Badin Lake Water Levels to Drop 15-20 Feet

Water levels at Badin Lake are beginning to drop this week as Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) prepares to install a cap of sand and rocks over sediments in Badin Lake that contain low-levels of PCBs.

A drawdown of 15 to 20 feet is necessary for APGI to conduct the remediation work, which has been approved by state and federal officials. Capping the sediments is a precaution that will stabilize the sediments and mitigate the possibility that the sediments could be disturbed in the future.   

“The sediments have been closely monitored for decades and do not pose a risk to the environment or the people who use Badin Lake,” said Marshall Olson, APGI Environment and Natural Resources Manager.  

Water levels at Badin Lake are expected to be 5 feet below full pool (536 ft) by November 26, 2012 and 15 feet below full pool (526 ft) by December 10, 2012. After 10 days, APGI will begin to refill the lake. The exact draw down and refill schedule may vary due to rainfall and river flow. 

Current lake levels and project updates are available online at www.alcoa.com/badin.  

   

“Our goal is to refill the lake as quickly as possible once the remediation work is completed,” Olson said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we complete this work.”  

Badin Boat Access Area Will Be Closed  
The Badin Boat Access Area will be closed as of November 15, 2012 at 7:00 am.  Other recreation areas, such as the Old Whitney Boat Access Area will remain open but launching and retrieval of boats may be more difficult than usual.  The Badin Boat Access Area is expected to reopen no later than February 1, 2013.  

Be Safe: Low Water Levels May Present Obstacles
Exercise caution while boating during the drawdown. At low water levels, the exposed shoreline may be littered with debris and be extremely muddy. Also, underwater obstructions may be closer to the surface. 

Repair and Maintenance of Piers // 
Excavation to Maintain or Create Boat Access
The drawdown period provides an excellent opportunity for repair and maintenance of private piers, and other permitted facilities. Any repairs or maintenance to permitted facilities must be done in accordance with the Yadkin Project Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), and necessary County building permits must be acquired. 

Shoreline Cleanup 
The drawdown provides an opportunity to remove debris from the shoreline. Floating debris, litter and trash (bottles, cans, tires, plastic containers, Styrofoam, etc.) may be removed from the reservoir, reservoir bottom, or shoreline at any time. 

The removal of dead trees, stumps or other woody debris in the reservoir, on the reservoir bottom, or along the shoreline must be conducted in accordance with the SMP Stewardship Policy and requires written permission from APGI.

The removal of artifacts and objects (tools, weapons, ornaments) of archaeological or historical interest, from the reservoir, reservoir bottom, or shoreline is strictly prohibited.  

Protect Your Pier 
Please take any necessary steps to ensure that your private pier or multi-use facility will safely follow the water level as it is lowered and raised, and to prevent pier damage or damage to boats and other personal watercraft.  

Residents with questions about the drawdown should contact Alcoa at 1-888-866-1063.

Alcoa receives state and federal approval to begin capping project at Badin Lake

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources to move forward with its plan to install a cap over a three-acre area of Badin Lake. 

Alcoa will place a cap of sand and rocks over sediments in Badin Lake that contain low levels of PCBs. The sediments have been closely monitored for decades and do not pose a risk to the environment or people who use Badin Lake. Capping the sediments is a precaution that will stabilize the sediments and mitigate the possibility that the sediments could be disturbed in the future.

The project will require water levels in Badin Lake to be lowered 15-20 feet. This includes two weeks to lower the water level of Badin Lake, 7 to 10 days of low lake levels, and approximately two to three weeks to raise the lake levels back to normal, depending on rainfall during that period. Water levels at High Rock lake will not be impacted by this project. 

Work is expected to begin in December, but the timetable has not been finalized. Project updates, including daily reports of water levels, will be posted online at www.alcoa.com/badin.

The remediation plan was reviewed by the North Carolina Division of Waste Management and the US Environmental Protection Agency. 

New company coming to Badin Business Park

As reported by The Stanly News & Press this week, a new business will be moving into the Badin Business Park in 2013: Mabel Systems NC.  

Mabel Systems is a company that converts biomass, including organic waste, into a clean, renewable gas. The company was developed and licensed by Tucker Engineering in Locust. 

To learn more about Tucker Engineering and its exciting plans, see The Stanly News & Press article (Tucker Eng. says plant will open in Badin) published Thursday.

Stanly News & Press
Tucker Eng. says plant will open in Badin
By Brian Graves

Richard Tucker says for him and his company, they’ve entered the perfect storm.

The engineering firm is preparing a 1,000-hour test run of their gasification process for the U.S. Forest Service, fabricating an order for a company in Great Britain and preparing the plans for a new production plant in Badin.

That plant will be located at the old ALCOA site and could be up and running as soon as spring of 2013.

Tucker confirmed his plans in an interview with the SNAP Monday morning.

His engineering group has developed a device that more efficiently runs the pyrolysis gasification process which turns forms of waste into methane gas and carbon.

Some estimates say the process could divert 340,000 tons of waste annually from local landfills.

Click to read more.

Stanly County Commissioners Reject New Alcoa Settlement Offer

The Stanly County Commissioners today failed to reach an agreement with Alcoa to resolve issues surrounding the Yadkin Project relicensing. The decision follows recent settlement discussions initiated by Stanly County. Alcoa will keep the new offer on the table until midnight on June 28.

“Commissioners Josh Morton and Gene McIntyre asked us to put together a new proposal that specifically addressed water and water infrastructure,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We did exactly that with this proposal.” 

Anton added, “The offer we have extended to the Commissioners is valid through June 28, so we are hopeful that the citizens of Stanly County will reach out to the Commissioners and make their views known.”

The deal, which received yes votes by Commissioners Morton and McIntyre, supports the county’s efforts to access more water from the Yadkin Project; provide a $5 million contribution to support water infrastructure projects; and also include a $2.5 million payment to be dispersed over the next 10 years. In addition, Alcoa is committing to the continued implementation of a series of environmental measures to improve water quality, and both sides would drop current lawsuits. 

“We believe that Alcoa is the best operator for the Yadkin Project, and we will continue our efforts to renew our license,” Anton said. “We would like to thank Representative Justin Burr for his efforts to help mediate a settlement between the two parties. Despite today's vote, we believe our differences can be resolved through continued open and honest dialogue.”

Alcoa began the relicensing process in 2002, working closely with stakeholder organizations to develop a relicensing settlement agreement that includes environmental protections, recreational enhancements and a host of other community benefits. The relicensing benefits will be implemented once Alcoa receives a new federal license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

ERI Moves Into New, Expanded Facility at Badin Business Park

ERI has begun operations at its expanded facility in Badin.

Electronic Recyclers International, the nation's largest recycler of electronic waste, has moved into a new, larger facility at Badin Business Park. The company received its first shipment of electronic waste at the new facility earlier this month. 

ERI and Alcoa invested $10 million to renovate the 165,000 SF facility to accommodate ERI's needs. The company had been operating its Southeast regional recycling center in a temporary space since locating in Badin in July 2011. The expanded facility will allow ERI to increase its recycling volume and grow its workforce. The company will employ up to 200 people in Badin. 

ERI operates seven recycling centers across the country. 

Public meeting will discuss Badin Lake Sediment Remediation Project

Representatives from Alcoa, the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the US Environmental Protection Agency are participating in a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss and explain a planned remediation project at Badin Lake. The meeting begins at 6:00 pm at the Badin Inn in Badin, NC.

As part of its ongoing commitment to protect the environment, Alcoa has developed plans to cap sediments in Badin Lake near the former Badin Works plant site. The sediments have been closely monitored for decades and do not post a risk to the environment or people who use Badin Lake. Capping the sediments is a precaution that will stabilize the sediments and eliminate the possibility that the sediments could be disturbed in the future.

The public meeting will allow citizens to learn about the capping project and other ongoing remediation activities. The meeting will include information sessions on redevelopment and other topics of interest to the Badin community.

Alcoa introduces Yadkin OspreyCam

With the open water and large tracts of undeveloped shoreline, the Yadkin Project has long served as a perfect setting for wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and great egrets. You can now get an up-close look at that wildlife with a new webcam today that provides a live feed of three osprey chicks living atop the Narrows Dam.

The Yadkin OspreyCam can be seen at www.alcoa.com/ospreycam.  

Our employees have been watching ospreys build nests and raise families on top of the dam for several years. This year, we decided to capture and share this natural wonder with a live camera. 

The osprey nest, built atop a custom-made platform erected by Alcoa employees to provide additional support, features three young chicks hatched about one month ago. The parents, nicknamed Oliveea and Oscar by employees, feed the chicks fish from the Yadkin River and protect them from potential predators. 

The chicks will remain in the nest for about one month while their feathers grow in and they learn to fly. 

You may also be interested in viewing Alcoa’s popular EagleCam that provides a live look at three bald eagle chicks in Davenport, Iowa. The site has received more than 10 million visitors this year.

Click here to view the OspreyCam. 

Alcoa promotes water safety with $25,000 grant to Stanly County YMCA

Alcoa launched its annual water safety campaign this month by announcing a $25,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation that will support learn to swim programs at the YMCA. 

The grant is one of several ways that Alcoa is working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and local law enforcement agencies to promote water safety this summer. The company is giving away hundreds of free life jackets to children, providing financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes, and spreading its message of “Playing it Safe on the Lakes,” through billboards, ads and promotional items. 

“It’s so important that we remind people to be vigilant about water safety,” said Nicole Wright, Alcoa Foundation Coordinator. “We can prevent so many tragedies by helping our children learn to swim.  We are honored to support the YMCA’s learn to swim programs and hope parents take advantage of classes that are available.”

The $25,000 grant to the Stanly County Family YMCA will help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.

The program, started at East Albemarle Elementary School in 2005, has grown to serve nine elementary schools across Stanly County. Plans call for the program to expand to all elementary schools in the county.

“Both Alcoa and the Y have long histories in promoting water safety,“ said John Lowder, Executive Director of Stanly County Family YMCA.  “This partnership is a perfect match to allow both organizations to work together to make Stanly County a safer place to live and play.” 

Click here to read more about the grant in the Stanly News & Press and Salisbury Post.

See television coverage of Alcoa's water safety campaign from News 14 and WXII.

Alcoa providing free life jackets for children at Badin Lake and High Rock Lake

Alcoa is kicking off the summer recreation season this weekend with a series of community events to promote water safety. The company is joining forces with local law enforcement officials to educate swimmers and boaters about water safety on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Alcoa will give away 100 free life jackets to children at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake and the Buddle Creek Swim Area on High Rock Lake. Children and their parents can enjoy free snow cones and pick up a free safety whistles as they talk with local law enforcement officials and look at boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.   

“There are so many families in our community who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on these lakes. While they are having fun, we want to remind them about the best way to stay safe on the lakes,” said Mark Gross, vice president of hydro operations for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. “We’re excited about putting 200 life jackets in the hands of local children this weekend. Wearing a life jacket is the absolute best way to stay safe on the lakes.” 

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials are participating in the events.

“Play It Safe” Campaign Sends Simple Reminder
Throughout the summer, Alcoa will use billboards, newspaper and radio ads, signage around the lake and other avenues to promote the “Play it Safe” message to boaters and swimmers.  This is the eighth year Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored the “Play it Safe on the Lakes” campaign.

In addition, Alcoa provides $90,000 a year to sheriff departments in Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly County for increased patrols of the lakes. 

Public records provide inside look at opposition to Yadkin Project relicensing

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has launched a website, TheYadkinFacts.com, that makes public records related to the relicensing of the Yadkin Hydroelectric Project available online. Click here to view the website. 

“We believe transparency in government is important,” said Kevin Anton, Alcoa’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “The records included on this site will help make clear the activities of those pushing for a government takeover of Alcoa’s private property and dams, activities that to date have largely been kept from public view.”   

Documents contained on the site are organized around three categories — the $5+ million in taxpayer money spent by the Stanly County Commissioners to oppose Alcoa’s license; the missed opportunity to create 450 new jobs with Alcoa’s recruitment of Clean Tech Silicon & Bar; and the tactics employed by Alcoa’s opponents. 

Some of the documents on the website show that:

• Stanly County has spent more than $5 million since 2006. More than $3 million has been paid to Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, a Charlotte law firm that has billed the county as much as $495 an hour. 
• The written agreements proposed by Alcoa and Clean Tech in December 2011 included a commitment to provide 750 jobs with an annual payroll of at least $30 million for the next 30 years. 
• The NC Water Rights Committee was a created by Stanly County. A public opinion poll and other information released under the name of the NC Water Rights Committee was actually paid for by Stanly County taxpayers. 
• A Stanly County lobbyist drafted legislation calling for a Yadkin Project Study in 2008. Alcoa’s opponents were encouraged to tell legislators “the simple bill you will be voting on just creates a study commission…," but the lobbyist had a different message for Stanly County Commissioners: “Remember that I drafted the bill and left plenty of holes wide enough to sail the recapture ship through the dams."  

This site will make available thousands of public records Alcoa received from the Stanly County Board of Commissioners, the NC Department of Commerce, and the Office of the Governor in response to public requests requests that began in 2008.  An initial set of documents is now available, and a searchable database of all public records provided to Alcoa is under development. New documents will be added frequently.

For more information, visit the website at www.theyadkinfacts.com. 

Alcoa unveils EcoClean technology at new ERI facility in Badin

The newly renovated Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) facility at the Badin Business Park is one of the first commercial buildings in the nation to feature Reynobond® with EcoClean™, an architectural panel that cleans itself and the air around it. The use of this "smog-eating" technology reflects Alcoa's commitment to redevelop the Badin site with leading environmental technology.

“Sustainability is at the core of Alcoa’s practices and product design, and we’re excited about the completion of this unique installation in the Badin community,” Alcoa Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Kevin Anton said in a press release. “As one of the first installations of EcoClean in North America, the ERI facility in Badin represents an exciting step forward for sustainable building design, making this new electronics recycling facility even more eco-friendly.” 

ERI, the nation's largest electronics recycler, opened a regional recycling center in Badin last year that will employ up to 200 people. The company has been operating in a temporary facility since July and will move into its new facility this summer. 

“We look forward to bringing new ‘green-collar’ jobs to North Carolina as we expand our network of e-waste facilities, and are excited to further our partnership with Alcoa through the installation of this revolutionary technology at the new Badin site,” said John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of ERI. “This environmentally advanced building will positively impact the environment, aligning with our mission to reduce waste and enhance sustainability.” 

Click here to read the entire press release.

Alcoa Investments Improving Water Quality at Yadkin Project

Water quality at the Yadkin Project has improved dramatically since we invested more than $5 million in turbine upgrades and other enhancements specifically designed to increase the amount of oxygen in the water.

That's the finding of a report on water quality that APGI released this week. It shows that water discharged from the Narrows Dam contains the highest concentration of dissolved oxygen — a key indicator of water quality — since we began monitoring water quality in 2007. This demonstrates that the Yadkin Project’s water quality is consistently improving, as measured by state standards for dissolved oxygen that will take effect when we receive a new federal license.

Why is this important? It's further evidence that the Yadkin Project deserves the state water quality certificate it was issued in 2009. A water quality certificate is a requirement for receiving a new FERC license.

We have installed new technology at three turbines at Narrows Dam, and water discharged from Narrows would have met the new state standard 100 percent of the time in 2011 — a 115 percent improvement since the majority of the work at Narrows was completed in 2007. We were confident that this technology would significantly improve dissolved oxygen conditions and it has.

In addition, APGI has committed to invest up to $80 million more to continue improving water quality at the Yadkin Project, beginning with a $40 million investment at High Rock Lake. Once we complete those upgrades, the Yadkin Project will fully comply with state water quality standards.

Click here to read the press release.
Click here to view the complete report.

Recycling Today highlights Alcoa - ERI partnership

The January 16 issue of Recycling Today features a discussion with Alcoa's Chief Sustainability Officer Kevin Anton about Alcoa's investment in Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) and the importance of electronics recycling.  

Here's an excerpt: 

Recycling has long been a part of Alcoa's history as well as that of the aluminum industry's in general. ... The importance of recycling to Alcoa's business has prompted the company to invest in many initiatives in the last year, including taking a stake in Fresno, Calif.-based Electronic Recycling International (ERI), upgrading its Tennessee can reclamation facility, constructing a new facility in Ohio to recycle truck wheels and constructing new recycling furnaces in Spain. 

"We are putting capital in the ground to be able to increase our usage of scrap and, at the same time, taking efforts to increase the supply side of scrap, particularly the can. It is pretty fundamental to who we are," Anton says.

Recycling Today: Alcoa took a stake in ERI in 2011. What made the company an attractive investment? What does Alcoa hope to gain through its relationship with ERI?

Anton: If you think about consumer electronics, you often have products that have life cycles of less than two years. You start to think, "How can the world allow products that are so prolific and that have such a short life cycle and not have a proper end-of-life solution for them?" We see consumer electronics as being a great growth market for aluminum because of the recyclability, plus the attributes that aluminum brings to the product. It's got great consumer appeal through the look and the feel, but also the thermal properties of aluminum help the designers manufacture the product smaller, thinner, lighter, and the heat dissipation properties of aluminum help the designers manage the heat from the circuitry. It is a real win-win.

Just like when we helped establish the market for the aluminum can—we are the leader in that market—we recognized that there was a need to create closed-loop recycling and get the cans recovered, and we built the infrastructure to do that. The analogy here is that we are helping establish the infrastructure to bring that aluminum back in a closed loop and make sure it doesn't go into landfills.

As we started looking in this space, we wanted to find a company that on a values basis and in terms of growth ambitions lined up with Alcoa. I met John Shegerian at ERI and immediately there was a mix of cultures and a mix of values. We saw a successful entrepreneur who had the ability to grow his business exponentially and we saw that Alcoa could help him do that. 

ERI, the nation's largest recycler of electronic waste, opened a regional recycling center in Badin, NC last year that will create up to 200 jobs. The company began operations in 2011 and will move into a newly renovated and much larger facility at the Badin Business Park this spring.