The report discusses an evaluation by TVA of forced oxidation in a 140-MW train of the Widows Creek steam plant Unit 8 venturi-spray tower limestone FGD system. Oxidation by air sparging in the agitated hold tank of both the venturi and spray tower absorber consistently produced over 95% oxidation at air rates of 2 lb atoms O/lb mole SO2 absorbed (stoichiometry of 2, or 100% excess). Oxidation only in the venturi hold tank produced less consistent results because of carryover mixing of the liquid in the two tanks. Oxidation levels above 95% permitted dewatering to over 80% solids using a thickener and rotary vacuum filter. The dewatered waste was easily handled as a solid. SO2 removal and FGD system operating characteristics were unaffected. Forced oxidation appears to be a practical method of producing a solid waste that can be disposed of in a landfill (as an alternative to pond waste disposal) for the Unit 8 FGD system.