Georgia Power will hold a public meeting on March 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center, 393 Riverside Parkway, to share details and gather community input on its proposed groundwater remediation plan for Plant Hammond ash ponds 1 and 2.

Plant Hammond began operating in 1954 and was retired in 2019. Historically, the coal-fired plant used ash ponds to manage coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash, in compliance with Clean Water Act permits. In 2016, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) updated its rules to incorporate new federal requirements for ash ponds, and Georgia Power is closing all such ponds statewide in accordance with those regulations. Coal ash has already been removed from Hammond’s AP-1 and AP-2 and disposed of at a permitted facility. Closure activities are regulated under GA EPD permits No. 057-023D(CCR) and 057-024D(CCR).

Since 2016, Georgia Power has conducted groundwater monitoring around ash ponds and landfills as required by GA EPD. Independent environmental professionals collect and analyze samples using approved state and federal methods. Monitoring at Plant Hammond identified arsenic, cobalt, and molybdenum concentrations above groundwater protection standards in four small, on-site areas. According to Georgia Power, testing shows the affected areas are limited, clearly defined, and remain within company property boundaries.

The company says closure of the ash ponds is expected to improve groundwater quality over time. After evaluating several treatment options, Georgia Power is proposing in-situ injection combined with monitored natural attenuation to address the affected groundwater areas. In-situ injection treats groundwater directly below the surface using techniques commonly applied at water treatment facilities, while monitored natural attenuation relies on natural processes to enhance treatment over time. Laboratory and field testing has demonstrated successful treatment of arsenic, cobalt, and molybdenum using these methods.

Georgia Power says once groundwater protection standards are met, it will continue monitoring and reporting results to GA EPD and posting updates on its public website for at least three years. GA EPD will oversee compliance and remediation progress throughout the treatment program.

Community members are encouraged to attend the March 24 meeting to learn more and provide feedback.