To assess landfill as an alternative to pond waste disposal TVA evaluated forced oxidation in a 140-MW train of the Widows Creek Steam Plant unit 8 venturi - spray tower limestone flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) system. Oxidation by air sparging in the agitated hold tanks of both the venturi and spray tower absorber consistently produced over 95% oxidation at combined total air rates of 2 lb atoms 0/lb mole SO sub 2 absorbed. Oxidation only in the venturi hold tank produced less consistent results because of carryover mixing of the liquid in the two tanks. Also, lower air rates had to be used in the venturi hold tank because the tank was smaller. Oxidation levels above 95% permitted dewatering to over 80% solids using a thickener and rotary drum vacuum filter. The dewatered waste was easily handled as a solid. SO sub 2 removal and FGD system operating characteristics were unaffected. Forced oxidation appears to be a practical method of producing a solid waste in the unit 8 FGD system. (ERA citation 08:006060)