NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL 

Vol. 39, No. 318
July 28, 2009

For more information, contact Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902, or Ali Mirzakhalili, DNREC Air Quality Management Section, 302-739-9404.

DNREC investigating fly-ash release
at NRG’s Indian River power plant

MILLSBORO – DNREC is currently on scene and investigating a release of fly-ash that escaped from a silo at NRG Energy Inc.’s Indian River power plant Tuesday morning. The release occurred at approximately 8 a.m. when a protective covering of the mechanical arm of the silo malfunctioned and allowed fly-ash to escape as it was being loaded onto a truck for disposal.

Some of the escaping fly-ash was blown north over the Indian River by prevailing southerly winds—and likely away from any homes in the area—before local fire companies responded to wet the ash and prevent any further wind-borne releases. DNREC’s Emergency Response Team arrived immediately and worked with the local fire companies and plant employees to stop the release by mid-morning.  DNREC is also working closely with the Division of Public Health to monitor neighboring communities downwind of the facility for residual ash to ensure the health and safety of residents in the area.

NRG began wetting down the pile of fly-ash that escaped to prevent more emissions. Remedial spraying was to continue throughout the day against “fugitive dust,” which is normal procedure for the Indian River power plant. The silo from which ash escaped still had material to be off-loaded, but DNREC’s Emergency Response Team reported that NRG has water suppression capabilities for containing any fugitive emissions. Vacuum trucks are also at the Indian River facility to assist in the cleanup.

DNREC’s investigation of the incident is ongoing and NRG will also be required to submit an incident report which will be reviewed to determine whether any enforcement action is warranted.