Georgia Power Works To Contain Ash Release

Date: July 25, 2002

Source: News Room

Georgia Power officials are moving to contain a release of ash-laden silt from the Company's Bowen Electric Generating Plant near Cartersville. The spill is flowing into Euharlee Creek, which runs next to the plant and flows into the Etowah River. The release was discovered after plant operators discovered a major sinkage of ash on one of the plant's ash storage areas. Elevated ground water levels in the storage area most likely caused the sinkage of ash, similar to a large sinkhole. Elevated water levels can create conditions that can trigger collapse of underground cavities in sub-surface limestone and cause ground sinkage. The ash is removed from Bowen's four coal fueled boilers and stored on the plant site. It is also dried and sold to the construction industry.

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