AEP Generating Company-Cook Coal Terminal, Metropolis, Illinois | Harbour Facility

AEP Generating Company-Cook Coal Terminal is a harbour facility located at 3316 N US-45 in Metropolis, Illinois, within Massac County. This operational terminal serves as a key coal handling hub along the Ohio River, supporting the transport of coal for energy generation. The facility is classified under NAICS codes 483211 (Inland Water Freight Transportation) and 488310 (Port and Harbor Operations), indicating its role in both shipping and port services. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) for vessel discharges and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for shoreside stormwater and wastewater management. As a coal terminal, it must manage coal dust, stormwater runoff, and potential oil-water separation to comply with environmental standards. The facility's location on the Ohio River places it within a major inland waterway system that supports bulk commodity transport. Environmental considerations for this terminal include proximity to the Ohio River, which is a significant aquatic habitat. Effective stormwater management and spill prevention are critical to minimize impacts on water quality. The facility's role in coal transport contributes to regional energy infrastructure, but also necessitates rigorous adherence to environmental regulations to protect local ecosystems.

The Cook Coal Terminal is situated on the Ohio River in southern Illinois, an area with diverse aquatic ecosystems. The facility handles coal, a bulk commodity that requires careful management of dust and runoff to prevent sedimentation and contamination of nearby waterways. Stormwater management systems and oil-water separators are essential to mitigate potential impacts from coal handling and vessel operations. The region's seasonal flooding patterns may also influence operational practices and environmental controls.