Managing Coal Combustion Residues in Mines (2006) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 13-26
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Coal-fired utilities represent the largest single source of electrical generation in the United States. In 2003, total U.S.
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, the noncombustible portion of the coal itself and residues from various air pollution control technologies, such as sulfur dioxide scrubbers, installed at the combustion facility. Specific examples of CCRs include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization sludge.
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To meet their CCR disposal needs, utilities often, as part of their contractual relationship with coal suppliers, require that a mine take the CCRs for use in reclamation, the process by which land-use capability is restored at a mine site. This report examines the management, benefits, and health and environmental risks associated with the placement of CCRs in active and abandoned coal mines.
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In 2003, 51 percent of the country's total coal production of 1,071.8 million short tons came from western mines, 36 percent from the Appalachian area, 13 percent from Midwest area mines, and less than 1 percent from coal refuse recovery (USDOE, EIA, 2003a)
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SOURCE: USDOE, EIA, 2005a. TABLE 1.1 Types of Coal and Their Characteristics Moisture Average % Contenta Average Heat Content Sulfur by Average % Coal Type (percent)
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18 Anthracite States. Survey.
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The heat is used to make steam that is then used to drive electrical generators or perform other types of steam-driven work. The combustion of coal also generates various forms of solid residues, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization sludge.
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; and approximately 7 million short tons (5 percent) -- 2 million short tons from traditional utilities and 5 million short tons from independent power producers fueled by coal refuse -- were used in mine applications.
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Product Production and Use Survey (2005a) , such mine applications may include use in surface mine reclamation, underground mining projects, and use in other mining industries such as sand and gravel pits.
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The study looked at the placement in abandoned and active, surface and underground coal mines in all major coal basins. The study consid ered coal mines receiving large quantities of coal combustion wastes.
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Concern about the potential public health and environmental risks associated with using CCRs for reclamation in active and abandoned coal mines led Congress to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to commission an independent study to examine this topic.
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. The committee consists of 14 experts from academia, industry, and state government with expertise in hydrogeology, geology, geochemistry, nuclear chemistry, biology, ecology, toxicology, epidemiology, occupational and environmental medicine, natural resource economics, environmental policy, environmental law, mining regulations, environmental engineering, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, and coal mining.
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Although CCRs have also been placed in other mine settings, including sand and gravel mines and base metal mines, the committee restricted its considerations to the placement of coal combustion residues in coal mines. Also, some coal-burning facilities add other combustible materials with coal (e.g., municipal wastes, old tires, waste oil)
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From page 26... ...
. Chapter 7 addresses site management strategies including reclamation and monitoring practices (statement of task numbers 1, 6, 7, and 8)
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