Consolidation Modeling To Support Closure Planning Of An Upstream Raise Ccr Surface Impoundment Containing Fgd Material, Tanya Walkenbach, Craig Schuettpelz, Todd Stong, Shane Stockdill
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Rainbow Energy Center’s (REC’s) Coal Creek Station has managed calcium sulfite flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material in composite-lined upstream raise surface impoundments since 2001. The upstream raise surface impoundment utilizes bottom ash (drainage zone) and fly ash (structural zone) produced at Coal Creek Station to contain the FGD placement. FGD material was hydraulically sluiced to the center of the 110-acre Upstream Raise 92 (UR92) coal combustion residual (CCR) unit between 2001 and 2021. The FGD was deposited to a maximum thickness of approximately 100 feet in the center of the unit. Significant consolidation of FGD material occurred with subsequent FGD …
Investigation Of A Historical Coal Combustion Residuals Management Unit (Ccrmu),
2026
WSP
Investigation Of A Historical Coal Combustion Residuals Management Unit (Ccrmu), Todd Stong, Shane Stockdill, Erin Hunter
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Rainbow Energy Center’s (REC’s) Coal Creek Station has managed coal combustion residuals (CCR) in various engineered impoundments and landfills since plant operation began in 1978. Since then, waste containment methods have evolved resulting in significant changes to their CCR management practice. In the late 1980s and early 1990s REC closed several existing CCR units with natural soil liners and constructed several new CCR units with composite liner systems. One of the closed units was an area now referred to as North Section 16, an impoundment that received CCR including bottom ash, fly ash, and flue gas desulfurization material. North Section …
Transportation Logistics Panel,
2026
John Ward, Inc.
Transportation Logistics Panel, John Ward, Andrew Vollmer, Tracy Zea, Marci Jenks
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
As the industry shifts from freshly generated ash to harvested materials and advanced utilization, logistics is becoming one of the primary drivers of project success or failure. This moderated panel will explore how sourcing, transportation, and storage realities are changing — and what project teams most often underestimate when working with harvested coal ash. Panelists will discuss what breaks, what becomes more complex, and how logistics considerations are reshaping planning and development.
Optimization Of Remedial Strategies For Ccr Site Corrective Action Through Advanced Geochemical Modeling, Cole Mayer, Pj Nolan
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The power industry is actively designing and implementing corrective measures for Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR). In many cases, these measures include active remedies such as pump and treat, in-situ injection, or reactive barriers, all of which demand a thorough understanding of the underlying geochemical system. Depending on the geochemical characteristics of an aquifer, different chemical reagents can achieve varying degrees of success or even be detrimental to the remediation of the site. Advanced geochemical modeling is an invaluable tool for developing a remedy that is optimized to the site-specific geological, hydrological, and geochemical environment. In the case study presented here, …
Application Of Stable Isotopes In An Alternative Source Demonstration,
2026
Ramboll
Application Of Stable Isotopes In An Alternative Source Demonstration, Alison O'Connor
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Stable isotope analysis is commonly used in age dating, provenance studies and to differentiate between sources of groundwater. Multiple studies have shown that strontium and boron isotopic ratios can be successfully used in identifying CCR impacts to groundwater. This talk presents an applied case study using boron and strontium isotopes in conjunction with additional geochemical approaches in an alternative source demonstration. Boron and strontium isotopes were measured in both groundwater and CCR leachate over sampling events from 2019 to 2025. The data revealed that strontium and boron isotopic signatures in groundwater near the CCR unit differed significantly from both site-specific …
Distinguishing Ccp From Nuclear Impacts In Groundwater,
2026
EPRI
Distinguishing Ccp From Nuclear Impacts In Groundwater, Lea Millet
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
As the energy transition from fossil fuels to other generation technologies continues, many companies worldwide are evaluating the feasibility of constructing nuclear power plants at sites previously used for coal-powered generation. Thermal power plant sites offer advantages for siting nuclear generation such as proximity to cooling water and grid connections; however existing impacts to groundwater from coal combustion product (CCP) management units may confound monitoring programs designed to detect impacts from nuclear operations. For example, boron and lithium may be present in waters associated with CCP management and nuclear power plant operations, and potassium that often has concentrations above background …
Ccr Landfill Closure Challenges, Solutions And Innovation,
2026
AECOM
Ccr Landfill Closure Challenges, Solutions And Innovation, Jay Mokotoff, Drew Browning, Steve Applegate
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
CCR landfills can present unique design and construction challenges for the industry when closing these units at the end of their life. In comparison to CCR surface impoundments, CCR landfills typically have greater flexibility under the CCR Rule for operations and beneficial use purposes and may not have defined closure dates which results in some of these closures extending further into the future. However, as coal burning plants continue to shudder, the closure of these landfills is rapidly approaching. This presentation will focus on the challenging site conditions, site specific considerations and potential solutions when designing and constructing the landfill …
Engineering Granulometry To Optimize Performance Of Reclaimed Ash,
2026
ReVanTEC Solutions
Engineering Granulometry To Optimize Performance Of Reclaimed Ash, Russell Hill
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
As utility production of fresh fly ash declines, the concrete industry is turning to reclaimed and beneficiated materials to maintain reliable SCM supply. This transition creates an opportunity not only to secure volumes but to engineer improved performance. The ReCinis™ beneficiation process enables this by providing controls that tune particle-size distribution (PSD), sphericity, packing behavior, surface area, and surface activation. Processing trials show that blends combining fine ground fractions with spherical, broad-graded hydrocyclone overflow (OF) materials can balance high reactivity with favorable rheology. Mechanochemical activation during grinding appears to increase reactivity beyond what surface-area metrics alone predict, likely through removal …
Alternative Cover Permitting And The Ccr Rule,
2026
Watershed Geo
Alternative Cover Permitting And The Ccr Rule, Evan Andrews, Victor Damasceno
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Federal rules (40 CFR Parts 9, 257 and 261) that regulate coal combustion residuals (CCR) created a significant demand associated with closure of coal ash management and storage facilities using liner systems. Timelines associated with these facility closures combined with substantial project scale and potential for future mining /reuse has driven the need for closure systems that perform beyond the prescriptive soil / geomembrane caps outlined in the federal regulations. As outlined in section 257.102 (d)(3)(i) of the CCR Rule, the standard cover system must include an infiltration layer of at least 18 inches of earthen material and an erosion …
Sustainability And Waste Diversion At Tva Shawnee "Project Phoenix",
2026
Watershed Geo
Sustainability And Waste Diversion At Tva Shawnee "Project Phoenix", Bryan Jacob, Shane Harris
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
An engineered turf closure system can serve as an ideal foundation for a solar energy system to be installed atop coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundments. This approach not only enables productive power generation during the post-closure period, it also preserves opportunities for recovery and beneficial use of CCR material in the future. “Project Phoenix” at TVA’s Shawnee Fossil Plant offers an illustrative example. This paper will cover the sustainability benefits of the companion ClosureTurf® and PowerCap® systems installed at that site as well as waste diversion activities undertaken during construction to recycle as much as practical and minimize waste destined …
Demystifying Large Language Models: How Ai Is Transforming Data, Compliance, And Decision-Making In Coal Ash And Environmental Management,
2026
Remedial Construction Services, LLC
Demystifying Large Language Models: How Ai Is Transforming Data, Compliance, And Decision-Making In Coal Ash And Environmental Management, Scott Pfeiffer
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The environmental and coal combustion residuals (CCR) industries generate vast amounts of information—from groundwater monitoring reports and RCRA documentation to closure plans and analytical data. Managing, interpreting, and communicating this information is a growing challenge for utilities, regulators, and consultants alike. Large Language Models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s GPT architecture, represent a breakthrough in how organizations can interact with their technical data. These models use deep neural networks trained on billions of words to understand, summarize, and generate language with human-like accuracy. When securely adapted for enterprise use, LLMs can automate routine reporting, extract data from technical documents, generate regulatory …
Expert Perspectives On The U.S. Coal Combustion Products Market – Now, Then, And The Future,
2026
Burns & McDonnell
Expert Perspectives On The U.S. Coal Combustion Products Market – Now, Then, And The Future, Mark Rokoff, David Cox, Walter Lemaire, John Ward
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This panel discussion will explore the continued evolution of the U.S. coal combustion products market, with a focus on the impacts of dynamic regulatory and market forces. Invited expert panelists will share perspectives on developments over the past several years (building on discussions from WOCA 2022 and WOCA 2024), current conditions, and expected future trends—particularly those likely to shape the market between 2026 and 2030. The discussion will address the interrelated markets for engineering, construction, and beneficiation of ash from both operating and inactive plants. Panelists will offer perspectives relevant to the full coal ash industry, from owner/operator organizations to …
Subsurface Delineation Of Coal Combustion Residuals Using Multiple Geophysical Methods,
2026
Tennessee Valley Authority
Subsurface Delineation Of Coal Combustion Residuals Using Multiple Geophysical Methods, Eric Hageman, Adam Rak, Thomas Jordan, Kate Mckinley
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Geophysical techniques provide alternative methods of Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) delineation and characterization to supplement more invasive boring programs used for beneficial reuse planning. A demonstration project was designed to characterize the electromagnetic and seismic stratigraphy of CCR material and test the effectiveness of three geophysical techniques: Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI), Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) induction, and Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW). The demonstration project was completed at a dry-stack CCR unit containing a variety of CCR ash, gypsum, and thin layers of drainage aggregate (limestone). During a single-day deployment, several geophysical survey tests were conducted in specific areas of …
A Critical Review And Methodological Recommendations For Life Cycle Assessment Of Electrochemical Co₂ Mineralization,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
A Critical Review And Methodological Recommendations For Life Cycle Assessment Of Electrochemical Co₂ Mineralization, Dennis Dadzie, Kwame Awuah-Offei
Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Purpose: While researchers have relied on life cycle assessments (LCAs) to make claims about the environmental benefits of electrochemical CO₂ mineralization, no systematic review literature exists that synthesizes what we know about the LCA of electrochemical mineralization. This review aims to synthesize established knowledge on the LCAs of electrochemical CO₂ mineralization studies, identify research gaps and discuss challenges, and suggest guidelines for applying the ISO 14040/14044 LCA methodology in this sector. Methods: This paper undertook a comprehensive review of LCA studies on CO₂ mineralization with emphasis on electrochemical mineralization. We utilized relevant keywords based on the theme to search in …
Selective Extraction Of Nickel And Cobalt From Limonitic Laterite Via Optimized Sulfation Roasting–Water Leaching And Solvent Extraction,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Selective Extraction Of Nickel And Cobalt From Limonitic Laterite Via Optimized Sulfation Roasting–Water Leaching And Solvent Extraction, Maryam Osali, Farid Ahani, Mohammad Reza Aboutalebi, Mandana Adeli, Javad Moghaddam, Saeid Karimi, Janaka Jayamini Wijenayake, Lana Alagha
Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Limonitic laterites typically contain low Ni and Co contents and significant impurities, making the development of technical and economically feasible processes challenging. To address this challenge, this study investigates and evaluates an integrated hydrometallurgical process comprising sulfation roasting, water leaching, and solvent extraction (SX) for the selective recovery of Ni and Co from limonite-type laterite. Response Surface Methodology coupled with a Central Composite Design (RSM-CCD) was employed as a statistical experimental design tool to efficiently optimize the sulfation roasting conditions. Under the optimal sulfation roasting conditions (temperature 703 °C), selective leaching efficiencies of 87.2% for Ni and 96.6% for Co …
Moon Adaptive Technology For Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (Matear),
2026
Florida Institute of Technology
Moon Adaptive Technology For Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (Matear), Candela Noemi Solis Zampini
Theses and Dissertations
The Moon Adaptive Technology for Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (MATEAR) focuses on the development of an autonomous robotic system capable of providing structural building blocks directly from lunar regolith. As a sustained human presence on the Moon becomes a necessity, the costly and limited payload capacity associated with transporting construction goods from Earth creates a critical challenge. MATEAR addresses this problem through in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), integrating a regolith processing system onto a remote operated vehicle. The proposed system is designed to collect lunar dust, mechanically compact the material, and apply thermal treatment to enhance cohesion through sintering. These regolith-made bricks …
Mechanisms Behind The Impacts Of Co2 Concentration On Microbial Methanogenesis In Coal Seams,
2026
State Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligent Technology for Unmanned Coal Mining, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China
Mechanisms Behind The Impacts Of Co2 Concentration On Microbial Methanogenesis In Coal Seams, Wang Junyu, Liu Bingjun, Jiang Xiangqing, Chen Ruifeng, Xue Sheng, Zhou Wanlong, Yang Yundu
Coal Geology & Exploration
Background Coal seams exhibit the extensive distribution of a variety of indigenous functional microorganisms. Among these, some archaea enable methane metabolism using CO2 as a substrate, providing the potential for the biological CO2 storage and utilization in coal seams. However, conventional studies focus primarily on the degradation characteristics of coal matrix, leading to a lack of a systematic understanding of the mechanisms governing the adjustment of the methanation process in CO2-bearing environments. Methods This study investigated the bituminous coals with a high volatile content in the Huainan mining area. Using laboratory-scale experiments on methanogenesis through anaerobic …
Dynamic Response Characteristics And Failure Mechanism Of Coal-Rock Combination Under Different Immersion Conditions,
2026
State Key Laboratory for Safe Mining of Deep Coal Resources and Environment Protection, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China; School of Mining Engineering, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, China
Dynamic Response Characteristics And Failure Mechanism Of Coal-Rock Combination Under Different Immersion Conditions, Zhang Xiangyang, Tong Zhipeng, Duan Yungang, Yang Weikun, Chen Jianben, Xu Linfeng
Coal Geology & Exploration
Background In practical engineering, the waterproof coal pillar usually suffers from different degrees of dynamic load from the overlying strata, and its internal water distribution is non-uniform. Although the traditional “water content” index can reflect the overall water content, it is difficult to describe the non-uniform characteristics of the soaking space. Therefore, it is of great significance to clarify the dynamic failure mechanism of coal and rock mass under different immersion conditions for stability zoning control. Methods On this basis, the coal–rock combined bodies under three different forms of immersion, namely: complete immersion, unilateral immersion, and non-immersion were prepared. These …
Mechanisms Underlying Lateral Force Applied To A Pdc Cutter On A Pdc Drill Bit During Rotary Rock Breaking,
2026
MOE Key Laboratory of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
Mechanisms Underlying Lateral Force Applied To A Pdc Cutter On A Pdc Drill Bit During Rotary Rock Breaking, Wei Jiusen, Han Xin, Liu Wei, Gao Deli
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective To improve the rock-breaking efficiency and durability of drill bits in the theoretical research on the optimal design of drill bits, the key is to systematically reveal both the rock-breaking mechanisms of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutters and the characteristics of forces applied to them. Methods Existing studies on rock breaking using a single PDC cutter generally adopt a linear or approximately linear cutting mode while neglecting the impacts of the radius of gyration. To address this issue, this study conducted experiments on cylindrical granite samples using a laboratory experimental setting for single-cutter rock breaking. With cutting depth and …
Strategic Layout And Optimization Paths Of The Standard System For The Exploration And Exploitation Of Deep Coalbed Methane,
2026
State Key Laboratory of Shale Oil and Gas Enrichment Mechanisms and Efficient Development, Beijing 102206, China; Key Laboratory of Shale Oil/Gas Exploration and Production Technology, SINOPEC, Beijing 102206, China; Petroleum Exploration and Production Research Institute, SINOPEC, Beijing 102206, China; Key Laboratory of Deep Coalbed Methane Exploration and Development, SINOPEC, Beijing 102206, China
Strategic Layout And Optimization Paths Of The Standard System For The Exploration And Exploitation Of Deep Coalbed Methane, Chen Xinjun, Liu Zengqin, Shen Baojian, Zhao Shihu, Ye Jincheng, Zhang Jiaqi, Wang Tianyun
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective In China, the deep coalbed methane (CBM) industry has emerged as a key sector for the reserve growth and production addition of natural gas. However, the current CBM technical standard system, which was developed based on shallow CBM practices, is incompatible with the demands for the exploration and development of deep CBM. To address this challenge, this study proposes the optimization paths of the current standard system, aiming to provide standardization support for large-scale exploitation of deep CBM.Methods Deep CBM reservoirs exhibit complex geological conditions of high temperature, pressure, and in-situ stress, as well as the CBM occurrence …
