Contents Notes |
This project summary describes results of a 3-year study of current coal ash and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste disposal practices at coal-fired electric generating plants. The study involved characterization of wastes, environmental data gathering, evaluation of environmental effects, and engineering/cost evaluations of disposal practices at six sites around the country. Results of the study provide technical background data and information to EPA, state and local permitting officials, and the utility industry for implementiing environmentally sound disposal practices. Data from the study suggest that no major environmental effects have occurred at any of the six sites; i.e., data from wells downgradient of the disposal sites indicate that waste leachate has resulted in concentrations of chemicals less than the EPA primary drinking water standards. A generic environmental evaluation--based on a matrix of four waste types, three disposal methods, and five environmental settings (based on climate and hydrogeology)--shows that, on balance, technology exists for environmentally sound disposal of coal ash and FGD wastes for ponding, interim ponding/landfilling, and landfilling. For some combinations of waste types, disposal methods, and environmental settings, mitigation measures must be taken to avoid adverse environmental effects. However, site specific application of good engineering design and practices can mitigate most potentially adverse effects of coal ash and FGD waste disposal. Costs of waste disposal operations are highly system and site specific. |