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Title: Preliminary design study of underground pumped hydro and compressed-air energy storage in hard rock. Volume 10. Environmental studies. Final report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6434650

Results of preliminary environmental assessments for a proposed UPH or CAES demonstration facility are presented. Included are characterizations of the existing environment of the Sunshine Site in Montgomery County, Maryland, and assessments of environmental impacts and public safety concerns. Elements of the existing environment which are considered sensitive are described. Environmental impacts are identified, rated, and described for both alternative demonstration facilities. The impacts identified for UPH which may be considered to have high significance are alteration and/or loss of Prime Farmland and Farmland of Statewide Importance, changes in existing land use, conflict with present surrounding land use, and change in existing and planned zoning. The impacts for CAES which may be considered to have high significance are the same as UPH but also include impact on air quality from turbine exhaust NO/sub x/ emissions and an increase in noise levels from compressor air inlet and cooling tower operation. Mitigating measures are recommended for these and other impacts of less significance. Public safety concerns for both alternative demonstration facilities are also identified and discussed. These include, for both UPH and CAES, underground cavern collapse and surface subsidence, explosives, site security, icing, upper reservoir failure, and mechanical failure of plant equipment. In addition, fuel handling and the champagne effect are addressed for CAES.

Research Organization:
Potomac Electric Power Co., Washington, DC (USA); NUS Corp., Rockville, MD (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-77ET28013
OSTI ID:
6434650
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EM-1589(Vol.10); ON: DE81025107
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English