Georgia Power stands firm behind safe operations at Plant Scherer

ATLANTA, Aug. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power is standing firm behind its employees and the safe operations at Plant Scherer in Juliette, Georgia, following a lawsuit filed July 29. The company and its employees are longtime members of the community with Plant Scherer safely generating energy for neighbors, the local area and the state for nearly four decades. The company believes the lawsuit, similar to one that was voluntarily dismissed years ago, has no merit and will vigorously defend itself against the claims.

"We have been a part of the Juliette and Monroe County communities for decades, and we take our responsibility as a trusted neighbor very seriously," said Dr. Mark Berry, vice president of Environmental & Natural Resources for Georgia Power. "Our employees and retirees also live and raise their families in the communities we serve, and if our operations were causing harm to residents, we would take every action necessary to resolve the situation."

In 2013, Georgia Power faced similar litigation that the plaintiffs later withdrew after the court required them to provide expert evidence. The company is reviewing the current lawsuit and believes that, as in the earlier case, the claims are without merit.

Since Plant Scherer first opened, Georgia Power has incorporated strict environmental standards into operating the generating plant, which included the operation of its ash pond. With the closure of the pond underway, Georgia Power's top priority has been to protect water quality every step of the way, which includes:

    --  Groundwater quality: Georgia Power stands by the data delivered from the
        more than 100 groundwater monitoring wells at Plant Scherer, including
        the 57 directly around the ash pond and landfill. Based on the extensive
        data collected and reported to the Georgia Environmental Protection
        Division (EPD), nothing above a state or federal drinking water standard
        has been shown leaving the company's property. This groundwater
        monitoring will continue long after the pond at Plant Scherer is closed.
    --  Closure of the ash pond: The company's ash pond closure plans, including
        the closure plan at Plant Scherer, fully comply with the federal Coal
        Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule, as well as the more stringent
        requirements of Georgia's state CCR rule. Federal and state rules
        specify two approved methods for closing ash ponds, closure in place and
        closure by removal, with the Environmental Protection Agency determining
        both options are safe and protective of the environment.
    --  Monitoring wells: Third-party professional engineers and geologists
        direct the appropriate placement of monitoring wells for Georgia Power
        based on site-specific geology. The company has also engaged
        independent, third-party contractors for sampling and accredited
        independent laboratories for analysis of the wells installed at Plant
        Scherer. Georgia Power has installed approximately 500 groundwater
        monitoring wells across the state, including the more than 100 wells at
        Plant Scherer, going beyond federal and state requirements, to help
        ensure the company is being protective of lakes, rivers and drinking
        water. Monitoring is being conducted in compliance with federal and
        state laws and regulations.
    --  Fact-based, clear and transparent information: Georgia Power, along with
        the Plant Scherer co-owners, is and will remain committed to the open
        communication and transparency of Plant Scherer's operations, ash pond
        closure plans and groundwater testing results. Georgia Power
        representatives have met personally with residents as well as state and
        local officials and have sent additional information directly to
        Juliette neighbors around Plant Scherer. Additional information can be
        found at www.GeorgiaPower.com/gwm.

Plant Scherer and the Community
The plant has safely generated energy, often 24 hours a day, for nearly four decades. The plant's four units can produce nearly 3,720 megawatts of electricity and can supply enough reliable, affordable energy to power over two million homes annually.

The plant employs nearly 400 employees, many of whom live in Monroe County and across central Georgia. In addition, employee volunteers donate thousands of volunteer hours and dollars each year to improve their home communities in and around Monroe County.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

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SOURCE Georgia Power