When a power plant is decommissioned, the cooling pond may undergo a series of steps to either be closed, repurposed, or restored. If the cooling pond is no longer needed for its original purpose, the water may be drained and treated to remove any contaminants before being safely released or used for other purposes. The pond's infrastructure, such as pumps and aerators, may be dismantled or repurposed.
If the pond has a liner, it could be removed, or repairs may be made if the site is being reused. In some cases, the cooling pond can be repurposed for other uses like wildlife habitats, recreation areas, or irrigation. Environmental assessments are conducted to ensure that the site is safe and complies with regulations before being repurposed or abandoned. The closure process aims to minimize the environmental impact while ensuring that the cooling pond does not pose any risks in the future.