Abstract |
The report gives results and conclusions of a source test and evaluation of a coal preparation plant. The plant was classified Site Category 1 with a low soil neutralization potential, low pyritic sulfur content coal, high area rainfall, and high technology level of cleaning. The major objective of the program was an environmental assessment of the plant's waste streams and fugitive emissions. The chemical analysis indicated that all streams, except for fugitive particles, contained constituents which may have a harmful health and/or ecological effect. For streams which showed potential for ecological effects, Mn was of concern; for those which showed a potentially harmful health effect, the heavy metals Mn and Cr were of prime concern. Contrary to previous studies, high NH3 concentrations were also observed, warranting further investigation. Bioassays for all fugitive particulates were negative. The sedimentation pond waters, the coarse refuse, and fine refuse slurry solid samples indcated moderate biological effects. For leachate, all health-related bioassays showed a low or nondetectable effect; however, the coal and coarse refuse leachate composite and the pond sediment composite produced a moderate effect on the ecology-related algae test. The assessment identified tailing ponds and associated sediments as the sources of greatest potential hazard. |