed site-specific rules for the closure of Ash Pond D at the
Hutsonville Power Station. Specifically, my testimony addresses Ameren’s proposed Sections
840.108 Hydrogeologic Site Assessment, 840.110 Groundwater Monitoring System and 840.112
Groundwater Monitoring Program. However, because of the Agency’s proposed addition of a
new Section 840.108 for incorporations by reference and the resulting renumbering of the
existing sections, my testimony will refer to these sections (and others) using the section
numbers proposed in the Agency’s amendments, 840.110, 840.112, and 840.114, unless
otherwise specified.
The Agency proposes substantive amendments to Ameren’s proposed language in its
Section 840.108. These changes are intimately related. First, the Agency proposes that any
hydrogeologic assessment proposed by Ameren be reviewed and approved by the Agency as part
of the closure plan. The proposed Ameren rule did not contain a provision for prior Agency
review of the hydrogeologic site investigation or several other key documents and activities
contained in the proposal. Instead, the Agency would be a passive recipient of plans, reports and
related modifications. While the Board’s rules do contain a few rules that are largely self-
Section 840.110 Hydrogeologic Site Assessment
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
implementing, the Agency believes that the better approach in the case of the closure of a coal
ash impoundment with off-site groundwater contamination is for the Agency to be involved in an
administrative oversight capacity during the design, construction and implementation of closure
and post-closure activities that are likely to continue over several years. This is consistent with
the Agency’s obligation to assure compliance with the Act and rules adopted under the Act.
Therefore, the Agency’s review of submitted documentation pursuant to those regulations and
involvement as decisions are made about site activities is essential. The submission and review
of closure and post-closure documents will be discussed further in testimony on the Agency’s
proposed Sections 840.148 and 840.150.
Second, the Agency has stricken Ameren’s proposed language to allow the use of any
hydrogeologic site assessment performed since 1999. While the Agency is not opposed to the
use of hydrogeologic data gathered since 1999, the Agency should be able to review and approve
the appropriateness of the data’s inclusion in a current assessment. As written by Ameren, any
site assessment data, whether it is still valid or not, could be used to satisfy this requirement.
Third, the Agency has proposed language intended to focus the hydrogeologic assessment
on the nature and extent of contaminants originating from Ash Pond D. As proposed by Ameren,
the rule would allow any hydrogeologic assessments completed since 1999 to be used to assess
hydrogeology, groundwater impacts, and the design of a groundwater monitoring system for Ash
Pond D. The Agency believes these interrelated amendments are appropriate since the purpose
of this site-specific rule is the closure of Ash Pond D, and data used for that purpose should be
relevant to circumstances at Ash Pond D.
Section 840.112 Groundwater Monitoring System
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
The Agency proposes substantive changes to the language Ameren proposed in its
Section 840.110. A requirement for Agency review and approval of the planning for the
groundwater monitoring system was not contained in Ameren’s proposed rule, but has been
added by the Agency as part of the closure plan. This change is proposed to assure that the
groundwater monitoring system will be capable of providing the Agency with data adequate to
perform its oversight duties. The Agency also proposes a new Subsection 840.112(b). The
language proposed by the Agency allows the option of expanding the monitoring system that
currently exists at appropriate locations, if required, to demonstrate compliance with applicable
groundwater standards under this rule. The Agency believes the monitoring system’s
functionality should not be limited by including only the existing monitoring system. The
Agency’s changes to Ameren’s proposal are intended to assure that a monitoring system capable
of collecting the data required to demonstrate compliance with Ash Pond D closure and post-
closure requirements is planned and operated, without adding unnecessary cost. To that end, the
Agency has not proposed the elimination of individual monitoring wells in operation since 1999
as part of an overall monitoring well system provided those wells will assist in meeting the
requirements of this Section. To expedite the review and approval process, the Agency has
proposed to incorporate the design of the groundwater monitoring system as part of the closure
plan rather than making this a separate submittal.
The Agency has also stricken Subsection 840.112(d). As proposed by Ameren, this
Subsection provides general guidelines for the use of appropriate sample collection and analysis
procedures. However, the Agency believes discussion of the Groundwater Monitoring System
should be limited to monitoring well characteristics, such as the number of wells, construction
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
details and placement. Therefore, the Agency has added more detailed language on sample
collection, preservation and analysis in Section 840.114.
The Agency proposes significant changes to the Section 840.114 groundwater monitoring
program language Ameren proposed in its Section 840.112. In order to ensure that the
groundwater monitoring program is consistent with the requirements of Section 840.114 and
related requirements, the Agency proposes to include the groundwater monitoring program in the
closure plan, just as it did with the hydrogeologic assessment and the groundwater monitoring
system. It is the Agency’s intent that once the closure plan has been approved, and the
groundwater monitoring system installed as agreed, the monitoring plan will be implemented
even if the rest of the closure construction activities have not been completed. The Agency has
proposed amendments to Ameren’s language in the opening paragraph of Section 840.114 and in
Subsection 840.114(a) to reflect these changes.
Section 840.114 Groundwater Monitoring Program
The Agency also proposes a quarterly monitoring frequency for all of the contaminants
included in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410(a) and (d) (except radium 226 and radium 228). Ameren
lists the same contaminants in its proposed Sections 840.112(a) and (b). Monitoring all
contaminants on the same schedule eliminates most of Ameren’s proposed 840.112(b), which
proposed annual monitoring for inorganic constituents exceeding “Class I groundwater quality
standards.” The contaminants contained in Ameren’s 840.112(a) are good indicator parameters
for ash impacts. For example, Boron is abundant in coal ash, mobile in groundwater and would
be an excellent contaminant for impact assessment. There is however, no dispute that an impact
exists. Ameren has presented abundant documentation in the technical support document for this
rule that Ash Pond D has impacted groundwater both on-site and off-site at the Hutsonville
Station. The purpose of the proposed rule is the closure of Ash Pond D, which will provide a
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
final remedy for on-going groundwater contamination. To accomplish the remedy, the rule
provides means to limit further groundwater impact with a low permeability cover, an extraction
trench, and monitoring and analysis of the data to identify trends and assure compliance with
applicable groundwater standards. Given the length of time Ash Pond D was in service (1968 to
approximately 2000), contaminants found in coal ash, other than the indicator contaminants,
could have impacted groundwater. Therefore, a full assessment of contaminants that may be
present in groundwater is needed to adequately characterize and protect the resource. The
Agency’s proposal allows Ameren to discontinue monitoring any contaminant, except boron,
iron, manganese, sulfate, TDS and pH (the indicator contaminants), after one year if the
contaminant has been below the detection limit four consecutive quarters or is not statistically
above background concentrations in the down-gradient wells of the monitoring system installed
pursuant to Section 840.112. The comparison of contaminant concentrations to background
concentrations is critical, and is discussed in detail in Mr. Cobb’s testimony. A minimum of
four quarters of monitoring is proposed to account for seasonal variation in groundwater quality.
Additional monitoring events may be required to determine statistical significance for some
contaminants, but non-detected contaminants could be proposed for elimination in the first
annual report pursuant to Section 840.144. In addition, the Agency added Section 840.114(d) to
ensure that sampling and analysis data are provided to the Agency in a timely manner consistent
with Ameren’s proposed Section 840.142(a). Under the Agency’s proposal, after one year
Ameren will only be required to monitor the indicator contaminants to track the success of the
remedial activities and any other contaminants that are, or have the potential to, impact
groundwater.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
In its proposal at Subsections 840.114(b) and (c) the Agency includes conditions under
which Ameren may reduce their monitoring frequency. The Ameren proposal contains these
conditions in Subsections 840.112(a)(1) and (2), but the Agency’s proposed requirement for
review and approval before implementation or modifications to the post-closure care plan
necessitates some language changes. Additionally, the Agency proposes in Subsection
840.114(c) to eliminate the option of moving to an annual monitoring schedule after 15 years
unless the conditions for monitoring reduction can be met. The Agency believes that the low
permeability cover and the extraction trench proposed by Ameren will allow Ameren to
successfully achieve the applicable groundwater standards at the Hutsonville site. However, if
for some unforeseen reason Ash Pond D continues to cause statistically significant increases in
groundwater contamination, in spite of implementation of the closure plan, quarterly or semi-
annual monitoring pursuant to Section 840.118, should continue as long as required to assure the
protection of the off-site water resource.
The Agency proposes a new Subsection 840.114(e). As proposed by Ameren, this rule
contained only general guidelines for appropriate sample collection and analytical procedures.
To provide more direction, the Agency proposes language that parallels the monitoring and
analytical requirements of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.510, which identifies specific documents that
address these issues. The methods and procedures listed by the Agency are proposed for
incorporation by reference at Section 840.108.
The Agency included a requirement to establish a quality assurance program as part of
the overall Groundwater Monitoring Program at Subsection 840.114(f). This requirement was
proposed by Ameren, but the Agency moved the requirement to Section 840.114, as the Agency
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
believes a quality assurance program for sample collection, preservation and analysis more
directly relates to the Groundwater Monitoring Program.
This concludes my testimony. I will be happy to address any questions.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment 1
Curriculum Vitae
Of
Lynn E. Dunaway
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Lynn E. Dunaway
516 South Cherokee
Taylorville, Illinois 62568
Phone (H) 217/391-6766 (W) 217/785-2762
Professional Experience
Ilinois Environmental Protection Agency
February 1988 to Present
Bureau of Water
Division of Public Water Supplies
Groundwater Section
Springfield, Illinois
Environmental Protection Specialist III
April, 1991 to Present
Duties include:
Currently in this position: provide hydrogeologic review and technical
input to all Bureau of Water Programs and Office of Emergency Response on
groundwater issues; regularly respond to questions concerning the Illinois Environmental
Protection Act (Act) and associated regulations, from the public, press, other
governmental bodies and industry; review and respond to documents submitted pursuant
to the regulations; remedial project management at facilities under Bureau of Water
permits and unpermitted sites; assist with the development of regulations in support of
the (Act) including testimony before the Illinois Pollution Control Board (Board);
provide technical input for special projects requiring geologic expertise, including pre-
trial documents and testimony in court and before the Board; design and routine
maintenance of tracking logs and data bases for the support of various groundwater
programs; assist in the preparation of routine reports concerning various aspects of the
States groundwater protection programs; assist in the design of a data base to track and
enhance compliance with the regulations under the Act; Participate as mentor in the
Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program and the Governor’s Environmental
Corp (GEC) program.
Environmental Protection Specialist II
June, 1989 to April, 1991
Duties include:
the quality control process used for the Sections ambient groundwater
monitoring programs before entry into the SAFE system for periodic transfer to the
STORET data base; use the SAFE System; use of the STORET System; assist with the
development of regulations in support of the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act (Act);
regularly respond to questions concerning the Act; provide technical review of
assessments submitted to the Section; provide technical input for special projects
requiring geologic expertise; lead worker for the Agency's first Draft submittal for
approval of the (WHPP); assist in the preparation of routine combined section 106/319
grant reports; design and routine maintenance of tracking logs and data bases for the
support of various groundwater programs; assist in the preparation of routine reports
concerning various aspects of the States groundwater protection programs.
Environmental Protection Specialist I
February, 1988 to June, 1989
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Duties include:
learn the quality control process used for the Sections ambient
groundwater monitoring programs before entry into the SAFE System for periodic
transfer to the STORET data base; learn to use the SAFE System; occasionally respond to
questions concerning the Act; provide technical input for special projects requiring
geologic expertise; routine maintenance of tracking logs for the support of various
groundwater programs; assist in the preparation of routine reports concerning various
aspects of the States groundwater protection programs.
Analytical Logging Inc.
August, 1982 to January, 1986
Shreveport Louisiana
South Texas District
Corpus Christi, Texas
Lead Well Site Geologist
March, 1984 to January, 1986
Duties Included:
over site of a two or three man team; provide daily progress reports
summarizing drilling activities and important hydrocarbon detections to field office and
home office geologists and engineers; correlation and interpretation of geophysical logs;
geologic evaluation of lithologic samples to determine geologic formation and
hydrocarbon potential; packed column gas chromatography for hydrocarbon analysis;
evaluation techniques to predict high pressure zones; routine maintenance of all systems
utilized; creating a graphical representation correlating the geology, drilling parameters
and hydrocarbon detections for each well.
Well Site Geologist
August, 1982 to February, 1984
Duties Included:
correlation and interpretation of geophysical logs; geologic evaluation
of lithologic samples to determine geologic formation and hydrocarbon potential; assist
with packed column gas chromatography for hydrocarbon analysis; learn evaluation
techniques to predict high pressure zones; learn routine maintenance of all systems
utilized; creating a graphical representation correlating the geology, drilling parameters
and hydrocarbon detections for each well.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Other Work Experience
Grain/ Livestock Farm Hand
February 1986 to July 1986
and October 1987 to December 1987
Shipping/Receiving Clerk
August 1986 to November 1986
Agrichemical Service Company Laborer
March 1987 to June 1987
Meat Packing Company Laborer
July 1987 to September 1987
Education and Training
Bradley University
August, 1978 to May, 1982
Peoria, Illinois
Bachelor of Science; Geology
Northern Illinois University
June, 1982 to July, 1982
Dekalb, Illinois
Post-graduate work; Field Mapping of the Black Hills Region, South Dakota
USEPA Groundwater Monitoring and Restoration
June 1 & 2, 1993
Short course on behavior of DNAPLs in the subsurface and case studies
USEPA Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund
October 18-21, 1993
Environmental response training and case studies
Computer Modeling for Groundwater Systems
August 21, to December 16, 1995
Basis of groundwater models, Dr. Larry Barrows, Illinois State University
Applied Ground Water Statistics for Landfills Short Course
July 8 & 9, 1997
Statistical techniques for detection and compliance monitoring
Statistical Methods in Water Resources
August 6-10, 2001
Application of statistical methods, University of Illinois, Springfield
Ozark Underground Laboratory Karst Short Course
March 12, 2003
Unique features and case studies in karst geologic settings
Aqueous Geochemistry for Environmental Regulators
March 9 & 10, 2004
Short Course by Dr. Stephen Van der Hoven, Illinois State University
Overview of Environmental Geophysics
May 6, 2004
Review of common equipment advantages/disadvantages, by USEPA and Tetra Tech.
Geotechnology for Non-Engineers
April 20, 2005
Key principles and concepts of Geotechnolgy, by Dr. Timothy Stark, University of Illinois
Fate and Transport Processes and Models
March 29 & 30, 2006
Key elements of transport, models & assumptions, by Dr. Atul Salhotra, RAM, Inc.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Introduction to ArcGIS I
March 10 & 11, 2008
Introduction to the features and functions of ArcGIS and use thereof, by Carmen Maso’, USEPA
Forty Hour Safety Training with Annual Eight Hour Refresher per 29 CFR 1910.120
Last refresher 2/26/2009
Licenses
Licensed Professional Geologist (Illinois)
March 31, 1998
License Number:
196-000608
Expiration Date:
March 31, 2011
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.101
)
THROUGH 840.144
)
PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OF RICHARD P. COBB, P.G., ON AMEREN’S PROPOSAL AND
THE AGENCY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 840.116 AND 840.118
My name is Richard P. Cobb. I am a licensed professional geologist and the Deputy
Manager of the Division of Public Water Supplies of the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency’s (“Illinois EPA” or “Agency”) Bureau of Water (“BOW”). My primary responsibilities
include managing the Groundwater and Source Water Protection, Field Operations, and the
Administrative Sections of the Division. Further, I assist with administering the public water
supervision program under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”). Additionally, my
responsibility includes the integration of source water protection with traditional water supply
engineering and treatment practices, and to further assist with linking Clean Water Act, SDWA,
and groundwater programs. I also directly manage the BOW’s Groundwater Section. The
Groundwater Section applies Geographic Information System (“GIS”) programs, global
positioning system technology, hydrogeologic models (including, 3D geologic visualization,
vadose zone, groundwater flow, particle tracking, solute transport, and geochemical models), and
geostatistical programs for groundwater protection and remediation. I represent the BOW on
Illinois EPA’s Contaminant Evaluation Group, Strategic Management Planning Team,
Environmental Justice Committee, Information Management Steering Committee, GIS Steering
Committee and the Lead. Since 1985 I have worked on the development of legislation, rules, and
regulations. I have also served as a primary Agency witness at Illinois Pollution Control Board
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
(“Board”) proceedings in the matter of groundwater quality standards, technology control
regulations, regulated recharge areas, maximum setback zones, clean-up regulations, and water
well setback zone exceptions. Furthermore, I have served as a primary Agency witness in
enforcement cases under these laws and regulations.
For further details on my qualifications I have enclosed a copy of my Curriculum
Vitae in Attachment VII. This testimony and attachments I – VI included with this testimony
describe the basis for the Illinois EPA’s proposed changes to the applicable groundwater quality
standards in AMEREN ENERGY GENERATING COMPANY’s (“Ameren”) proposed site-
specific rules for the closure of Ash Pond D at the Hutsonville Power Station. Specifically, my
testimony addresses Ameren’s proposed Sections 840.114 and 840.116. However, because of the
Agency’s proposed addition of a new Section 840.108 for incorporations by reference and the
resulting renumbering of the existing sections, my testimony will refer to these sections (and
others) using the section numbers proposed in the Agency’s amendments, 840.116 and 840.118,
unless otherwise specified.
The purpose of my testimony is to start the panel of Illinois EPA witness testimony
with the discussion regarding the sections that drive the site-specific rulemaking for Ameren’s
Hutsonville Ash Pond D, Ameren’s proposed Sections 840.114 Compliance Zones and 840.116
Demonstration of Compliance. These sections and topics are central to the proposal and the
Agency’s proposed amendments because Ameren has presented abundant documentation in the
technical support documents for this rule that Ash Pond D has impacted groundwater both on-site
and off-site at the Hutsonville facility. (see Attachments I through III) The purpose of the
proposed rule is the final closure of Ash Pond D, and, in the Agency’s opinion, this should include
a return to compliance with the groundwater quality standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620 to the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
extent practicable. Therefore, I start with the Agency’s proposed Sections 840.116 and 840.118
because the rest of the proposal primarily addresses how these standards will be achieved.
Ameren has proposed in its Section 840.114 two compliance zones consisting of Zones A
and B, with Zone A described as the “upper migration zone underlying Pond D” and Zone B
described as the “upper migration zone located east of Pond D, extending 500 feet south onto the
adjacent landowner’s property, and running to the Wabash River.” Ameren’s Statement of
Reasons (“SOR”), p. 28; Ameren Proposal §§ 840.114, 840.104.
Within these zones,
“concentrations of parameters as monitored” would be “authorized,” and no groundwater quality
standards would apply including those in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620 (“Part 620”). SOR at 28; Ameren
Proposal § 840.114(a). In other words, upon adoption of Ameren’s proposal and thereafter, there
will be no limits on concentrations of contaminants within these zones.
Brief Comparison of Groundwater Quality Standards and Compliance
Within Zone B, facility compliance will be determined by an annual trend analysis of the
monitoring data.
Id
. at 28; §§ 840.114(b), 840.116(a) – (c). Compliance will be achieved and
groundwater monitoring discontinued when “no statistically significant increasing trend that can
be attributed to Pond D is detected in the concentration of any such constituent at the downgradient
monitoring wells inside Zone B for three consecutive years after changing to an annual monitoring
frequency” and “all concentrations of constituents monitored in accordance with Section 840.112
are at or below Class I groundwater quality standards for a period of five years.” Ameren Proposal
§ 840.112(a)(3). Thus, compliance could be monitored at the downgradient boundaries of Zone B
where “Class I groundwater quality standards” would be achieved with no increasing trend.
However, corrective action would be complete, and no groundwater quality standards would apply
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
within Zones A and B, with any “concentrations of parameters as monitored” deemed acceptable
within these areas regardless of future occurrences or sources of contamination.
The Agency’s view is that an approach similar to the Board’s rules for groundwater
management zones (“GMZ”) in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620 is generally acceptable for the Hutsonville
site itself, but that off-site compliance should be more consistent with the Board’s groundwater
quality standards at Part 620 including the nondegradation standard unless an off-site GMZ can be
established as discussed later in my testimony. Compliance with any off-site standards is further
complicated because the Agency believes the lower migration zone in Ameren’s proposed Zone B
also has been contaminated by constituents from Ash Pond D at levels below the numerical Class I
groundwater quality standards of 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410 but above the Class I nondegradation
standard at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401 and 620.Subpart C. Moreover, the lower migration zone is
a source of water for irrigation of crops while boron, one of the indicator contaminants, is known
to be phyto-toxic at 2 milligrams per liter. Therefore, the Agency has proposed in its Sections
840.116 and 840.118: 1) Groundwater quality standards for both on-site and off-site contamination
that more consistently reflect the existing Board standards; 2) elimination of the compliance zone
concepts of Zones A and B with substitution of the down-gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville
site as the compliance point for both on-site and off-site contamination; and 3) appropriate
methods of demonstrating compliance with the proposed standards at the proposed compliance
points. The remainder of my testimony describes these changes and the underlying reasons in
more detail.
In its Section 840.116(a), the Illinois EPA proposes, because of the existing contamination,
that the groundwater quality standards that apply on-site during closure and post-closure activities
Section 840.116 Groundwater Quality Standards
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
should be the existing concentrations as determined by groundwater monitoring for the
contaminates that exceed the applicable Class I numerical groundwater quality standards
(“standards”) at 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.410. The Illinois EPA recommends that the existing
concentrations, as determined by groundwater monitoring, apply during closure and post-closure
to prevent causing or allowing any further degradation to occur as consistent with Section 12(a) of
the Act (415 ILCS 5/12(a)). After the completion of closure and post-closure, the on-site standard
would be the monitored concentrations if the monitored concentrations are above the Class I
numerical standards and if the three conditions specified in subsections 840.116(a)(1) through
(a)(3) are satisfied. These conditions are similar to those required when winding down GMZs in
which a return to full compliance has not been achieved by the corrective action. 35 Ill. Adm.
Code 620.450(a)(4).
In its Section 840.116(b), the Illinois EPA proposes that the groundwater quality standards
that apply off-site at all times are as provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401, 620.410 and
620.Subpart C -- the Class I numerical and nondegradation standards. The Agency believes these
standards reflect current law. It is not persuaded that the Hutsonville site should be treated as a
special case for off-site groundwater contamination, especially considering this rule may become a
template for the closure of a significant number of other ash impoundments. However, because
existing contamination already exceeds these standards, the Agency proposes that the numerical
standards for returning to compliance under this rule would be applicable only in the upper
migration zone (in which numerical standards already have been exceeded) while the
nondegradation standard would apply only in the lower migration zone (in which the
nondegradation standard already has been exceeded). The Agency has not proposed that the
nondegradation standard apply in the upper migration zone off-site to remain consistent with the
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Board’s requirement at subsection 620.302(c).
2
The Agency’s proposed Section 840.116(b) offers the alternative of establishing an off-site
GMZ as provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.250 with the written permission of the property
owner(s). This offers more flexibility because groundwater quality standards for the GMZ are as
set forth in Section 620.450(a) for a variety of circumstances including the inability to achieve the
numerical standards using the approved corrective action methods -- in this case, the final cover
system, groundwater collection trench and groundwater discharge system. However, the Agency
has always required the written permission of affected property owners for the establishment of
off-site GMZs, so the details for the GMZ off-site alternative would have to be worked out at a
later time. The Agency’s proposed amendment simply provides this option as an alternative to
strict compliance with the numerical and nondegradation standards as described above.
Ameren’s modeling shows that the final cover
system, the groundwater collection trench and the groundwater discharge system, if permitted,
should combine to achieve a return to off-site compliance with the Agency’s proposed standards
over a period of approximately 25 years. (see Attachment IV) Technical Support Document
(“TSD”), Chap. 8, p. 534, Fig. 17D.
The issue of whether the upper and lower aquifers (
i.e.,
20 foot fine-grained alluvium
underlain by 70 feet of coarse grained sands and gravels), described by Ameren as separate units,
should be considered to be one hydrologic unit is closely related to the Agency’s proposal of
separate groundwater quality standards for the off-site upper and lower migration zones and its
proposed application of the nondegradation standards in the lower migration zone. The Illinois
EPA recommends that the upper and lower aquifers should be considered one hydrologic unit,
especially in the southeast corner where monitoring well (“MW”) 14 is showing contamination
2
“If a contaminant exceeds a standard set forth in Section 620.410 . . ., the appropriate remedy is corrective action and
Sections 630.305 and 620.310 do not apply.” 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.302(c).
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
(TSD, Chapter 5, p. 51) (see Attachment II). Ameren asserts that this lower aquifer is under
confined conditions, but also indicates on Page 13 of the SOR that contamination is occurring in
the lower aquifer above background in MW 14. The deep alluvial aquifer is hydraulically
connected to the fine-grained alluvium in some areas of the site, as can be seen in the
potentiometric surface
3
maps (TSD, Chapter 5, Fig. 2-9, p. 40) (see Attachment V)
confirmed by
groundwater quality data (TSD, Chapter 5, pp. 51-52) (see Attachments II, III). Potentiometric
surface maps in this exhibit show nested wells MW-7 (fine-grained shallow alluvium) and MW-
7D (coarse grained deep alluvium) with identical water levels, or near identical levels with a slight
downward gradient (TSD, Chap. 6, Fig. 2, p. 214) (see Attachment VI). This hydraulic connection
is further reflected by the boron, sulfate, manganese, pH and total dissolved solids (“TDS”)
contamination (boron, sulfate, TDS, pH) seen in the coarse grained deep alluvial well MW-14.
4
3
“Potentiometric surface” means a surface that represents the level to which water will rise in tightly cased wells. If
head varies significantly with depth in the aquifer, there may be more than one potentiometric surface. The water table
is a particular potentiometric surface for an unconfined aquifer.
It
should be noted that this represents an exceedence of the Board’s nondegradation standards.
Based on the hydraulic connection, the uppermost aquifer must include the deep alluvial aquifer in
relation to evaluating off-site impacts to the south and southeast of Ash Pond D. This issue is not
critical on-site.
4
In addition, the Agency has requested, and Ameren has consented to provide results of, an enriched tritium analysis
at MW 14 as a further indication of whether the upper and lower migration zones are one hydrologic unit. Tritium
concentrations in groundwater provide a useful method for determining the degree of confinement of an aquifer. The
naturally occurring tritium level in rainwater (pre-bomb) is estimated at 5 to 10 tritium units (TU). However, the
amount of tritium in the atmosphere was greatly increased as a result of nuclear weapons testing causing recharge
waters to be "tagged" with excess tritium beginning in about 1954. Nuclear weapons testing resulted in atmospheric
tritium levels in excess of 1000 TU. Modern day values have declined to levels between 50 and 100 TU with the
decline attributed to the elimination of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing and radioactive decay.
Tritium analysis is
used to estimate the time since recharge to the groundwater system occurred and the susceptibility of the groundwater
system to contamination. Groundwater systems with recharge occurring prior to the 1950s will have a tritium level
decreased by radioactive decay to levels at or below one TU. These groundwater systems are considered "confined."
Conversely, groundwater systems which have been recharged after the early 1950s will contain tritium levels at, or
significantly above, the natural "pre-bomb" background concentrations and are considered "unconfined."
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Further, Ameren indicates that it considers the contaminant concentrations in the lower part
of the aquifer to be insignificant because the levels found did not exceed the numerical standards:
Groundwater within the deep alluvial aquifer complies with Class 1 groundwater
quality standards and reflects only nominal impacts in the deep alluvial aquifer from
Pond D
in only one of the five wells. The lack of significant groundwater impacts in
the deep alluvial aquifer after more than 40 years of Pond D operation provides further
evidence that the silts and shales separating the upper migration zone of the from the
deep aquifer are an effective confining layer. (Emphasis added)
TSD, Chap 5, p. 18. Contamination in the lower zone appears to be attributable to the radial
gradient produced by mounding in Ash Pond D and seasonal pumping in the off-site irrigation
well, which appears to eventually change the direction of groundwater flow to the southeast. TSD,
Chap. 5, p. 40, Fig. 2-9. (see Attachment V) Moreover, the irrigation well is screened in the lower
zone of the aquifer. There maybe less impact to the lower part of the aquifer than to the upper part
because of the transient nature of the cone of depression, produced by the seasonal use of the off-
site irrigation well.
The Illinois EPA reiterates that the nondegradation requirements of the Act (415 ILCS
5/12(a) and 12(d)), and the Board groundwater quality standards (35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401,
620.Subpart C) apply to off-site groundwater down-gradient of Ash Pond D in the lower zone of
the unconsolidated aquifer. Although the site-specific rule proposed by Ameren does not
recognize the nondegradation requirements under the Act and Board regulations, results from
monitoring well MW 14, located in the lower zone of the aquifer, show exceedences of the
Board’s nondegradation standards. Thus, the concentrations in the lower aquifer do not comply
with the Class I standards:
Groundwaters must meet the standards appropriate to the groundwater's class as
specified in this Subpart and the nondegradation provisions of Subpart C.
(Emphasis
added)
35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.401.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Since I have personally been involved in the promulgation, implementation and
enforcement of the groundwater quality standards since the middle 1980’s, I think it is
important to briefly review some of the history of the nondegradation standard, especially
since it frequently is not acknowledged and may arise in other coal ash impoundment closure
scenarios. Since the inception of the Act in 1970, it has been the policy of the State of
Illinois to restore, protect, and enhance the groundwater of the State as a natural and public
resource. Groundwater has an essential and pervasive role in the social and economic
well-being of Illinois, and it is vitally important to general health, safety, and welfare.
Groundwater resources should be utilized for beneficial and legitimate purposes; waste and
degradation of the resource should be prevented; and the underground water resource should
be managed to allow for maximum benefit of the State. Groundwater used as drinking water
is one of the highest beneficial uses of the groundwater resource. Another beneficial use that
is covered under Class I groundwater is irrigation. Therefore, the off-site migration of boron
from this site is specifically relevant due to the off-site irrigation well. The Illinois
Groundwater Protection Act (“IGPA”) defines "resource groundwater" as groundwater that is
presently being or in the future capable of being put to beneficial use by reason of being of
suitable quality (415 ILCS 55/3(j)).
The Illinois Supreme Court, in upholding a previous Board decision, determined the
following for this very site prior to Ameren’s ownership:
The Board, at the outset, disagrees with CIPS’ interpretation of the definition of water
pollution in the Act. The Board argues that the Act treats water as a resource, and
that pollution occurs whenever contamination is likely to render water unusable.
Under the Board’s interpretation there is no need to show that actual harm
will
occur,
only that harm
would
occur if the contaminated water were to be used. Since the
Board is charged with administering the Environmental Protection Act, its
interpretation of the statute is entitled to deference. (Citations omitted) Under the
Board’s view any contamination which prevents the State’s water resources from
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
being usable would constitute pollution, thus allowing the Board to protect those
resources from unnecessary diminishment. CIPS’ interpretation, on the other hand
would mean that water rendered unusable would not be polluted so long as use of the
water ceased subsequent to contamination. We find the Board’s interpretation
preferable to CIPS’ interpretation, especially considering the deference we must
accord to the Board.
(Italics original; underlining added)
Central Illinois Public Service Company v. Pollution Control Board
, 116 Ill.2d 397, 409 –
10.
Additionally, the Board’s opinion, in regard to
Water Quality Standards Revisions
(#R71-
14), and
Water Quality Standards for Intrastate Waters
(SWB-14) (#R71-20) indicated the
following:
203 General Standards. Today’s revision is based upon the principle that all waters
should be protected against nuisances and against health hazards to those near them;
that all waters naturally capable of supporting aquatic life, with the exception of a few
highly industrialized streams consisting primarily of effluents in the Chicago area,
should be protected to support such life; and that waters that are used for public water
supply should be clean enough that ordinary treatment processes will assure their
potability
...
...Since general criteria apply to all waters designated for public water supply, the
present regulation omits separate requirements for those parameters whose general
standards are tight enough to protect public water supplies: boron, chromium, copper,
fluoride, mercury, silver and zinc. The remaining standards are based largely upon
Public Health Service standards, as amplified by the Green Book and by McKee and
Wolf. While the PHS explicitly states that its standards are intended to prescribe the
quality of finished rather than of raw water, it is clear from the evidence that many of
the metals and other contaminants here listed are not substantially affected by
ordinary water supply treatment, and therefore, as the Green Book recommends, the
raw water must itself meet the standard to assure satisfactory finished water.
(Emphasis added)
The phrase “ordinary treatment processes,” emphasized in the Board’s opinion
6
, applied to
the lowest common denominator of a private drinking water system
7
6
Board’s opinion, in regard to
Water Quality Standards Revisions
(#R71-14), and
Water Quality Standards for
Intrastate Waters
(SWB-14) (#R71-20)
well or future use by such a
well, is one of the keys to understanding Illinois’ nondegradation requirements for groundwater.
7
A private drinking water system is defined as a system that serves an owner occupied single family dwelling (415
ILCS 55/9(a)).
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
First, it is important to note that there is a significant difference between what is considered
ordinary treatment processes for surface water versus groundwater sources of drinking water. All
community water systems (“CWS”) using surface water apply coagulation, sedimentation,
filtration, disinfection, and treatment for taste and odor. Private drinking water systems do not use
surface water as a source of drinking water due to the inherent vulnerability of surface water
resources to contamination and the associated cost for treating such water. Secondly, there is a
significant difference between what is considered ordinary treatment processes for a small CWS
using groundwater versus a private drinking water system well.
The small CWS using
groundwater has more treatment infrastructure resources available than the owner of a private well.
Lastly, a private well owner typically only has to chlorinate his or her well to use the groundwater
for potable uses. Thus, this defines the lowest common denominator of what “ordinary treatment
processes” means to the protection of Class I: Potable Resource Groundwater. In other words, the
Act
8
and Board regulations prohibit a person for causing, threatening or allowing contamination of
potable resource groundwater above what is not removed by ordinary treatment processes in a
private drinking water system well. For example, a plume of boron at a concentration above
background or naturally occurring levels, moving toward a private drinking water system well, is
considered a threat to diminishing the existing Class I groundwater resource, since boron can only
be removed by advanced treatment processes. This diminishment of resource groundwater (415
ILCS 55/3(j)) may lead to preclusion of the use of the well if the private well owner chooses not to
use it (e.g., suitability) due to the contamination.
9
8
Section 12(a) of the Act (415 ILCS 5/12(a) provides that: “ No person shall: (a) cause, threaten or allow the
discharge of contaminants into the environment in any State so as to cause or tend to cause water pollution in Illinois,
either alone or in combination with matter from other sources, or so as to violate regulations or standards adopted by
the Pollution Control Board under this Act.” (Emphasis added)
9
As the Illinois Supreme Court noted in the CIPS-Hutsonville case:
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
The Illinois EPA framed and the Board adopted the following after the legal cornerstones
detailed above:
a)
No person shall cause, threaten or allow the release of any contaminant to a
resource groundwater such that:
1)
Treatment or additional treatment is necessary to continue an existing
use or to assure a potential use of such groundwater; or
2)
An existing or potential use of such groundwater is precluded.
35 Ill. Adm. Code 620.301 (General Prohibition against Use Impairment of Resource
Groundwater) (Emphasis added).
To summarize, the Illinois EPA is not recommending that the nondegradation requirements
be applied to concentrations on-site that already exceed background and Class I numerical
standards. However, the Illinois EPA is recommending that those existing concentrations not be
increased. This is addressed in more detail in my discussion of the Agency’s proposed Section
840.118(c) below. Moreover, contaminants in off-site groundwater must not cause, threaten or
allow contamination above existing concentrations. This would constitute continuing degradation
off-site.
The contaminant transport modeling conducted by Ameren shows that these
concentrations in the upper migration zone of the aquifer will decrease over time in response to the
interceptor trench and capping. TSD, Chap. 8, p. 534, Fig. 17D. (see Attachment IV) The Illinois
EPA believes that, if the concentration in the upper zone of the aquifer is decreased by the
corrective action measures, it will at least not increase the concentration in the lower zone of the
aquifer and probably will decrease it as shown in Ameren’s modeling.
The Board also notes that the long period of potential contamination makes prediction of future water
needs difficult. The geological make-up of the area makes future use as a water supply desirable, even
if, with the exception of CIPS’ wells, there is currently no need for water-supply wells in the
immediate area. The Board found that it was “difficult to project * * * what land uses might be even
20 years from now . . . .
Central Illinois Public Service Company v. Pollution Control Board
, 116 Ill.2d at 411-12.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Section 840.118 Demonstration of Compliance
As noted above, Ameren has proposed that compliance will be achieved and groundwater
monitoring discontinued when “no statistically significant increasing trend that can be attributed to
Pond D is detected in the concentration of any such constituent at the downgradient monitoring
wells inside Zone B for three consecutive years after changing to an annual monitoring frequency”
and “all concentrations of constituents monitored in accordance with Section 840.112 are at or
below Class I groundwater quality standards for a period of five years.” Ameren Proposal §
840.112(a)(3). Because the Agency has proposed that groundwater quality standards will apply to
the Hutsonville site and off-site properties affected by groundwater contamination from Ash Pond
D, it also has proposed compliance points and demonstrations of compliance that differ from
Ameren’s and are suitable for the Agency’s proposed standards.
The Agency’s proposed Section 840.118(a) sets forth the circumstances in which
compliance will be achieved both on-site and off-site. Subsection (a)(1) provides that compliance
with the on-site standard in Section 840.116(a) will be achieved when monitoring at the down-
gradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site after a change to an annual monitoring frequency
shows no statistically significant increasing trend for four consecutive years. Given the
monitoring frequencies established in Section 840.114, the soonest on-site compliance could be
achieved would be fourteen years after monitoring begins. If there are no increasing trends, then
steady state conditions or decreasing trends will signify that the conditions for on-site compliance
in Section 840.116(a) have been satisfied. Subsection (a)(2) requires a demonstration of off-site
compliance by monitoring at the downgradient boundaries of the Hutsonville site for two
conditions: 1) A statistically significant decreasing trend for four consecutive years after changing
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
to an annual monitoring frequency, and 2) compliance with the upper and lower migration zone
groundwater quality standards set forth in Section 840.116(b).
The first point to note about Section 840.116(a) is that, with the elimination of Zones A and
B, the Hutsonville property boundary downgradient of Ash Pond D is the applicable vertical
plane of compliance for both on-site and off-site groundwater quality standards. Even though
there are two sets of off-site standards in one aquifer for the upper and lower migration zones,
nested wells can be used to monitor simultaneously at the upper and lower levels. Moreover, the
practical outcome is that it appears that the final cover system, interceptor trench and discharge
system is the appropriate remedy to decrease off-site contamination in the upper part of the
aquifer, and to also subsequently prevent increases in concentrations in the lower zone of the
aquifer off-site.
Section 840.118(b)(1) provides that on-site compliance with Section 840.118(a)(1) will be
demonstrated using an annual trend analysis for each monitoring well at the downgradient
boundaries of the Hutsonville site and each constituent that is above the Class I numerical
standards of Section 620.410. A trend is established with a minimum of four consecutive samples,
and the absence of an increasing trend after changing to annual monitoring will demonstrate
compliance as provided in Section 840.116(a)(1). Subsection (b)(2) also relies on the trend
analysis to demonstrate off-site compliance with the decreasing trend requirement as well as
requiring monitoring data to demonstrate strict compliance with the groundwater quality standards
proposed in Section 840.116(b) for the upper and lower migration zones.
As an alternative to the requirements of Sections 840.116(b), 840.118(a)(2) and
840.118(b)(2) for achievement and demonstrations of off-site compliance, the establishment of an
off-site GMZ under Section 840.116(b) would enable Ameren and the Agency to develop
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
alternative groundwater quality standards, compliance points and demonstration requirements as
provided in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620 and to the extent appropriate at this site.
Section 840.118(c) uses the trend analysis concept to identify increasing trends that would
indicate that the final cover system, interceptor trench and discharge system are not working as
planned or that other causes of contamination are interfering with the results of these structures
and operations. In effect, an increasing trend will indicate further degradation of the groundwater
quality that will require additional investigation pursuant to subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) and
possibly further corrective actions pursuant to subsection (c)(3) to mitigate the increasing trends.
Section 840.118(d) provides reporting requirements for the trend analyses required for
demonstrations of compliance and related matters.
This concludes my testimony. I will be happy to address any questions.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment I
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment II
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment III
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment IV
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Attachment V
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
21
Attachment VI
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
ATTACHMENT VII - CURRICULUM VITAE of
RICHARD P. COBB, P.G.
Work Experience
Deputy Manager, Division of Public Water Supplies (DPWS)
,
Bureau of Water (BOW), Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (5/02- Present) My primary responsibilities include
managing the: Groundwater Section, Field Operation Section, and the Administrative Support Unit
of the Division. Further, I assist with administering the public water supervision program under
the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Wellhead Protection Program (“WHPP”)
approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (‘U.S. EPA”). Additionally, my
responsibility includes the integration of source water protection with traditional water supply
engineering and treatment practices, and to further assist with linking Clean Water Act and SDWA
programs. I also directly manage the BOW’s Groundwater Section. The Groundwater Section
applies Geographic Information System (“GIS”) programs, global positioning system (“GPS”)
technology, hydrogeologic models (3D geologic visualization, vadose zone, groundwater flow,
groundwater particle tracking, solute transport, and geochemical models), and geostatistical
programs for groundwater protection and remediation projects. The Groundwater Section also
continues to operate a statewide ambient groundwater monitoring program for the assessment of
groundwater protection and restoration programs. I also do extensive coordination with federal,
state and local stakeholders including the Governor appointed Groundwater Advisory Council
(“GAC”), the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Groundwater (“ICCG”), four Priority
Groundwater Protection Planning Committees, Illinois Source Water Protection Technical and
Citizens Advisory Committee, and with the Ground Water Protection Council (“GWPC”),
Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (“ASDWA”), and the Association of State
and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (“ASWIPCA”) to develop and implement
groundwater protection policy, plans, and programs. I represent the BOW on Illinois EPA’s:
Contaminant Evaluation Group (“CEG”); Strategic Management Planning Team; Environmental
Justice Committee; GIS Steering Committee; Information Management Steering Committee; and
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Building (“LEED-EB”) Committee.
Since starting with Illinois EPA in 1985, I have worked on the development of legislation, rules
and regulations. I have also served as a primary Illinois EPA witness before Senate and House
legislative committees, and at Illinois Pollution Control Board (“Board”) proceedings in the matter
of groundwater quality standards, technology control regulations, cleanup regulations, regulated
recharge areas, maximum setback zone, and water well setback zone exceptions. Furthermore, I
have served as primary Illinois EPA witness in enforcement matters.
Manager, Groundwater Section
,
DPWS, BOW, Illinois EPA. (9/92-5/02) My primary
responsibilities included development and implementation of Illinois statewide groundwater
quality protection, USEPA approved WHPP, and source water protection program.
The
Groundwater Section worked with the United States Geological Survey (“USGS”) to refine Illinois
EPA’s ambient groundwater monitoring network using a random stratified probability based
design. The Groundwater Section continued to operate a statewide ambient groundwater
monitoring program for the assessment of groundwater protection and restoration programs based
on the new statistically-based design. I co-authored a
Guidance Document for Conducting
Groundwater Protection Needs Assessments
with the Illinois State Water and Illinois State
Geological Surveys. I also continued to conduct extensive coordination with federal, state and
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
local stakeholders including the Governor appointed GAC, the ICCG, four Priority Groundwater
Protection Planning Committees, Illinois Source Water Protection Technical and Citizens
Advisory Committee, and at the national level as Co-chair of the GWPC Ground Water Division to
develop and implement groundwater protection policy, plans, and programs. I also served
periodically as Acting Manager for the Division of Public Water Supplies. Additionally, the
Groundwater Section provided hydrogeologic technical assistance to the BOW Permit Section and
Mine Pollution Control Program to implement source water protection, groundwater monitoring
and aquifer evaluation and remediation programs. I continued to work on the development of
legislation, rules and regulations. I also served as a primary Illinois EPA witness at Board
proceedings in the matter of groundwater quality standards, technology control regulations,
regulated recharge areas and water well setback zone exceptions. Furthermore, I served as an
Agency witness in enforcement matters.
Acting Manager, Groundwater Section
,
DPWS, BOW, Illinois EPA. (7/91-9/92) My
responsibilities included continued development and implementation of Illinois statewide
groundwater quality protection, U.S. EPA approved WHPP, and ambient groundwater monitoring
program. The Groundwater Section developed the Illinois EPA’s WHPP pursuant to Section 1428
of the SDWA and was fully approved by U.S. EPA. Illinois EPA was the first state in U. S. EPA
Region V to obtain this approval. I performed extensive coordination with state and local
stakeholders including the Governor appointed GAC, the ICCG to develop and implement
groundwater protection, plans, policy, and programs.
Developed and implemented the
establishment of Illinois’ Priority Groundwater Protection Planning Committees. Developed and
implemented Pilot Groundwater Protection Needs Assessments. The Groundwater Section also
provided hydrogeologic technical assistance to the BOW Permit Section and Mine Pollution
Control Program staff to develop groundwater monitoring and aquifer evaluation, remediation
and/or groundwater management zone programs. I also served as a primary Agency witness at
Board proceedings in the matter of groundwater quality standards and technology control
regulations. Additionally, I served as an Agency total quality management (“TQM”) facilitator,
and TQM trainer.
Manager of the Hydrogeology Unit
,
Groundwater Section, DPWS, Illinois EPA (7/88-7/91)
Managed a staff of geologists and geological engineers that applied hydrogeologic and
groundwater modeling principals to statewide groundwater protection programs. Developed, and
integrated the application of GIS, GPS, geostatistical, optimization, vadose zone, solute transport,
groundwater flow and particle tracking computer hardware/software into groundwater protection
and remediation projects. Conducted extensive coordination with state and local stakeholders
including the Governor appointed GAC and ICCG to develop and implement groundwater
protection policy, plans, and programs. Developed and implemented a well site survey program to
inventory potential sources of contamination adjacent to community water supply wells.
Additionally, I worked on the development of rules to expand setback zones based on the lateral
area of influence of community water supply wells. Furthermore, I provided administrative
support to the Section manager in coordination, planning, and supervision of the groundwater
program. I also assisted with the development of grant applications and subsequent management
of approved projects. In addition, I assisted the section manager with regulatory and legislative
development in relation to the statewide groundwater quality protection program. I also served on
the Illinois EPA’s Cleanup Objectives Team (“COT”).
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Environmental Protection Specialist I, II, and III, Groundwater Section
, DPWS, Illinois EPA.
(7/85-7/88) I was the lead worker and senior geologist in the development and implementation of
Illinois statewide groundwater quality protection program. I worked on the development of
Illinois EPA’s ambient groundwater monitoring network, and field sampling methods and
procedures with the USGS. I published the first state-wide scientific paper on volatile organic
compound occurrence in community water supply wells in Illinois. In addition, I assisted with the
development of
A Plan for Protecting Illinois Groundwater
, and the legislation that included the
Illinois Groundwater Protection Act
.
Consulting Well Site Geologist
,
Geological Exploration (GX) Consultants, Denver Colorado.
(3/81-12/83)
I worked as a consulting well site geologist in petroleum exploration and
development for major and independent oil companies. I was responsible for the geologic
oversight of test drilling for the determination and presence of petroleum hydrocarbons. Prepared
geologic correlations and performed analysis of geophysical logs, drilling logs and drill cuttings.
Supervised and analyzed geophysical logging. Made recommendations for conducting and
assisted with the analysis of drill stem tests and coring operations. In addition, I provided daily
telephone reports and final written geologic reports to clients.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
,
Geology Department, Illinois State University. (3/79-3/81) I
was responsible for teaching and assisting with lecture sessions, lab sessions, assignment
preparation and grading for Petrology, Stratigraphy and Geologic Field Technique courses.
Undergraduate Education
B.S Geology
, 1981, Illinois State University (“ISU”). Classes included field geology at South
Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and Marine Ecology Paleoecology at San Salvador Field
Station, Bahamas
Post Graduate Education
Applied Hydrogeology
, 1984, ISU Graduate Hydrogeology Program
Engineering Geology,
1984, ISU Graduate Hydrogeology Program
Geochemistry for Groundwater Systems
, 1986, USGS National Training Center
Hydrogeology of Waste Disposal Sites
, 1987, ISU Hydrogeology Program
Hydrogeology of Glacial Deposits in Illinois
, 1995, ISU Graduate Hydrogeology Program
MODFLOW, MODPATH and MT3D groundwater modeling
, 1992, USGS National Training
Center
24 Hour Occupational Health & Safety Training
, 1994
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Computer Modeling of Groundwater Systems
, 1995, ISU Graduate Hydrogeology Program
Introduction to Quality Systems Requirements and Basic Statistics
, 2001, U.S. EPA
Source Water Contamination Prevention Measures
, 2001, U.S.EPA, Drinking Water Academy
Fate and Transport Processes and Models
, 2006, Risk Assessment and Management Group, Inc.,
National Response Plan (NRP), an Introduction
IS-00800.A, 2007, EMI
National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction
IS-00700
, 2006, Emergency
Management Institute (EMI),
Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
IS-00300
, 2008, EMI
ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
IS-00200
, 2006, EMI,
Introduction to the Incident Command System (ICS)
IS-00100
, 2006, EMI
License
Licensed Professional Geologist
196-000553, State of Illinois, expires 3/31/2011
Certification
Certified Professional Geologist
7455, Certified by the American Institute of Professional
Geologists 4/88
Certified Total Quality Management Facilitator
, 5/92, Organizational Dynamics Inc.,
Summary of Computer Skills
I have utilized the following computer programs ARC VIEW, Aqtesolv, SURFER, WHPA,
DREAM, AQUIFEM, MODFLOW, MODPATH, and MT3D.
Professional Representation
Illinois EPA liaison to the
GAC
and representative on the
ICCG
(1988 – present)
Senate Working Committee on Geologic Mapping
.
Illinois EPA representative and subcommittee chairman,
State Certified Crop Advisory Board
,
and
Ethics and Regulatory Subcommittee
established in association with the American Society of
Agronomy/American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy, Crops and Soils (1995 –
2001)
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Illinois groundwater quality standards regulations technical work group
(1988 – 1991).
ICCG State Pesticide Management Plan Subcommittee
for the protection of groundwater.
Illinois EPA representative,
State task group involved with developing the siting criteria for a low
level radioactive waste site in Illinois.
Fresh Water Foundation's Groundwater Information System (GWIS)
project in the great lakes
basin.
Illinois EPA technical advisor,
four priority regional groundwater protection planning
committees
designated by the Director to advocate groundwater protection programs at the local
level (1991 – present)
Groundwater Subcommittee of the National Section 305(b) Report, of the Clean Water Act
Consistency Workgroup
.
Ground Water Protection Council’s Wellhead Protection Subcommittee
.
Co-Chair,
Groundwater Division of the GWPC
on (September 1997 to 2003)
Chairman,
Illinois’ Source Water Protection Technical and Citizens Advisory Committee
.
United States Environmental Protection Agency National Ground Water Report Work Group
.
One of 10 state representatives serving on a work group sponsored by U.S. EPA headquarters
charged with development of a national report to be submitted to the U.S. Congress on the status
and needs for groundwater protection programs across the country. (January 1999 to July 2000)
Illinois EPA representative,
Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission Water Supply Task
Force
. The purpose of this task force is to assist the Commission in the development of a
Strategic Plan for Water Resource Management. (March 1999 to 2001)
GWPC/U.S. EPA Futures Forum Work Group
providing input on source water protection for the
next 25 years. (January 1999 to 2001)
GWPC/ASDWA work group providing input into the U.S. EPA Office of Ground and Drinking
Water Strategic Plan for Source Water Protection
. June 2000 to March 2005.
Co-Chair
,
U.S. EPA Headquarters/GWPC/ASDWA/ASWIPCA workgroup to develop the second
Ground Water Report to Congress
. March 2002 –present.
Chair,
ICCG Groundwater Contamination Response Subcommittee
responsible for developing a
new strategy for responding to groundwater contamination and the subsequent notification of
private well owners. March 2002 – April 2002.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Illinois EPA representative
,
ICCG Water Quantity Planning Subcommittee
working on
development of a surface and groundwater quantity- planning program for Illinois. June 2002 –
January 2003
Chair,
ICCG Right-to-Know (RTK) Subcommittee,
2006
GWPC, Groundwater Science and Research Advisory Board, 2007
Professional Affiliation
American Institute of Professional Geologists
Illinois Groundwater Association
Ground Water Protection Council
National Groundwater Association -Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers
Sigma Xi
– The Scientific Research Society
Honors
Sigma Xi
-
Elected to
Sigma Xi
The Scientific Research Society for undergraduate research
conducted and presented to the Illinois Academy of Science. 4/81
Director’s Commendation Award
- Participation in the development of the City of Pekin, Il.
Groundwater Protection Program and commitment to the protection of Illinois groundwater. 7/95
Certificate of Appreciation
- Outstanding contribution to the development of the Ground Water
Guidelines for the National Water Quality Inventory 1996 Report to Congress from the United
States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water. 8/96
Groundwater Science Achievement Award
- Illinois Groundwater Association for outstanding
leadership and service in the application of groundwater science to groundwater protection in
Illinois and in the development of the wellhead protection program and pertinent land-use
regulations. 11/97
Certificate of Appreciation
- GWPC for distinguished service, remarkable dedication, valuable
wisdom and outstanding contribution as a GWPC member, division co-chair and special
committee member. 9/99
Drinking Water Hero Recognition
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Carol Browner at the 25
th
Anniversary of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act
Futures Forum in Washington D.C. 12/99.
Certificate of Recognition
- United States Environmental Protection Agency Region V
Administrator Fred Lyons for outstanding achievements in protecting Illinois’ groundwater
resources. 12/99
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Exemplary Systems in Government (ESIG) Award
- Nomination by the Governor’s Office of
Technology from the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) for the
Illinois EPA’s Source Water Assessment and Protection Internet Geographic Information System.
6/01
Expert Witness Experience
IN THE MATTER OF: GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS (35 ILL. ADM. CODE
620), R89-14(B) (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as the principal witness recommending
adoption of this Illinois EPA Agency proposal. R89-14(B) was adopted by the Board. The
standards became effective January 1991.
STATE OIL COMPANY vs. DR. KRONE, McHENRY COUNTY and ILLINOIS EPA, PCB 90-
102 (Water Well Exception).
Subject: This case involved obtaining an exception from the owner
of a non-community water supply well for placing new underground gasoline storage tanks within
the 200-foot setback zone of well. I served as the principal witness for Illinois EPA on this case.
The Board granted the exception with conditions.
People vs. AMOCO OIL COMPANY and MOBIL CORPORATION, Case no. 90-CH-79, Tenth
Judicial Court, Tazewell County, Illinois
. Subject: Groundwater contamination resulting from
releases at above ground bulk petroleum storage terminals resulting in violation of Illinois’
Groundwater Quality Standards Regulations (35 Illinois Administrative Code 620). I served as the
principal Illinois EPA witness on this case. The case was settled with a penalty of $125,000 and
the requirement of a comprehensive corrective action program.
IN THE MATTER OF: GROUNDWATER PROTECTION: REGULATIONS FOR EXISTING
AND NEW ACTIVITIES WITHIN SETBACK ZONES AND REGULATED RECHARGE
AREAS (35 ILL. ADM. CODE 601, 615, 616 and 617), R89-5 (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served
as the principal Illinois EPA witness supporting adoption of this Agency proposal. R89-5 was
adopted by the Board and became effective January 1992.
HOUSE BILL 171 METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER (MTBE) ELIMINATION ACT,
House Environmental and Energy Committee.
Subject: This law required the phase out MTBE
within 3 years of enactment. I served as a principal Illinois EPA witness in support of the
proposed legislation. The legislation was adopted as Public Act 92-0132 on July 24 2001. PA 92-
132 required the ban of MTBE within three years.
IN THE MATTER OF: GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS (35 ILL. ADM. CODE
620), R93-27 (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as the principal Illinois EPA witness
recommending amendments of new constituent standards in this Agency proposal.
SHELL OIL COMPANY vs. COUNTY of DuPAGE and THE ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY, PCB 94-25 (Water Well Setback Exception). Subject: A new
underground gasoline storage tank was seeking an exception from the Illinois Pollution Control
Board in relation to a private drinking water supply well setback zone. The DuPage County and
the Illinois EPA held that the tank would be a significant hazard and opposed the exception. I
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
served as the principal Illinois EPA witness. Shell withdrew the petition from the Board after
hearings were held.
People ex rel. Ryan v. STONEHEDGE, INC., 288 Ill.App.3d 318, 223 Ill.Dec. 764, 680 N.E.2d
497 (Ill.App. 2 Dist. May 22, 1997).
Subject: The State brought Environmental Protection Act
action against company engaged in business of spreading deicing salt, alleging that salt stored on
company's industrial property leaked into area's groundwater supply, thereby contaminating it.
The Circuit Court, McHenry County, James C. Franz, J., granted company's motion for summary
judgment. State appealed. The Appellate Court, Colwell, J., held that: (1) wells existing before
Illinois Water Well Construction Code was enacted are not "grandfathered" in as being in
compliance with Code, so as to be automatically subject to testing for groundwater contamination,
and (2) fact issues precluded summary judgment on claim arising from alleged deposit of at least
50,000 pounds of salt in pile within 200 feet of two existing water supply wells. Affirmed in part
and reversed in part; cause remanded.
People vs. STONEHEDGE INC. Case no. 94-CH-46, Circuit Court of the 19
th
Judicial Circuit,
McHenry County.
Subject: This case involved a violation of the potable well setback zone
provisions of Section 14.2 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act. Stonehedge Inc. placed a
salt pile of greater than 50,000 pounds within the 200 foot setback of multiple private drinking
water supply wells. I served as an Agency principal witness. Stonehedge Inc. was found to be
guilty of violating the setback prohibition in this case and was assessed a penalty of $1,500 and
attorneys fees of $4,500.
SALINE VALLEY CONSERVANCY DISTRICT vs. PEABODY COAL COMPANY, Case No.
99-4074-JLF, United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
Subject:
Groundwater contamination from the disposal of 12.8 million tons of coarse coal refuse, slurry and
gob. Witness for the Illinois EPA. This is an on-going case.
IN THE MATTER OF: PROPOSED REGULATED RECHARGE AREAS FOR PLEASANT
VALLEY PUBLIC WATER DISTRICT, PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO (35 ILL. ADM.
CODE 617), R00-17 (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as the principal Illinois EPA witness
supporting adoption of this Agency proposal. The proposal was adopted on July 26, 2001 and
became effective September 1, 2001.
IN THE MATTER OF: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TIERED APPROACH TO
CORRECTIVE ACTION OBJECTIVES (35 Ill. Adm. Code 742), (R00-19(A) and R00-19(B))
(Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as a supporting Illinois EPA witness recommending inclusion of
MTBE in this Agency proposal.
IN THE MATTER OF: NATURAL GAS-FIRED, PEAK-LOAD ELECTRICAL GENERATION
FACILITIES (PEAKER PLANTS), R01-10 (Informational Hearing)
Subject: I served as a
supporting Illinois EPA witness to discuss the impact of peaker plants on groundwater.
IN THE MATTER OF: GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND COMPLIANCE
POINT AMENDMENTS (35 ILL. ADM. CODE 620), R01- 14 (Rulemaking). Subject: I served
as the principal Illinois EPA witness recommending amendments of a groundwater standard for
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
MTBE and compliance point determinations in this Agency proposal. The Board adopted the
proposal unanimously on January 24, 2002.
TERESA LeCLERCQ; AL LeCLERCQ; JAN LeCLERCQ; WALT LeCLERCQ, individually; and
on behalf of all persons similarly situated vs. THE LOCKFORMER COMPANY, a division of
MET-COIL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Case no. 00 C 7164, United States District Court,
Northern District of Illinois.
Subject: I was called as a witness by Lockformer Company to testify
about a Well Site Survey prepared and published in 1989 by the Illinois EPA for Downers Grove
community water supply.
TERESA LeCLERCQ; AL LeCLERCQ; JAN LeCLERCQ; WALT LeCLERCQ, individually; and
on behalf of all persons similarly situated vs. THE LOCKFORMER COMPANY, a division of
MET-COIL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Case no. 00 C 7164, United States District Court,
Northern District of Illinois.
Subject: I was called as a witness by Lockformer Company to testify
about groundwater contamination in the Lisle and Downers Grove area.
HOUSE BILL 4177 PRIVATE WELL TESTING PROPERTY TRANSFER and DISCLOSURE
ACT, House Environmental and Energy Committee.
Subject: Legislation to require volatile
organic chemical contamination testing of private wells at the time of property transfer and
reporting to the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois EPA. I served as a principal
Illinois EPA witness in support of the proposed legislation. The legislation was not supported due
to the opposition from the realtors association.
MATTER OF PEOPLE vs. PEABODY COAL, PCB 99-134 (Enforcement).
Subject: the State of
Illinois developed an amended complaint against Peabody Coal Company (PCC) for violation of
the groundwater quality standard for total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, manganese, and sulfate.
I developed testimony to address PCC’s affirmative defense of challenging the basis for the
groundwater quality standards for these contaminants.
IN THE MATTER OF: PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO TIERED APPROACH TO
CORRECTIVE ACTION OBJECTIVES (35 Ill. Adm. Code 742) (TACO), (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as the Illinois EPA witness supporting amendments TACO to include wellhead
protection areas. September 2004.
MAXMIUM SETBACK ZONES FOR MARQUETTE HEIGHTS PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY
(35 ILL. ADM. CODE 618), R05-09 (Rulemaking).
Subject: Pursuant to request by the Village of
Marquette Heights the Illinois EPA developed a maximum setback zone for the Marquette Heights
community water supply wells. I served as Illinois EPA’s principal witness. The proposal was
adopted on May 4, 2006.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
IN THE MATTER OF: STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR POTABLE WATER
WELL SURVEYS AND FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS ACTIVITIES PERFORMED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH AGENCY NOTICES OF THREATS FROM
CONTAMINATION UNDER P.A. 94-134 (35 Ill. Adm. Code 1505), R06-023 (Rulemaking),
JANUARY 2006
.
I served as an Agency panel witness to support the adoption of the RTK
regulation.
IN THE MATTER OF: PROCEDURES REQUIRED BY P. A. 94-849 FOR REPORTING
RELEASES OF RADIONUCLIDES AT NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS: NEW 35 Ill. Adm. Code
1010, R07-20.
I served as the Agency primary witness in this proceeding.
IN THE MATTER OF: GROUNDWATER QUALITY STANDARDS (35 ILL. ADM. CODE
620), R08-18 (Rulemaking).
Subject: I served as the principal witness recommending
amendments and updates to the exiting regulation. These regulatory amendments are still pending
before the Board.
Publications
Cobb, R.P., 1980.
Petrography of the Houx Limestone in Missouri
. Transactions of the Illinois
Academy of Science Annual Conference, Illinois Wesleyan, Bloomington, IL.
A Plan for Protecting Illinois Groundwater
, 1986, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency,
January. 65 p.
Cobb, R.P., and Sinnott, C.L., 1987.
Organic Contaminants in Illinois Groundwater
. Proceedings
of the American Water Resources Association, Illinois Section, Annual Conference, Champaign,
IL, April 28-29, p. 33-43.
Clarke, R.P., and Cobb, R.P., 1988.
Winnebago County Groundwater Study
. Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency. 58 pp.
Groundwater in Illinois: A Threatened Resource, A Briefing Paper Regarding the Need for
Groundwater Protection Legislation
, April 1987, Governors Office and Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency, 34 pp.
Clarke, R.P., Cobb, R.P. and C.L. Sinnott, 1988.
A Primer Regarding Certain Provisions of the
Illinois Groundwater Protection Act
.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. 48 pp.
Cobb, R.P., etal, 1992.
Pilot Groundwater Protection Needs Assessment for the City of Pekin
.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. 111 pp.
Cobb, R.P., 1994.
Briefing Paper and Executive Summary on the Illinois Groundwater
Protection Act and Groundwater Protection Programs with Recommendations from the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency Regarding the Siting of a Low Level Radioactive Waste Site
.
Presented to the Low Level Radioactive Waste Task Force on December 9, 1994 in Champaign-
Urbana.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Cobb, R.P., 1994.
Measuring Groundwater Protection Program Success
. In the proceedings of a
national conference on Protecting Ground Water: Promoting Understanding, Accepting
Responsibility, and Taking Action. Sponsored by the Terrene Institute and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C., December 12-13, 1994.
Cobb, R.P., Wehrman, H.A., and R.C. Berg, 1994.
Groundwater Protection Needs Assessment
Guidance Document
. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. +94 pp.
Cobb, R.P., and Dulka, W.A., 1995.
Illinois Prevention Efforts: The Illinois Groundwater
Protection Act Provides a Unified Prevention-Oriented Process to Protect Groundwater as a
Natural and Public Resource
, The AQUIFER, Journal of the Groundwater Foundation, Volume 9,
Number 4, March 1995. 3pp.
Cobb, R.P., 1995.
Integration of Source Water Protection into a Targeted Watershed Program
.
In the proceedings of the Ground Water Protection Council’S Annual Ground Water Protection
Forum in Kansas City Missouri.
Dulka, W.A., and R.P. Cobb, 1995.
Grassroots Group Forges Groundwater Protection Law
.
American Water Works Association, Opflow, Vol. 21 No. 3. 2pp.
Cobb, R.P., 1996.
A Three Dimensional Watershed Approach: Illinois Source Water Protection
Program
. In the proceedings of the Ground Water Protection Council’s Annual Ground Water
Protection Forum in Minneappolis Minnesota.
Cobb, R.P., and W.A. Dulka, 1996.
Discussion Document on the Development of a Regulated
Recharge Area for the Pleasant Valley Public Water District
. Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency. pp 28.
Cobb, R.P., 1996.
Illinois Source Water Protection Initiatives-Groundwater Perspective
. In the
proceedings of the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exposition in
Toronto Canada. pp 585- 594.
Cobb, R.P., and Dulka, W.A., 1996.
Illinois Community Examines Aquifer Protection Measures
.
American Water Works Association Journal. p10.
Cobb, R.P., etal. October 1999,
Ground Water Report to Congress
, United States Environmental
Protection Agency.
Cobb, R.P., December 2001.
Using An Internet Geographic Information System (GIS) to Provide
Public Access to Hydrologic Data
,
Association of Groundwater Scientists and Engineers, National
Groundwater Association, National Conference Proceedings, Nashville, Tennessee.
Cobb, R.P., September 2001
,
Regulated Recharge Area Proposal for the Pleasant Valley Public
Water District
,
Ground Water Protection Council Annual Forum Proceedings, Reno Nevada, 13
pp.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Wilson, S., Cobb, R.P., and K. Runkle, January 2002.
Arsenic in Illinois Groundwater
. Illinois
State Water Survey, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Illinois Department of Public
Health. http://www.epa.state.il.us/water/groundwater/publications/arsenic/index.html
, 7 pp.
R.P., Cobb, August 2002,
Development of Water Quantity Planning and Protection in Illinois –
A New Direction
,
Proceedings of the Annual Ground Water Protection Council Technical Forum,
San Francisco, California, 10pp.
P.C. Mills, K.J. Halford, R.P. Cobb, and D.J. Yeskis, 2002.
Delineation of the Troy Bedrock
Valley and evaluation of ground-water flow by particle tracking, Belvidere, Illinois
, U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 02-4062, 46 pp.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s
Homeland Security Strategy
, March 2003, 20pp.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’
Strategic Plan
, Bureau of Water Section
, September
2003, pp.
Opinions and Conclusions of Richard Cobb for the Matter of People v. Peabody Coal
, PCB 99-
134 (Enforcement), May 23, 2003. 60 pp.
Cobb, R.P., Fuller, C., Neibergall, K., and M. Carson, February 2004.
Community Water Supply
Well Shooting/Blasting near the Hillcrest Subdivision Lake County, Illinois Fact Sheet
. Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency. 4 pp.
Additional Legislative Publications that I Participated in Developing
A Plan for Protecting Illinois Groundwater
, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, January
1986. 65 p.
Groundwater in Illinois: A Threatened Resource, A Briefing Paper Regarding the Need for
Groundwater Protection Legislation
, Governors Office and Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency, April 1987. 34 pp.
Illinois Groundwater Protection Act
, Public Act 85-0863, September 1987. 68 pp.
Public Act 92-0132 (
MTBE Elimination Act
), July 24 2001.
Executive Order #5
- requires the ICCG to designate a subcommittee to develop an integrated
groundwater and surface water resources agenda and assessment report. The report shall analyze
the burden’s on Illinois finite water resources, quantify Illinois’ water resources, and prioritize an
agenda to plan for the protection of these water resources. The Director of the Department of
Natural Resources chaired this subcommittee. The ICCG and GAC shall use the subcommittee’s
agenda and report to establish a water-quantity planning procedure for the State. The Governor
signed executive order #5 on Earth Day April 22, 2001.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Amendments to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act
415 ILCS 55/2 to
establish a Groundwater and Surface Water Quantity Protection Planning Program, January 2002,
3 pp. These amendments were never adopted due to opposition from the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Public Act 92 –652 (Senate Bill 2072
)
- Amends the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act to require
the Environmental Protection Agency to notify the Department of Public Health, unless
notification is already provided, of the discovery of any volatile organic compound in excess of the
Board's Groundwater Quality Standards or the Safe Drinking Water Act maximum contaminant
level. The Governor signed this into law as Public Act 29-652 (effective July 25, 2002).
House Bill 4177
- Amends the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act. Provides that before property
that has a well used for drinking water on it can be sold, the owner must have the well water tested
for volatile organic chemical groundwater contaminants. Provides that if the well water does not
meet the Illinois Pollution Control Board’s Groundwater Quality Standards (35 Il Adm Code Part
620), the owner shall notify the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the prospective
buyer of the property. The realtors association July 2002 opposed House Bill 4177.
House Resolution 1010
- The resolution drafted by in cooperation with Senator Patrick Dunn’
staff urge the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to further strengthen its public outreach
efforts by developing, after negotiations with individuals representing areas affected by
contamination and other relevant State agencies, a procedure to notify property owners whenever
the Agency has confirmed an exceedence of applicable health and safety standards, using
scientifically credible data and procedures under Illinois regulations. HR 1010 was adopted by
voice vote on June 1, 2004.
Public Act 94-314 (Senate Bill 0214)
– This is referred to as Right-to-Know (RTK) law. The law
includes providing the Illinois EPA with administrative order authority (AO), information order
authority, and established the requirements for providing notices to residents or business exposed
or potentially exposed to contamination. The Illinois EPA had been seeking this type of AO
authority for the past 35 years. Senate Bill 0214 was unanimously passed by both the Senate and
the House May 2005. The legislation was signed into law by the Governor July 27, 2005.
Public Act 94-849 (House Bill 1620)
- Amends the Environmental Protection Act. Requires the
owner or operator of a nuclear power plant to report to the Environmental Protection Agency any
unpermitted release of a contaminant within 24 hours. The bill was sign by the Governor on June
12, 2006.
House Bill 4020 (Crestwood Bill)
- Amends the Environmental Protection Act. This bill requires
the owners and operators of community water systems to maintain certain documents and to make
those documents available to the Agency for inspection during normal business hours. Provides
that the Agency shall provide public notice within 2 days after it refers a matter for enforcement
under Section 43 or issues a seal order under subsection (a) of Section 34. Further, the bill
provides that the Agency must provide notice to the owners and operators of the community water
system within 5 days after taking one of these actions. Moreover, the bill requires that within 5
days after receiving that notice, the owner or operator of the community water system must send a
copy of the notice to all residents and owners of premises connected to the community water
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
system. In addition, indirect notification of institutional residents is provided. Requires the owner
or operator of the community water system to provide the Agency with proof that the notices have
been sent. Sets forth similar notice requirements that must be complied with when groundwater
contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality
standards. The bill creates a civil penalty for violations of these notice requirements, and makes it
a felony to make certain false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements. The bill passed both houses on
May 30, 2009. The bill was sent to the Governor for signature on June 26, 2009.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.101
)
THROUGH 840.144
)
PREFILED TESTIMONY OF CHRISTIAN J. LIEBMAN ON AMEREN’S PROPOSAL AND
THE AGENCY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AT SECTIONS 840.124 THROUGH 840.130,
840.134, 840.136 AND 840.146
My name is Christian J. Liebman. I am the manager of the Solid Waste Unit in the
Permit Section within the Bureau of Land of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. I
have been in my current position since February 1999. From June 1985, until I assumed my
current position, I was a permit reviewer in the unit I now manage. In 1984, I received a B.S. in
Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and in May 2002, I received an
M.S. in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. I am licensed in the
State of Illinois as both a Professional Engineer and a Professional Geologist. My resume is
attached as Attachment 1.
Today, I will be testifying in support of the amendments recommended by the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (the Agency), regarding the new 35 Ill. Adm. Code Part 840
regulations proposed by Ameren Energy Generating Company (Ameren) for closure and post-
closure care of Pond D at its Hutsonville Power Station. Specifically, I will be testifying in
support of the Agency’s recommended amendments to Ameren’s proposed Sections 840.122,
840.124, 840.126, 840.128, 840.132, and 840.134 However, because of the Agency’s proposed
addition of a new Section 840.108 for incorporations by reference and the resulting renumbering
of the existing sections, my testimony will refer to these sections (and others) using the section
numbers proposed in the Agency’s amendments, 840.124, 840.126, 840.128, 840.130, 840.134,
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
and 840.136, unless otherwise specified. In addition, I will testify in support of the Agency’s
newly proposed Section 840.146.
Section 840.124 describes how the final slopes of the coal combustion wastes should be
contoured before final cover is applied to them and allows additional coal combustion waste,
generated at the Hutsonville Power Station, to be used to help create the desired contours. With
the modification of 840.124(c) and the addition of 840.124(d), the amendments proposed by the
Agency would limit the volume of additional coal combustion waste that could be used to
construct the final waste contours and would restrict the area of its use. The coal combustion
waste in Pond D has contaminated the groundwater and restricting the placement of additional
coal combustion waste in Pond D will help limit the potential for further groundwater
contamination.
Section 840.124
Final Slope and Stabilization
Section 840.126
Final Cover System
Section 840.126 describes how the final cover system for Pond D must be constructed
and Subsection 840.126(a)(1) provides thickness and hydraulic conductivity specifications for
the geosynthetic membrane that will serve as the low permeability layer of the final cover
system. As proposed by Ameren, the hydraulic conductivity specification is essentially
meaningless. Virtually all geosynthetic membranes have hydraulic conductivities several orders
of magnitude lower than 1 x 10
-7
Subsection 840.126(c) requires the final cover system to be constructed according to a
centimeters/second and the amount of water that will pass
through a geosynthetic membrane is determined, almost entirely, by the number of holes in it and
its placement. The modification to 840.126(a)(1) recommended by the Agency would make
Pond D’s low permeability layer equivalent to that of a solid waste landfill subject to Part 811.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
construction quality assurance (CQA) program. Ameren’s version of this subsection states that
the operator must designate a CQA officer and includes a brief description of the CQA officer’s
duties. The Agency is recommending the addition of an entire section (840.146), prescribing a
more robust CQA program (which will be discussed more fully later in this testimony). In
840.126(c), the Agency deletes mention of the CQA officer’s responsibilities specific to the final
cover system and simply references the CQA program required by 840.146.
The Agency is recommending no modifications to this section beyond clarifying that
submission of the plan to the Agency is for the purpose of review and approval and changing the
section number from 840.126 to 840.128.
Section 840.128
Closure Plan
Section 840.130 describes the information and documents that must be contained in the
closure plan for Pond D. The Agency is recommending the following changes to 840.130:
Section 840.130
Contents of Closure Plan
1.
In Subsection 840.130(a)(4), the requirement that the site map must depict the
Zone A and Zone B is deleted, consistent with the Agency’s recommendation to
eliminate of these terms, as explained in Rick Cobb and Bill Buscher’s testimony.
2.
In Subsection 840.130(d), the reference to Section 840.108 is changed to Section
840.110 in accordance with the regulatory structure recommended by the Agency.
3.
In Subsection 840.130(e), the reference to Section 840.116 is changed to Section
840.118 in accordance with the regulatory structure recommended by the Agency.
4.
In Subsection 840.130(f), the phrase “plans, specifications and drawings” replaces
“description” to make more clear the type of information needed to accurately depict the
groundwater monitoring program, the reference to Section 840.110 is changed to Section
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
840.112 in accordance with the regulatory structure recommended by the Agency, and a
quality assurance program requirement for groundwater sample collection, preservation
and analysis is added consistent with the language originally in Ameren’s proposed
Section 840.110(c)(2) and now located in the Agency’s proposed 840.114(f).
5.
In Subsection 840.130(g), the reference to Section 840.112 is changed to Section
840.114 in accordance with the regulatory structure recommended by the Agency.
6.
In Subsection 840.130(h), the reference to Section 840.116 is changed to Section
840.118 in accordance with the regulatory structure recommended by the Agency.
7.
Subsection 840.130(i) is added requiring plans, specifications and drawings for
the groundwater collection trench and discharge system.
8.
Subsection 840.130(j) is added requiring plans, specifications and drawings for
the final slope design and construction and demonstration of compliance with the stability
criteria.
9.
In Subsection 840.130(k), the phrase “plans, specifications and drawings”
replaces “description” to make more clear the type of information needed to accurately
depict the final cover system.
10.
In Subsection 840.130(l), the phrase “including an estimate of the time required
for hydrostatic equilibrium of groundwater beneath Ash Pond D” is inserted.
11.
Subsection 840.130(m) is added requiring a proposal for a groundwater
management zone, if applicable, and plans, specifications and drawings for any
structures or devices that must be constructed or installed for it.
12.
Subsection 840.130(n) is added requiring a description of the Construction
Quality Assurance program.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
13.
Subsection 840.130(o) is added requiring a description of actions proposed to
mitigate increasing trends in accordance with Section 840.118(c) including plans,
specifications and drawings for any structures or devices that must be constructed.
14.
Subsection 840.130(p) is added requiring the signature and seal of the
professional engineer supervising the preparation of the closure plan.
The changes and additions to this section, recommended by the Agency, will result in a
better, more detailed closure plan that covers all the steps integral to closing Pond D: creation of
the final waste slopes, installation of the final cover system, establishment of a groundwater
monitoring program, and implementation of groundwater corrective action, including
construction of the necessary structures and installation of necessary devices.
Section 840.134
Completion of Closure, Closure Report and Certification of
Completion of Closure
Section 840.134 describes the requirements for completion of closure, including the closure
report and certification of completion of closure. The Agency is recommending the following
changes to this section:
1.
Subsection 840.134(a) is added to provide a deadline of eighteen months, after the
closure plan is approved by the Agency, for closure to be completed. Completing
closure, with the installation of the final cover system and implementation of
groundwater corrective action, will be beneficial to the environment and a deadline will
help ensure that closure is completed in a timely manner. Eighteen months, after the
closure plan is approved, should provide sufficient time for Ameren to complete closure.
2.
In Subsection 840.134(b), Ameren’s proposed language is modified to
state that the closure plan must be approved by the Agency and to specify the type of
documentation that must be provided with the closure report. The changes and additions
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
to this section, recommended by the Agency, will help ensure that the closure activities
are expeditiously carried out, in conformance with the closure plan, and that this
conformance is adequately documented.
Section 840.136 describes how the final cover system must be maintained. The Agency
is recommending the following changes to the section:
Section 840.136
Post-Closure Maintenance of Cover System
1.
The introductory sentence is modified to state that the final cover system must be
maintained, beginning immediately after its construction, and continuing until
certification of completion of post-closure care is approved by the Agency.
2.
In Subsection 840.136(a), Ameren’s language proposing to inspect the final cover
system annually is modified to require that final cover inspection be performed at the
same time, and in the same frequency, that samples are collected for routine groundwater
monitoring.
3.
In Subsection 840.136(b), the phrase “identified during the inspection” is deleted
to indicate this is a continuing obligation.
4.
In Subsection 840.136(c), the phrase “identified during inspections” is deleted to
indicate this is a continuing obligation.
5.
In Subsection 840.136(e), the phrase “that had previously been vegetated” is
deleted to maintain consistency with Section 840.126(b)(5).
6.
In Subsection 840.136(c), the phrase “if necessary” is deleted since such repairs
generally will be necessary.
7.
Subsection 840.136(g), which requires prevention of the growth of woody species
on the protective layer, is added.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
The changes and additions to this section, recommended by the Agency, will result in
better, more frequent final cover inspections and in a better maintained and more functional final
cover system.
The Agency is recommending the addition of this section, which expands on the
construction quality assurance (CQA) program proposed by Ameren in its section concerning the
final cover system. The CQA program, recommended by the Agency, addresses installation of
the groundwater collection trench and discharge system, compaction of the subgrade and
foundation for the final cover system, application of the final cover system and construction of
the surface water control structures. Section 840.146 is modeled on 35 Ill. Adm. Code, Part 811,
Subpart E, which outlines the minimum requirements for the CQA programs used in constructing
solid waste landfills. Just as the quality of solid waste landfills benefits from being constructed
under comprehensive CQA programs, the quality of the Pond D waste disposal unit will benefit
from being constructed under the CQA program required by Section 840.146.
Section 840.146
Construction Quality Assurance Program
In closing, I would like to thank the Board for its consideration of the changes that the
Agency is recommending to Ameren’s proposal.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
ATTACHMENT 1
RESUME OF
CHRISTIAN J. LIEBMAN
1021 North Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276
Springfield, Illinois 62974-9276
(217) 524-3294
EDUCATION
M.S., May 2002, Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale,
Carbondale, IL, Major: Civil Engineering
B.S., May 1984, University of Missouri - Rolla, Rolla, MO, Major: Geological Engineering
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE
02/99 -- Present
Solid Waste Unit Manager in the Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency's Bureau of Land, Division of Land Pollution Control, Permit
Section. The job consists of supervising the 11 engineers who are
responsible for reviewing the permit applications for all the solid waste
landfills and clean construction or demolition debris fill operations, in
the State of Illinois, subject to the permit programs administered by the
Bureau of Land. The primary job objective of this position is to ensure
that these permit applications are given consistent, high-quality reviews
in a timely manner.
06/85 -- 02/99
Permit Reviewer in the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's
Bureau of Land, Division of Land Pollution Control, Permit Section,
advancing from an Environmental Protection Engineer I to
Environmental Protection Engineer III. The job entailed reviewing
permit applications for solid waste landfills, transfer stations and waste
composting facilities, comparing the proposals made in the applications
to the regulatory and statutory requirements and then drafting
preliminary responses (either permits with conditions or denials) for
management approval
PROFESSIONAL LICENSES
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois (License No. 062-049263).
Licensed Professional Geologist in the State of Illinois (License No. 196-000989).
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
IN THE MATTER OF:
)
)
AMEREN ASH POND CLOSURE RULES
)
R09-21
(HUTSONVILLE POWER STATION) :
)
(Rulemaking – Land)
PROPOSED 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 840.101
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THROUGH 840.144
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PRE-FILED TESTIMONY OF STEPHEN F. NIGHTINGALE ON AMEREN’S PROPOSAL,
THE AGENCY’S PROPOSED AMENDMENT AT SECTION 840.152, AND REQUEST TO
BOARD TO CONSIDER TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON ADDITIONAL SITE-SPECIFIC
RULES FOR CLOSURE OF COAL COMBUSTION WASTE SURFACE IMPOUNDMENTS
My name is Stephen F. Nightingale. I am the manager of the Permit Section of the Bureau
of Land at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency ("Agency"). The Bureau of Land Permit
Section is generally responsible for the permitting and day-to-day activities associated with the
state (solid waste), RCRA (hazardous waste), and underground injection control (UIC) programs
when dealing with waste treatment, storage and disposal.
I graduated from the University of Missouri at Rolla in 1982 with a B.S. degree in Civil
Engineering. Following graduation I spent four years employed by the Missouri Pacific/Union
Pacific Railroad Company as a staff engineer. My work included activities in the mechanical,
construction, and environmental fields. Since June of 1986 I have been employed by the Agency
in a variety of positions including my current position as Bureau of Land Permit Section
Manager. I assumed this position in April of 2000. I am registered as a Professional Engineer in
Illinois. I have approximately twenty-five years experience in the environmental engineering
field. A brief summary of my education and work experience is included as Attachment 2.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Today I will be testifying in support of the proposed site-specific rule establishing 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 840.Subpart A, as amended by Agency testimony. My testimony will be limited to
the Agency’s proposed Section 840.152, which is identified as “Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act,” as well as testimony requesting the Illinois Pollution Control Board to consider a
temporary moratorium on future requests for additional site-specific rules related to closure
requirements for surface impoundments containing coal combustion waste.
Section 840.152
This Section contains a provision intended by the Agency to maintain consistency with
programs adopted under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (P.L. 94-480)
(“RCRA”), as amended. The provision would guide interpretation of rules adopted in 35 Ill.
Adm. Code 840
, Subpart A to maintain consistency with any RCRA requirements applicable to
Ash Pond D. If consistency could not be accomplished through interpretation, or, if rules clearly
were less stringent than RCRA requirements applicable to Ash Pond D, then those rules would
be void by operation of law. This also would apply for any state laws adopted to obtain or
maintain federal delegation, authorization or approval of a state program based on RCRA or
implementing regulations.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The Agency believes this is an appropriate provision for the following reasons. It has
been widely published in environmental and trade publications and confirmed by federal officials
that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) is reviewing its approach
to the management of coal combustion waste (“CCW”) -- management that has been left mostly
to the states. It has been reported that the promulgation of comprehensive federal rules pursuant
to Subtitles C or D of RCRA is under consideration. To date we have not been able to find out
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
any specifics of what will be in the proposed regulations. However, in recent conversations with
U.S. EPA I have been made aware that they are on schedule in meeting the end of year deadline
to publish proposed rules in the
Federal Register
. Based on this intent alone we feel it is
important to include a provision to address the possibility of future regulations.
The Board has adopted, and the Agency administers, waste management rules in our
delegated program under Subtitle C and approved program under Subtitle D. To maintain these
delegated and approved programs, statutes and rules adopted in Illinois are required to be at least
as stringent as, and not inconsistent with, those adopted at the federal level. While it is unclear at
this point whether federal rules proposed and adopted for CCW will address closure of CCW
impoundments, and, if so, whether those rules will be applicable to Ash Pond D once it begins
closure pursuant to proposed Subpart A, the Agency’s view is that including its proposed Section
840.152 is a reasonable precaution that could relieve the strain on Board and Agency resources to
amend Subpart A should it become clear that a conflict exists between federal rules and
provisions of Subpart A as applicable to Ash Pond D.
The language proposed for Section 840.152 reflects language used in other contexts in the
Act for a similar purpose -- to create or preserve state consistency with federal requirements
under RCRA. Maintaining equivalence and consistency with RCRA waste management
requirements is a consistent theme running through waste management provisions of the Act. A
few locations where this is clearly a concern are found at Sections 3.485, 3.500, 22.4(a) – (b) and
(d), 35(a), 39(d) and 39.2(i). 415 ILCS 5/3.485, 3.500, 22.4(a) – (b), (d), 35(a), 39(d), 39.2(i).
Moreover, Sections 20(a)(5) through (a)(8) and (a)(11) through (a)(14) clearly state the
legislature’s intention that that federal approval for such programs be secured and maintained.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
415 ILCS 5/20(a)(5) – (a)(8), (a)(11) – (a)(14). Given the clearly stated intention of the
legislature and the resources necessary to open and amend rules should a conflict develop, the
Agency urges the Board to consider adoption of proposed Section 840.152.
Request for Moratorium on Additional Site-Specific Rules for Closure of Coal Combustion
Waste Impoundments
The Agency is requesting that the Illinois Pollution Control Board consider initiating a
temporary moratorium on future site-specific rules for the closure of surface impoundments
containing coal combustion waste. We are requesting this moratorium for two reasons. First, as I
previously stated, the U.S. EPA is intending to public notice a set of draft regulations for the
management of coal combustion waste by the end of the 2009 calendar year. And secondly, at
this time and in the foreseeable future the Agency does not have the resources to deal with the
potentially 70 additional requests for site-specific rulemakings for the other surface
impoundments containing coal combustion waste which may also need to be addressed under this
process. See Attachment 1 for a list of other CCW surface impoundments.
A temporary moratorium will allow time for all those potentially affected by the new
federal regulations to understand how the U.S. EPA plans to regulate coal combustion waste in
the future. Waiting will prevent industry, the Agency, and the Illinois Pollution Control Board
from wasting scarce and valuable resources on developing regulations that may be superseded in
the near future. Also, until the U.S. EPA’s regulations are revealed and finalized, any industry
obtaining a site-specific rule could end up expending substantial money and resources only to
find they are subject to additional and/or different closure requirements for these units.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
If a temporary moratorium is not implemented and there are additional requests for site-
specific rules, the Agency is concerned it will find itself in a position where it will be unable to
have adequate time and/or resources to review the proposals and provide necessary comments.
Currently the Bureau of Land Permit Section staff is down eight members (six engineers and two
geologists). We have been informed we may have to reduce our staff levels even more over the
upcoming state fiscal year to meet our proposed budget.
The Agency acknowledges there is limited legal authority in the Act for a temporary
moratorium. Section 28(a) (415 ILCS 5/28(a)) at least arguably would allow the Board to
schedule such proposals no sooner than six months after the hearing on a preceding proposal, and
the Board may perceive that it has inherent authority to control its docket such that longer delays
for good cause might be appropriate. Nonetheless, the policy reasons are compelling. Diverting
already limited resources to site-specific rules more than once or twice per year would
substantially detract from the Bureau of Land’s additional responsibilities. More than three to
four site-specific rules per year probably would paralyze both the Agency and the Board from a
resource standpoint and even at this rate would take over fifteen years to work through the
currently existing impoundments. Just for the Agency’s response to this proposal, additional
resources have been provided by the Bureau of Water, but this is viewed only as a stop-gap
measure since similar limitations also affect that Bureau
The Bureau of Land is still reviewing its options on how to deal with the 70 other surface
impoundments which will undoubtedly have to close at some point in the future. While in
operation these sites are generally regulated under 35 Ill. Adm. Code 309 and therefore permitted
by the Agency’s Bureau of Water. However, once plans are made to close these surface
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
impoundments with waste in place, we anticipate the Bureau of Land will be assigned the
responsibility of administering the closure and post-closure care activities. We feel that once U.S.
EPA’s intentions are known the Agency will be in a better position to determine how to proceed.
At this point, if there are no regulations established by the U.S. EPA, or if they don’t apply to the
closure and post-closure activities of the surface impoundments, we feel that pursuing a general
rule for the remaining surface impoundments would be a more efficient approach than to deal
with each site on a site-specific basis.
However, the approach of pursuing a general rule does not go without concern. It should
be pointed out that pursuing a general rule also is a time and resource consuming endeavor, and
faced with the current staffing conditions, along with the potential for additional staff reduction,
the Agency is very concerned with taking on such a daunting task. But until the U.S. EPA’s
intentions are fully known, probably at the adoption of a final rule, we cannot make a well
informed decision on how to proceed. For the above reasons the Agency feels that a temporary
moratorium is the most prudent approach to take at this time.
This concludes my testimony. I will be happy to address any questions.
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
ATTACHMENT 1
Facility
City
Number of Ash Ponds
Midwest Generation – Will
County Station
Romeoville
4
Midwest Generation –
Waukegan Station
Waukegan
2
Midwest Generation -
Powerton
Pekin
3
Midwest Generation – Joliet
29
Joliet
3
Midwest Generation – Joliet 9
Joliet
1
Midwest Generation –
Crawford
Chicago
1
Electric Energy Inc.
Joppa
2
Dynegy Midwest – Baldwin
Energy Inc.
Baldwin
7
Dynegy Midwest – Havana
Station
Havana
3
Dynegy Midwest – Hennepin
Station
Hennepin
3
Dynegy Midwest – Wood
River Station
Alton
2
Dynegy Midwest – Vermilion
Station
Oakwood
3
Ameren – Newton Station
Newton
2
Ameren – Edwards Station
Bartonville
1
Ameren – Duck Creek Station
Canton
6
Ameren – Coffeen Station
Coffeen
4
Ameren – Meredosia Station
Meredosia
5
Ameren – Hutsonville Station
Hutsonville
5
Ameren – Venice
Venice
2
Ameren – Grand Tower
Grand Tower
1
Ameren – Kincaid Generation
Kincaid
1
Prairie Power Inc. – Soyland
Power Cooperative Inc.
Pearl
1
City Water Light and Power
Springfield
2
Southern Illinois Power Co-
Op.
Marion
7
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
ATTACHMENT 2
RESUME
STEPHEN F. NIGHTINGAL, PE.
MANAGER, PERMIT SECTION
BUREAU OF LAND
ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
EDUCATION
1982
B. S. CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT ROLLA
EXPERIENCE
4/06 - PRESENT
MANAGER, PERMIT SECTION, BUREAU OF LAND -
RESPONSIBLE FOR STATE (SOLID WASTE), RCRA (HAZARDOUS
WASTE), AND UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL
PERMITTING ACTIVITIES.
4/00 - 4/06
MANAGER, RCRA UNIT, PERMIT SECTION, BUREAU OF LAND -
RESPONSIBLE FOR PERMITTING ACTIVITES RELATED TO RCRA
(HAZARDOUS WASTE) AND UNDERGROUNGROUND INJECTION
CONTROL PERMITTING
2/95 - 4/00
MANAGER, INDUSTRIAL UNIT, PERMIT SECTION, BUREAU OF
WATER - RESPONSIBLE FOR STATE AND NPDES PERMITS FOR
INDUSTRY.
6/86 - 2/95
ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION ENGINEER I, II, III, IV,
INDUSTRIAL UNIT, PERMIT SECTION BUREAU OF WATER -
RESPONSIBLE FOR EVALUATING PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND
DEVELOPING STATE AND NPDES PERMITS FOR INDUSTRY
BASED ON STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS.
4/82 - 05/06
STAFF ENGINEER, MISSOURI PACIFIC/UNION PACIFIC -
RESPONSIBLE FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO ENGINEERING IN
THE FIELDS OF MECHANICAL, CONSTRUCTION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL FIELDS.
REGISTERED AS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER IN ILLINOIS
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009
Electronic Filing - Received, Clerk's Office, August 18, 2009