TVA Consultants Criticize Coal Ash Operations

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(AP) KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Consultants hired by the Tennessee Valley Authority report widespread problems with how federal utility is running and maintaining its coal ash storage operations.

The report by McKenna Long and Aldridge of Atlanta follows the massive spill of more than 5 million cubic yards of coal ash Dec. 22 at the Kingston Fossil Plant about 40 miles west of Knoxville.

The consultants said the "necessary systems, controls and culture were not in place" to properly manage the coal ash sites at TVA's 11 coal-fired power plants.

The report found TVA had no standard operating or maintenance procedures and failed to conduct annual training for engineers doing inspections.

It said there was little or no internal communication between the four TVA divisions responsible for ash retention.

The firm presented its findings to the TVA board Tuesday.