The report gives results of sampling programs at two TVA coal-fired steam plants. Coal samples were collected from the plants for development and application of a shaker-type elution test for coal analysis. Rain gages were installed at both plants, and runoff was measured from one plant. Drainage was collected and subjected to a number of bench-scale treatment studies using fly ash. Results indicate that coal pile drainage is highly acidic with pH's of 2.2 to 3.1. Total suspended solids concentrations, generally low during base flow periods, increase dramatically during storm runoff to levels as high as 2300 mg/liter. Sulfate concentrations were also quite high: 1800 to 9600 mg/liter. Concentrations of Fe and Mn were both very high: 23 to 1800 and 1.8 to 45 mg/liter, respectively. Other substances with concentrations of note include Al, Zn, Hg, As, and Se. Characteristics of elutes from shaker-type laboratory studies, except for pH, do not reflect values from field drainage of the same stored coal. Treatment with alkaline fly ash slurries, using ash sluicing ratios commonly encountered, can effectively raise the final solution pH and remove a variety of metals from solution. It was also observed that about 73% of the total rainfall is direct runoff.

"February 1979." Includes bibliographical references. "Interagency agreement no. EPA-IAG-D5-E-721, program element no. INE624A." "PRS-42"--Cover. "EP-79/13"--Cover.