Alcoa Badin Works

Badin Lake Sediment Capping Project Status

The work at the Badin Lake boat landing is underway. The Badin boat ramp is closed and will remain closed until the end of the project, which is currently scheduled for late January.  Other Badin Lake boat ramps will remain open, but access will become more limited as the water level drops.

Please be advised that the general public should never approach the work areas. Heavy equipment operation make the areas unsafe for the general public.

Continue to use this blog site for information and updates regarding the project. Real time lake level information can be found by using the link near the top of the page.

Key Dates (subject to change):

• Water Level Lowering - now til 12/10/2012
• Low Level (15 ft below normal pool) - 12/10/2012 thru 12/15/2012
• Badin Boat Ramp open – 2/1/2013

UPDATED Badin Lake Lowering Schedule

The management of Badin Lake water levels has changed since the November 2, 2012 blog post.  The change was made to ensure compliance with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) variance authorization.  The new schedule is:

-         Lowering the water up to 5 feet below full pool by November 26, 2012

-         Lowering the water up to 15 feet below full pool by December 10, 2012

NOTICE: Remediation Start/Ramp Closure

 

Who: Citizens and recreational users of Badin Lake who access the lake via the HWY 740/Badin boat ramp. 

 

What: The boat ramp and parking lot located on HWY 740 near the town of Badin, NC will be closed to the public.  As part of the NCDENR approved remediation project, the ramp and parking lot will be used for construction access to the lake.  The project involves the capping impacted sediments at two isolated locations within Badin Lake.  The lake can still be accessed via the Old Whitney boat ramp.

 

When: The boat ramp and parking lot will be closed starting on November 13, 2012, at 7:00 a.m.  The project is expected to be completed and the boat ramp and parking lot reopened by February 1, 2013.  

 

Remediation Start Notice

Alcoa receives state and federal approvals necessary to begin capping project at Badin Lake

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) announced this week that it has received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) to move forward with its plan to implement the Remediation Action Plan (RAP) at Badin Lake.

Alcoa will place a cap of sand and rock over PCB impacted sediments in two locations, denoted as north and south areas.  The sediments have been closely monitored for decades and do not pose a risk to the environment or users of Badin Lake.  Capping the sediments is a precautionary measure that will help prevent potential resuspension of the impacted sediments. 

 

The project’s mobilization phase is scheduled to begin the week of November 12.  The project requires that water levels within Badin Lake be managed closely.  The exact schedule and level for water lowering is subject to change, but the current schedule is as follows:

 

 

• Lowering the water to 537.5’ by December 3, 2012 (3.5’ below normal pool)
• Lowering the water to  527.5’ by December 25, 2012 (13.5’ below normal pool)

 

 

The lake lowering process will be managed over approximately 14 days but adjustments could be needed.  The anticipated low level draw down (527.5’) is planned to stay at the low level for 7-10 days.  The schedule for raising the lake to full pond will depend on weather conditions.

 

It is highly recommended that dock and boat owners take measures to accommodate the lake level management.  Areas of the lake will become dry and boat launch areas will be affected.

 

This blog is your first source of information regarding updates to the project and lake lowering schedules.  Updates will be provided weekly throughout the duration of the remediation project.  Please check back periodically to stay up to date on project changes and updates.