Malburg Generating Station

Application for Certification8.13 Waste Management

8.13WASTE MANAGEMENT

In accordance with CEC regulations, this section evaluates the potential impacts of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes associated with construction and operation of the MGS, including the installation ofa natural gas, sewer, and reclaimed water pipelines. The section is reported as follows:

Section 8.13.1, "Affected Environment," describes the local environment surrounding the MGS.

Section 8.13.2, "Environmental Consequences," evaluates the Project’s impact as a result of waste generated by the Project.

Section 8.13.3, "Abandonment/Closure Impact," describes the City’s plan for when the Project permanently closes.

Section 8.13.4, "Cumulative Impacts," presents the cumulative impact from nearby projects.

Section 8.13.5, "Mitigation Measures," describes mitigation measures for the Project construction, and operation, maintenance, and monitoring phases.

Section 8.13.6, "LORS," describes all applicable LORS.

Section 8.13.7, "Involved Agencies," lists the agency contacts used to address waste management issues.

Section 8.13.8, "Permits Required and Permit Schedule," discusses any permits required.

8.13.1Affected Environment

The MGS includes the construction and operation of a combined cycle, natural gas-fired power generation facility and ancillary support structures located in the City’s existing Station A at 2715 East 50th Street in Vernon, California. Station A has been operational since 1933. When completed, the MGS will occupy approximately 3.4 acres within the fenced 5.9-acre site, as shown on Figure 3.4-1. The 5.9-acre site is currently developed industrial land used for electric generation. The terrain where the plant will be located is flat and has an elevation of approximately 183 feet above msl. A balanced cut and fill will be used to provide a level area for the power generation facility and construction laydown areas. The plant finished grade elevation is estimated to remain at 183 feet above msl. The City of Vernon is exclusively developed for industrial and commercial businesses. Land use surrounding the proposed project site is industrial and commercial. The concrete channelized Los Angeles River is located, at its closest point, approximately ¾-mile northeast of the project site.

Appendix C contains the Preliminary and Final Reports of the Geotechnical Investigation and Phase II Environmental Assessment (Kleinfelder, 2001) for the project site. A records search and site inspection of Station A was completed by the City of Vernon Environmental Health Department and is contained in Appendix O. The results of the records search and site inspection indicated potential waste management issues associated with the following structures located at the facility:

  • Existing oil sump and skimming basin - these structures receive oily water from the floor drains inside the existing power plant building.
  • Cooling water treatment chemical storage area.
  • Cooling tower has below ground cooling water pipes and electrical conduits.
  • Diesel fuel contaminated soil.

Kleinfelder conducted geotechnical investigations and Phase II environmental assessment at the Station A in April, May, and October 2001. The investigations consisted of the advancement of seven soil borings (B-1 through B-7) on the north and northwestern portions of the site. Four of the soil borings (B-1 through B-4) were advanced near the above ground fuel oil storage tanks formerly located on the northern portion of the site (proposed location of the MGS). Analytical data indicated that soil samples collected from three of the borings (B-1, B-3, and B-4) did not contain concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons or VOCs above laboratory detection limits. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in the carbon range C22 to C32 were detected in one soil sample (67 milligrams per kilogram) collected from boring B-2 at a depth of six feet below ground surface. No VOCs were detected in soil samples collected from borings B-1 through B-4. Three of the soil borings (B-5 through B-7) were advanced on the northwestern portion of the site near the raw water-cooling tower, 2,300V transformer station building, and the pure water-circulating basin. Soil samples collected from these three borings did not contain TPH or VOCs above laboratory detection limits.

With the exception of the former above ground fuel storage tanks, none of the above potential areas of environmental concern are located on the portion of Station A on which the MGS will be built. The MGS will be constructed in an area of the site, which formerly contained three large above ground fuel oil storage tanks. The tanks have been removed. Although unlikely, soil impacted by petroleum hydrocarbons could potentially be encountered during grading and excavation of the project site.

Diesel fuel is brought to the site by tanker truck. Previously, diesel fuel was stored on site in a 1,000-barrel diesel fuel storage tank. A subsurface diesel fuel release occurred in July 2001. The City engaged Kleinfelder, Inc. to perform diesel release remediation services.

Mitigation measures are proposed (see Section 8.13.5) in the event that subsurface soil containing residual petroleum hydrocarbons is encountered during the final grading and utilities/foundations excavations that will be performed as part of project construction.

8.13.2Environmental Consequences

8.13.2.1Project Waste Generation

The wastes that would be generated during both the construction and the operation phases of the Project were identified to determine whether the Project would result in any potentially significant impacts. The significance criteria are based on the CEQA Guidelines, Appendix G, and Environmental Checklist Form (approved January 1, 1999) and on performance standards or thresholds adopted by responsible agencies. An impact may be considered significant if:

  • Construction activities result in waste materials being introduced into the environment in violation of federal, state, or local waste management and disposal regulations.
  • Construction activities generate waste materials that exceed the receiving capacity of appropriate disposal facilities.
  • Operation of the facility results in waste materials being introduced into the environment in violation of federal, state, or local waste management and disposal regulations.
8.13.2.1.1Construction

During construction of the MGS, the primary waste generated would be solid non-hazardous waste. However, some non-hazardous liquid, hazardous liquid and solid wastes, and universal wastes would also be generated. It is anticipated that some hazardous solid and liquid wastes would also be generated during plant construction. Generation of hazardous waste during construction of natural gas, sewer, and reclaimed water pipelines is anticipated to be minimal. The types of wastes and estimated quantities are described below and summarized in Table 8.13-1.

Non-Hazardous Solid Wastes

Non-hazardous solid wastes generated during the construction phase of the MGS would include excess scrap wood, concrete, empty containers (plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, and styrofoam), scrap metals, and insulation (silicate and mineral wool) as well as waste oil filters.

Wood, Paper/Cardboard, Glass, Plastic, Insulation, and Concrete. Wood, paper, cardboard glass,plastic, insulation, and minor amounts of concrete would be generated from waste lumber, packing and insulation materials, and empty non-hazardous waste materials containers. Approximately 2,400 lb. of these wastes are anticipated to be generated on a monthly basis during the construction of the MGS. Where practical, these wastes will be recycled. Non-hazardous wastes, such as the minor amounts of concrete and chemical containers less than five-gallons capacity that are not recycled will be scrapped or disposed of at a Class III landfill in accordance with all LORS.

Metal. Metal wastes would include scrap from welding and cutting operations, construction materials(reinforcement bar, wire mesh, metal sheeting, tubing, piping, ducting, and wire), and empty non- hazardous materials containers. Approximately eight tons of waste metal (estimate 1,000 lb. per month over 16 months) would be generated during construction of the MGS. Where practical, ferrous and non-ferrous waste metals would be recycled. Waste metals that cannot be recycled would be disposed of at a Class III landfill in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations.

Waste Oil Filters. Used, metal oil filters can be managed as non-hazardous wastes as long as they are thoroughly drained of "free flowing" oil (oil exiting drop-by-drop is not considered "free flowing"); the filters are accumulated, stored and transferred in a closed, rainproof container; and the filters are transferred for purposes of recycling. The accumulation of waste oil filters would apply only to stationary or mobilized heavy-construction equipment that would require periodic maintenance. Waste oil filters would be generated at an estimated 100-pounds per month. Note that oil changes and resultant waste oil filters from other construction vehicles would be conducted at appropriate off-site facilities.

Non-Hazardous Liquid Wastes

Non-hazardous liquid wastes generated during construction would be mainly wastewater generated from sanitary waste, pipe hydrotesting, equipment washing, and storm water runoff. Sanitary waste would be collected in portable, self-contained toilets serviced by an outside contractor. Equipment wash water and hydrotest water would be contained in tanks or other storage containers at specifically designated areas. If the water were thought to contain free phase hydrocarbons, it would be run through an oil-water separator. Any oil removed from the oil-water separator would be collected and taken off site by an oil recycler. The remaining water would be tested to determine its final disposition. If the water were contaminated, it would be removed from the site and disposed of at a liquid disposal facility. If the water were suitable for discharge, it would be discharged to the storm drain. For construction activities, a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit (Appendix P) for storm water discharges associated with construction activity (General Permit) would be obtained and a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) would be developed and implemented in accordance with all applicable state and local requirements. The General Permit is administered by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and enforced by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles Region (RWQCB). The SWPPP would be developed using the California Storm Water Best Management Practice Handbook for Construction Activity (Camp Dresser & McKee et al., 1993).[1]

As indicated in the above sections, the non-hazardous solid wastes that cannot be recycled or reused would be disposed of at a Class III landfill. It is expected that the disposal of solid wastes from the facility would represent only a nominal (less than 0.01 percent) increase relative to current disposal volumes at the Class III landfills available to receive the non-hazardous solid wastes. These increases will not significantly affect the available landfill capacity and are considered a less-than-significant impact. Table 8.13-2 shows Class III solid waste landfill locations, permitted, operating, and remaining capacities, and estimated closure dates.

Hazardous Wastes

The majority of the hazardous waste generated during construction would consist of liquid wastes such as waste oil from routine equipment maintenance, flushing and cleaning fluids, passivating fluids (to prepare piping for use), waste solvents, and waste paints or other material coatings. Additionally, some solid waste in the form of spent welding materials, oily rags and absorbent, spent batteries, and empty hazardous materials containers may also be generated.

Flushing and cleaning waste liquid is generated when pipes are cleaned and flushed. Pasivating fluid waste is generated when high temperature piping is treated with either a phosphate or nitrate solution. The volume of flushing and cleaning and passivating liquid waste generated during construction is estimated to be up to 15,000 gallons. The quantity of waste oil to be generated is estimated at approximately 800 gallons over the entire construction period at a rate of an estimated 50 gallons per month. Waste solvents and waste paint and other coating waste materials would be generated at an estimated rate of approximately 25 gallons a month.

Spent welding materials would be generated at a rate of approximately 20-pounds per month. Due to the flux component of welding rods, these will be re-used or recycled where possible. Residual spent rods will be collected at the points of generation in a Satellite accumulation container, characterized, and managed off-site for appropriate recycle or disposal based on the characterization results.

As the owner, tThe City construction contractor would be considered the generator of hazardous waste associated with plant construction activities and would be responsible for proper handling of all hazardous wastes in accordance with all federal, state and local regulations. This would include Although the City would ultimately be responsible for all licensing requirements, training of employees where required, accumulation limits and duration, and as well as record keeping and reporting requirements, these requirements would also be contractually bound to the primary contractor for the project site work. Wastes that are deemed hazardous would be collected in hazardous waste accumulation containers placed near the area of generation. Fifty-five gallon drums may be labeled as “Satellite Accumulation” drums for location at or near the point of waste generation and under the control of the operator/supervisor of the contractor generating the waste. Drums may be maintained at these generation locations for up to one-year from the initial date of accumulation or until the drum becomes full. Once full, the drum must be labeled with the appropriate hazardous waste label indicating the date, which the full-date was reached. After the end of each workday, the full-drums/containers (and alternately the “Satellite Accumulation” drums) would be moved to the contractor’s licensed designated hazardous waste accumulation area where hazardous wastes can be stored up to 90 days after the date of generation. All hazardous wastes would be removed transported from the site by a licensed hazardous waste hauler for off-site management facilityat a permitted treatment storage and disposal facility (TSDF).

In the event that contaminated soil is encountered during excavation activities at the MGS, the impacted soil will be segregated, sampled, and tested in order to determine appropriate disposal/treatment options. Any potentially contaminated soils will also be monitored using a photoionization detector (PID) to assist in determining estimated volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and thereby the appropriate temporary on-site storage and handling according to Rule 1166 of the South Coast Air Quality Management Districts (SCAQMD). If the soil is classified as hazardous [according to Resource Conservation Reauthorization Act (RCRA) and CCR Title 22] or contains petroleum hydrocarbons at concentrations above regulatory action levels, the City’s Environmental Health Department and the SCAQMD will be notified. and the Contaminated soil will be transported to a permitted landfill, soil treatment, or recycling facility. Potential remediation and disposal or recycling of impacted soil will be conducted in accordance with CCR Title 22, the California Health and Safety Code, and applicable City of Vernon requirements. RWQCB Class II facilities may also be considered for soil disposal if light to moderate hydrocarbon contaminated soils (100 to 1,000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbons [TPH]) are encountered.

There are three Class I landfills located in California, including Laidlaw Environmental’s Buttonwillow Landfill in Kern County, Laidlaw’s Westmoreland Landfill in Imperial County, and Chemical Waste Management’s Kettleman Hills Landfill in King County. The permitted, operating, and remaining capacities of these Class I landfills are described in Table 8.13-3. Hazardous waste can also be transported to permitted facilities outside of California. The nearest out-of-state hazardous waste landfills are U.S. Ecology, Inc. located in Beatty, Nevada and USPCI, Inc. located in Murray, Utah.

The projected types and estimated quantities of hazardous wastes expected to be generated during construction activities at the facility are shown in Table 8.13-1. The quantities of solid hazardous waste that would be generated are well below the capacity of the available disposal facilities, and most of the liquid hazardous wastes would be recycled. These increases in waste volume will not significantly affect the capacity of the available hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities and are considered a less-than-significant impact.

8.13.2.1.2Operation Phase

Non-Hazardous Solid Wastes

The operation and maintenance of the MGS would generate non-hazardous solid wastes typical of power generation facilities. These wastes would include scrap metal and plastic, insulation material, paper, glass, empty containers, sludge and evaporite deposits (mainly salts) from the zero liquid discharge system, and used equipment parts from maintenance activities, including used gaskets for piping flanges, pumps, spent air filters, and spent turbine parts. Non-hazardous solid wastes would be recycled, to the extent practical, and the remainder disposed of on a regular basis at a Class III landfill. Additionally, sludge from the septic system may have to be periodically removed and trucked offsite for disposal. It is expected that the disposal of solid wastes from the facility would represent only a nominal (less than 0.01 percent) increase relative to current disposal volumes at the Class III landfill. These increases would not significantly alter the available landfill capacity and are considered a less-than-significant impact.