Precision Industrial Ash Removal and Dewatering
The Problem: Large-Scale Ash Accumulation and Levee Vulnerability
Virginia Power Company faced a significant operational challenge at its Chesterfield Station, requiring the systematic removal of coal ash across three separate locations.
- Massive Volume: The project required the removal of between 400,000 and 1,000,000 cubic yards of ash.
- Environmental Constraints: The ash ponds were located near the James River, necessitating strict control over suspended solids and turbidity to prevent river contamination.
- Structural Instability: During the project, heavy weather caused the levee conditions at the storage basin to deteriorate, creating a risk of structural failure and unintended discharge.
Complex Logistics: The material needed to be transported efficiently from the removal basins to a designated storage area without disrupting plant operations.
The Solution: Ellicott® Series B-890 “Wheel-Dragon”™
Southwind Construction (SWC) was contracted to execute the project, selecting the Ellicott® 14-inch B-890 Wheel-Dragon™ for its specialized excavation capabilities.
- The Equipment: The Wheel-Dragon™ features a bucket-wheel excavator instead of a traditional cutterhead, making it ideal for the high-density, uniform materials often found in industrial ash ponds.
- High-Efficiency Transport: The 14-inch dredge utilized a high-performance poly-pipeline to transport the ash slurry directly to the storage basins.
- Turbidity Control: To meet environmental standards, silt curtains were deployed at the discharge point into the James River, effectively containing suspended solids.
Active Water Management: To protect the weakened levees during storm events, SWC personnel utilized two additional 10-inch pumps to regulate water levels and control hydraulic pressure on the embankments.
The Outcome: On-Time Completion Under Challenging Conditions
The strategic use of Ellicott® technology and active site management allowed the project to be completed successfully without environmental or structural incidents.
- Project Efficiency: The Wheel-Dragon™ provided a cost-effective removal rate, allowing the project to be completed on time and under budget.
- Environmental Compliance: Through the use of silt curtains and regulated discharge, the project maintained all water quality standards for the James River.
- Infrastructure Preservation: By proactively managing water pressure on the storage basin levees, the team prevented a potentially catastrophic embankment failure during heavy weather.
- Repeatable Success: The success at Chesterfield Station—along with similar projects in Indiana—solidified Ellicott® and Southwind Construction’s reputations as the premier choice for complex Power Plant Ash Pond recovery.