The Tennessee Valley Authority is inviting the public to comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the proposed retirement and demolition of Kingston Fossil Plant and the construction of replacement generation.
The Draft EIS and associated documents are available at www.tva.com/nepa.
Officials said, "TVA, in partnership with our 153 local power companies, is committed to ensuring energy security for our seven-state region, and our diverse energy portfolio enables us to provide reliable, affordable, resilient and clean energy.
We are investing in our current generation while also building the energy system of the future, which focuses on cleaner and more efficient energy generation while maintaining low rates and reliable power to enable ongoing and future growth around the Valley for the 10 million people we serve.
"As part of this effort, TVA is conducting an environmental review to assess the potential impacts associated with the proposed retirement, decommissioning, and deconstruction of the coal-fired units at the Kingston Fossil Plant near Kingston and Harriman, Tenn., and the potential construction and operation of alternative replacement generation.
"TVA is asking for public feedback as we evaluate two options for replacement generation: A natural gas plant with battery storage and solar generation located on the Kingston site; or solar and energy storage facilities at alternate locations primarily in east Tennessee.
"TVA will not make a decision without public input and the completion of the environmental review process, which is planned for early 2024."
TVA will be hosting a virtual public meeting and two in-person open houses to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and provide an opportunity for people to ask questions and submit comments.
Virtual Open House – Thursday, June 8, 6:30-8 p.m. Visit
www.tva.com/nepa to register for the event. A link to the virtual open house event will be provided upon registration.
In-Person Open Houses –
Tuesday, June 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
Rockwood High School
512 W Rockwood St., Rockwood, Tn.
Wednesday, June 14, 6:30-8 p.m.
Kingston Community Center
201 Patton Ferry Road, Kingston, Tn.
TVA will accept comments on the Draft EIS through July 3. Comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
Comments may be submitted in-person at one of the above events, or online at www.tva.com/nepa, or by email to nepa@tva.gov. You may also submit written comments to Chevales Williams, Tennessee Valley Authority, 1101 Market Street, BR 2C-C, Chattanooga, Tn. 37402.