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May 18, 2006 | Associated Electric Cooperative conducting well testing near the Missouri River Contact : Nancy Southworth To evaluate water supply for its proposed power plant project in Carroll County, Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. is conducting well testing near the Missouri River. AECI plans to build a 660-megawatt, coal-based power plant to meet growing electricity demand among its member-owners: six generation and transmission cooperatives that serve 51 local distribution cooperatives. The proposed plant site is northwest of Norborne, Mo. The alternate site is in Holt County near Big Lake, Mo. Sufficient water supply is a key component of the new power plant. Water is used in various systems, including cooling, sulfur dioxide removal, ash processing, dust suppression and boiler water to make steam. To determine the number and location of wells to supply AECI’s proposed power plant with water, a study is continuing at a site adjacent to the Missouri River about 7 miles south of the proposed plant site near Norborne. Seven 4-inch borings averaging 75 feet to bedrock are complete. Each boring has been converted to a monitoring well. Results will provide soil characteristics, potential water yield and quality, and the best location for the test well. The 12-inch diameter test well is for a pump test (pumping about 1,000 gpm continuously over 72 hours) that will show effects on the surrounding area of pumping water from the alluvial aquifer. While pumping from the test well, changes in water elevation will be measured in each of the seven monitoring wells and on up to three irrigation wells nearby. Water in the test well and Missouri River will be sampled for quality. River elevations will be documented as well. Observation by the public during the test Interested citizens may observe the pumping process in the test well and monitoring wells. AECI estimates the test to occur May 24. Because the well test schedule will depend on weather conditions, a person interested in observing will need to call Scott Cochran at 417-885-9319 and provide him with an e-mail address. Cochran will use e-mail to notify persons interested in observing the testing, and he will try to provide 24 hours’ notice. Depending on weather, vehicles may have to park about one-half mile from the test site. Guests must be escorted to the test site. Results Results will be analyzed by a qualified hydrogeologist to make projections of the impacts, if any, on local groundwater during maximum demand conditions from the power plant coupled with design considerations including severe drought. AECI expects a report of data, analysis and conclusions in one to two months. For more information about AECI or the power plant project, visit www.aeci.org.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V Released: 18 May 2006
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