Colbert Fossil Plant Decontamination and Deconstruction

Colbert County, Alabama

On November 9, 2016, TVA issued a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for deconstruction of its Colbert Fossil Plant in Colbert County, Alabama. The EA evaluates the potential environmental effects of the future disposition of the physical structures associated with the retired coal-fired plant units, including the powerhouse, coal handling facilities, and surrounding support buildings.

TVA evaluated four alternatives: (A) assess, close, and secure power production facilities, and implement an operations and maintenance program to maintain structures and equipment; (B) demolish the facility to three feet below grade (Brownfield) including the six stacks; (C) assess, close, and secure power production facilities, demolish outlying buildings and structures, retain powerhouse; or (D) to take no action. TVA’s preferred alternative is Alternative B, demolition of Units 1-5 and other structures to three feet below final grade (Brownfield) including the six stacks. TVA concluded that implementing Alternative B would not be a major federal action significantly affecting the environment. Therefore, TVA has issued the FONSI.

The Draft EA was released for comment on July 19, 2016. The 30-day comment period closed on August 22, 2016. The Draft EA was transmitted to state, federal, and local agencies and TVA consulted with federally recognized tribes regarding the project actions. The Draft EA was also posted on TVA’s public NEPA review website. A notice of availability, including a request for comments on the Draft EA, was published in newspapers serving the Colbert County, Alabama area. Comments on the Draft EA were accepted for 30-days, through August 22, 2016, via TVA’s website, mail, and e-mail. TVA carefully reviewed all of the substantive comments that it received. Comments were summarized and included in Appendix D of the Final EA.

The Colbert Fossil Plan in Colbert County, Alabama was operated by TVA from the 1950s until 2016 when the facility was retired.