Case Studies
In 2021, J.S. Held’s Environmental, Health & Safety practice was retained by a large utility to manage the clean closure of two coal combustion residual (CCR) recycle ponds pursuant to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), “Disposal of CCR from Electric Utilities Final Rule (CCR)” under Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 257.102(c). J.S. Held provided an innovative design that met the CCR Rule requirements, saving the client approximately half of the original estimated cost (over $12 million) for the project.
Working with state regulators, the final ponds were connected to an existing clearwater pond that removed the need to backfill more than 14 acres 25 feet deep. The final project configuration is contributing not only to the reduced cost and increased onsite water storage but also to improved wildlife and fishery habitats.
The client facility, located in the South-Central United States, consists of two independent 800 megawatt pulverized coal units. The units are fired with Powder River Basin coal with byproducts of bottom ash being transported to and stored in the recycle water ponds. The ponds are approximately seven acres and 25 feet deep each, with a mix of bottom ash and water.
J.S. Held’s scope of work included the project feasibility, design, permitting, bid document development, bid evaluation, recommendation of award, construction management, and final close out. In addition to project management, J.S. Held performed customer relations management, risk monitoring, and quality control. J.S. Held served as the owner representative and overall construction manager to ensure that the dewatering, mechanical excavation, hauling, and overall construction operations were completed safely and in accordance with the closure plan. The project involved the removal and hauling of 176,000 cubic yards of ash product to a certified landfill as well as final site restoration in accordance with the closure plan.
Chris Norris, PMP, CMRP
Vice President, Energy Transition - Special Projects
Energy Transition, Impact Assessment & Permitting
+1 463 219 0728
[email protected]
> Energy Transition Services
J.S. Held provides comprehensive support for all aspects of energy transition, whether moving toward renewable energy sources; better resilience; or the realization of corporate environmental, social, and governance programs.
> Project & Program Management / Owner's Representation
Our clients rely upon our technical field expertise to help coordinate, plan, and monitor all stages of design and construction, from conception to close out. Through all phases of the construction lifecycle, our focus is delivering the final project on time and within budget. We do this through the effective integration of project teams and implementation of project management processes and protocols that hold all parties accountable for their respective roles.