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DISPOSAL OF FLUE-GAS-CLEANING WASTES
Citation:
Jones, J. DISPOSAL OF FLUE-GAS-CLEANING WASTES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-77/153 (NTIS PB298476).
Description:
The article describes current commercial and emerging technology for disposal of wastes from flue gas cleaning (FGC) systems for coal-fired power plants. Over 80 million metric tons/yr (dry) of coal ash and desulfurization solids are expected to be produced by the 1980's. Although opportunities for utilization of these wastes will exist at many plants, disposal is expected to be the most common practice. Several disposal methods are being studied to minimize adverse environmental effects from disposal of FGC wastes. These include ponding, landfill disposal, mine disposal, and at-sea disposal. Ponding and landfill disposal are both current practices; environmental and economic improvements of these methods are emerging through a combination of EPA and private industry efforts. Disposal in mines, particularly coal mines, appears quite promising, and is being strongly considered by several electric utilities. At-sea disposal is currently under study and, although a degree of uncertainty exists regarding its viability, several approaches appear promising.