Abstract |
Acid runoff from refuse piles can be controlled by covering the mineral wastes with soil, establishing a vegetative cover, and providing adequate drainage to minimize erosion. The average acid formation rate for the entire restored refuse pile was estimated at 16 lb acid as CaCO3/acre/day, or a reduction of 91+% when compared to the original unrestored pile. Slurry lagoons containing the fine coal rejects can be stabilized and the air pollution problem controlled by either a vegetative cover established directly on the mineral wastes without soil or by the application of a chemical stabilizer. Cost data from this project indicate that it would cost approximately $6,100, $8,000, and $9,800 per acre to cover with grass a refuse pile with one, two, and three feet of soil respectively. |