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Combustible Coal Dust

Report Information

Date Issued
Report Number
2022-17376
Report Type
Inspection / Evaluation
Description
We determined the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) coal plants have taken steps to reduce combustible coal dust since dedicated Combustible Dust Program funding was provided by TVA in 2018. Specifically, coal plants have dedicated combustible dust housekeeping crews to help mitigate combustible dust accumulations, and projects were completed to improve conditions at the plants. However, we identified areas of noncompliance with TVA Technical Safety Procedure 18.1205, Combustible Dust (Combustible Dust TSP), related to (1) coal dust accumulation, (2) documentation of combustible dust daily inspections, and (3) training. In addition, we identified an area for improvement related to inconsistent language in the Combustible Dust TSP and site combustible dust programs.
Joint Report
Yes
Participating OIG
Tennessee Valley Authority OIG
Agency Wide
Yes (agency-wide)
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0
View report on Oversight.gov

Recommendations

We recommend the Vice President, Power Operations, Coal, address identified areas with coal dust accumulation greater than 1/32 inch.

We recommend the Vice President, Power Operations, Coal, confirm all required individuals have completed “Unescorted Coal and Gas Site Access” training.

We recommend the Vice President, Power Operations, Coal, reinforce the requirement for documenting the daily combustible dust inspections.

We recommend the Vice President, Power Operations, Coal, in conjunction with Tennessee Valley Authority Safety and Technical Training, address inconsistent language between the Combustible Dust Technical Safety Procedure, site combustible dust programs and the Learning Management System.