Grantee Research Project Results
University of Illinois – Coal Ash Impoundment Assessment
EPA Grant Number: EM840743Title: University of Illinois – Coal Ash Impoundment Assessment
Investigators: Locke, Randy , Lu, Yongqi , Shao, Hongbo
Institution: University of Illinois
EPA Project Officer: Callan, Richard
Project Period: February 1, 2024 through January 31, 2027
Project Amount: $650,000
RFA: Congressionally Directed Spending (2023)
Research Category: Environmental Engineering , Land and Waste Management , Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention
Description:
Coal combustion residue (CCR), often commonly referred to as coal ash, can pose significant risks and management challenges. The University of Illinois Prairie Research Institute will conduct a statewide assessment of coal ash surface impoundments at approximately 23 facilities in 22 Illinois counties.
Objective:
We plan to achieve the following objectives: (1) Compile geospatial and non-geospatial data, including physical characteristics about impoundments as well as selected geological, physical, and environmental risk factors for approximately 72 Illinois coal ash impoundments; (2) Conduct a statewide screening of the impoundments by integrated assessments of site characteristics, risk factors, and beneficiation potential; (3) Create and enhance relationships with key stakeholders to improve the amount of detailed physical characteristics data available related to Illinois coal ash impoundments; and (4) Perform laboratory testing on selected coal ash materials to determine their beneficiation options.
Approach:
We will seek data from multiple sources including site owners/operators, state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and publicly available sources to facilitate integrated individual and statewide assessment of Illinois coal ash impoundments. In Objective 1, the data pertaining to site specifications, ash characteristics, impoundment status, and risk factors will be collected, evaluated, and compiled within a geographic information system (GIS) platform. The compiled data will then be used in Objective 2 to perform a statewide screening of 72 impoundments for identification of current risk factors and beneficiation potential. Objective 3 will be accomplished by engaging with key stakeholders and other organizations, information sharing, and collaboration with potential site owners to improve the amount, quality, and integration of detailed characteristic data. We also will seek to collect samples from coal ash impoundments in Illinois. In Objective 4, laboratory testing will be conducted on selected coal ash materials to evaluate their beneficiation options and pretreatment needs in the context of recovery of rare earth elements, manufacturing of cementitious materials, and waste stabilization.
Expected Results:
The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) GIS-based data of approximately 72 Illinois ash impoundments; (2) Screening results for these impoundments with respect to risk factors and beneficiation potential at each site and statewide; and (3) Findings from laboratory experiments and evaluation of potential beneficiation options identified for the selected impoundments.
Supplemental Keywords:
characterization, environmental engineering, industry (power generation), geochemistry, geology, hydrology, land pollution, solid wasteThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.