Kentucky Utilities Ghent Generating Station
In a collaborative effort, SLATtEC Engineering Group, a joint venture between Slater Infrastructure Group and Tetra Tech, embarked on a significant project focusing on the management of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) at the Ghent Generating Station in Kentucky.
Coal ash, also known as CCRs, is a by-product primarily produced from the burning of coal in coal-fired power plants. The disposal or utilization of coal ash varies based on the type of by-product, the processes at the plant, and the regulations the power plant must adhere to. Addressing the environmental challenges posed by coal ash management is crucial for sustainable operations.
Slater Infrastructure Group brought its expertise in engineering, program management, and construction management to the table. Their history of working alongside major multi-national and public sector entities in various sectors, including water/wastewater, utility, transportation, and environmental, added immense value to the project.
Tetra Tech was responsible for the construction activities that included the closure of an ash treatment basin at the CCR landfill. To ensure the safety and efficiency of the project:-Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWPs) were installed to monitor slope stability during the dewatering of the ash pond.-A data management system was developed and hosted by Tetra Tech for the storage and reporting of the VWP data.-The system featured automatic data uploads from six sensors, hourly weather data downloads, and a custom report of piezometer data reviewed daily as an early warning system for potential slides and other risks. -A SQL Server database ensured secure storage of all data, and a notification system was set up to alert users about system events.- This data management system was a customized version of Tetra Tech’s EnDAR system.
The combined expertise of SLATtEC Engineering Group ensured the successful management of CCRs at the Ghent Generating Station. The project not only addressed the environmental challenges of coal ash management but also set a benchmark for similar projects in the industry.