Current Files, Reports, and Visual Aids from Northern Indiana Public Service Company's Bailly Generating Station for the Year 2017

Current Files, Reports, and Visual Aids from Northern Indiana Public Service Company's Bailly Generating Station for the Year 2017

In a significant move towards transparency, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) has made available online a comprehensive collection of reports detailing their Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action at Solid Waste Management Unit 15 (SWMU 15). These documents offer an in-depth look into the history of this corrective action, from initial investigations to the latest updates.

Background: RCRA and NIPSCO SWMU 15

SWMU 15 is a designated Solid Waste Management Unit at a NIPSCO facility, typically related to coal-fired power plants or similar industrial sites. Under the RCRA, facilities managing hazardous wastes or contaminated soil/groundwater must conduct corrective actions to investigate and remediate releases of hazardous waste. SWMU 15 became a focus due to reported or suspected contamination coming from coal combustion residuals, oils, solvents, or other hazardous substances managed at the site.

History and Key Milestones in Corrective Action for SWMU 15 at NIPSCO

1. Initial Identification and Investigation:
2. SWMU 15 was identified as part of the facility’s RCRA Part B permit application process or subsequent facility assessments.
3. Initial environmental assessments indicated potential contamination of soil or groundwater around SWMU 15.
4. Preliminary investigations included Site Characterization Reports and RCRA Facility Assessments (RFAs) required to identify contaminants and extent.
5. RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) Phase:
6. NIPSCO conducted an RFI to determine the nature and extent of contamination at SWMU 15.
7. Reports submitted to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), which oversees RCRA program enforcement in Indiana.
8. RFI reports documented findings related to types of hazardous constituents detected, extent of contaminated soil and groundwater plumes, and potential off-site migration.
9. Interim Measures and Response Actions:
10. Based on RFI findings, interim remedial actions might have been implemented to prevent exposure or migration, such as soil excavation, installation of groundwater monitoring wells, or containment systems.
11. These were documented in Interim Measures Reports and monthly/quarterly progress updates.
12. Corrective Measures Study (CMS) and Proposed Remedy:
13. Following RFI, a CMS was conducted to evaluate remediation options.
14. NIPSCO proposed corrective measures, submitting a Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Plan for IDEM approval.
15. Regulatory Reviews and Agency Responses:
16. IDEM reviewed all submissions carefully, often requesting additional data or revisions.
17. Public comment periods were held for key documents.
18. IDEM issued formal comment letters or approval letters indicating acceptance or requirement for further action.
19. Implementation and Monitoring:
20. Upon approval, NIPSCO began corrective action implementation, including remediation systems installation.
21. Long-term monitoring plans were developed to verify remediation effectiveness.
22. NIPSCO filed periodic Corrective Action Progress Reports.
23. Current Status:
24. As of the most recent publicly available updates, SWMU 15 either reached completion of corrective action with a No Further Action determination, or continues under monitoring with ongoing remediation efforts.

Relevant Reports and Documents

• RCRA Facility Investigation Reports (dates vary, e.g., early 2000s to 2017)
• Interim Measures Reports
• Corrective Measures Study Reports
• Corrective Measures Implementation Plans
• Response to Comments from IDEM
• Quarterly or Annual Groundwater Monitoring Reports
• Final Closeout or No Further Action Letters from IDEM

How to Access These Reports

• Many of these documents are public records held by IDEM or the U.S. EPA.
• IDEM’s Environmental Data and Reporting system or RCRAInfo databases might provide access.
• NIPSCO’s corporate environmental reports or disclosures sometimes include summaries.
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Indiana Open Records Requests can be used for full documentation.

Summary

The RCRA corrective action history for NIPSCO’s SWMU 15 includes investigation phases identifying contamination, regulatory review and approval of corrective measures, implementation of remediation, monitoring, and eventual closure or continued management. IDEM plays a key oversight role throughout the process, ensuring compliance with RCRA corrective action requirements.

By accessing these reports, members of the public can gain insights into NIPSCO's efforts to address environmental concerns and adhere to RCRA regulations. This increased transparency is a positive step towards fostering trust and accountability in the company's operations.

1. The reports available online detail numerous instances of environmental science being applied in the cleanup of SWMU 15, a solid waste management unit at NIPSCO, which involves managing hazardous substances like coal combustion residuals, oils, and solvents, as part of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action.
2. The finance sector becomes involved in the process, as corrective action implementation, including remediation systems installation, requires significant resources, and NIPSCO files periodic progress reports to demonstrate their adherence to the RCRA regulations.
3. Energy conservation efforts are also evident in the history of SWMU 15, as the cleanup and remediation processes are aimed at reducing hazardous waste and preserving the environment for future generations.

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