The process produces about one million tons of gypsum annually. DP&L said it sells as much gypsum as possible to the drywall industry, with the remainder going to a landfill near the plants. But the slump in housing construction has slashed the demand for gypsum.
DP&L expects to apply to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in April for approval to construct a solid-waste landfill. The utility also would have to obtain air quality and water quality permits.
The landfill would be constructed in four phases over its projected 25-to-30-year useable life, DP&L said. If the home-building market, or other markets, develop for gypsum during that time, it may not be necessary to construct all of it, said JoAnne Rau, DP&L’s director of environmental and safety management.
The cost for the full project would be $200 million to $300 million, Rau said.
If fully built, the landfill could hold up to 20 million tons of gypsum and would cover 70 acres on what is now vacant land owned by the utility at Carter Hollow, north of U.S. 52 near the Stuart generating plant. It also could be used to store dry coal ash, DP&L said.
The nearest community of any noteworthy size is Maysville, Ky., about five miles away across the Ohio River.
Other Ohio utilities have stored gypsum, an inert material, without environmental problems, said Jack Shaner, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Council.
“It’s a byproduct of scrubbing, so it’s got to go somewhere,” Shaner said. “As long as it’s basically contained, we would not have a concern.”
The landfill would comply with Ohio EPA regulations and include a clay-based liner and drainage collection system at the bottom, DP&L said. After its retirement, it would be covered with a clay-based cap, dirt and grass to protect ground water and streams, the company said. Any storm water that comes into contact with the gypsum would be collected for treatment.
The company will host a public meeting May 6 at the village of Manchester’s community building to discuss the project. The Ohio EPA is to convene a public hearing this summer or fall.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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