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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Cobalt Curse: Cobalt’S Role And Risks,
2026
Fordham University
The Cobalt Curse: Cobalt’S Role And Risks, Marley Jackowitz
Student Theses 2015-Present
This paper examines the hidden environmental, geopolitical, economic, and social costs of the cobalt supply chain. Fueled by the demand for battery technology and electric vehicles, cobalt has become an essential element to the green energy transition. With the largest share of global cobalt deposits, the Democratic Republic of the Congo bears a disproportionate share of the industry’s harms. Cobalt mining in the DRC is marked by environmentally degrading practices and inhumane working conditions, compromising Congolese health, safety, and well-being. Chapter 1 discusses the environmental impacts of DRC cobalt mining and its adverse effects on public health. Environmentally degrading mining …
A Computational And Experimental Study Of Energy Extraction From Vertical Axis Wind Turbines In Realistic Environments,
2026
Montclair State University
A Computational And Experimental Study Of Energy Extraction From Vertical Axis Wind Turbines In Realistic Environments, Kevin Vargas
Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects
This thesis presents preliminary analyses on the performance of small scale vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) conducted through both experimental and computational methods. Laboratory experiments were carried out in the Complex Fluids Laboratory at Montclair State University to evaluate turbine behavior under controlled conditions. The key focus of this work was to investigate the impact of inlet blockage on turbine performance, simulating real-world environmental constraints such as flow obstruction and urban interference and measuring power generated via laboratory tools. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations were performed to further analyze flow characteristics and validate experimental observations and trends. Turbine geometries were …
Impact Of Biomass Type On Hydrocarbon Yield And Chain Length Distribution Produced Via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis,
2026
University Of Connecticut
Impact Of Biomass Type On Hydrocarbon Yield And Chain Length Distribution Produced Via Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis, Nicholas R. Hawe
Honors Scholar Theses
This paper investigates the relationship between biomass composition and hydrocarbon yield as well as chain length distribution produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Through an Aspen Plus model, the conversion of three different biomasses – digestate, sawdust, and corn stover – into hydrocarbon fuel was simulated. The model converts biomass into gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons via various unit operations and reactions. Simulation results highlight the product distribution and hydrocarbon output, allowing for an analysis of hydrocarbon yield and comparison of chain length distributions amongst the three biomasses. Overall, the simulation showed biomass composition had no significant impact on hydrocarbon yield or chain …
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 …
Parameter Optimization And Field Application Of Roof Volume Fracturing Using Horizontal Wells For Coalbed Methane Extraction From Broken-Soft Coal Seams,
2026
China Coal Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China; CCTEG Xi’an Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710077
Parameter Optimization And Field Application Of Roof Volume Fracturing Using Horizontal Wells For Coalbed Methane Extraction From Broken-Soft Coal Seams, Zhang Qingli, Sun Siqing, Li Haozhe, Wu Xiaoxuan, Yang Fan, Zheng Yuqi, Li Wenbo
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective and Method To achieve rapid coalbed methane (CBM) extraction from broken-soft coal seams using surface horizontal wells, this study proposed a volume fracturing technology for coal seam roof using horizontal wells. Focusing coal seam 4-1 in a mining area, this study established a numerical model using finite element analysis (FEA) software Abaqus Using this model, the impacts of in-situ stress on the cross-layer propagation characteristics of multiple fractures were investigated. Through true triaxial hydraulic fracturing experiments, the multi-fracture propagation patterns under varying injection rates of fracturing fluids, perforation cluster numbers, and cluster spacings were analyzed. Using 3D fracturing design …
Structural Design And Parameter Optimization Of A Vibration Absorber For Rescue Casing-While-Drilling Rigs,
2026
School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; China Coal Research Institute, Beijing 100013, China; CCTEG Xi’an Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710077, China
Structural Design And Parameter Optimization Of A Vibration Absorber For Rescue Casing-While-Drilling Rigs, Liu Pu, Yao Ningping, Zou Zujie, Fan Dong, Wei Hongchao, He Binjie
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective Rescue drilling rigs undergo intense vibration at borehole mouths when operating in a confined underground space of coal mines. To address this issue, this study designed a compact multi-directional, passive dynamic vibration absorber, aiming to improve the operational stability and safety of the rigs. Methods Based on the spring-mass-damping system theory, a stepwise optimization design method was proposed for the longitudinal and transverse dynamic models of the vibration absorber. For the longitudinal vibration model, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was applied for multi-objective parameter optimization. In contrast, for the transverse vibration model, the fixed point theory was employed …
Exploring The Vertical Heterogeneity Of Extremely Thick Aquifers In Coal Mines Through Layered Fine-Scale Pumping Tests,
2026
CCTEG Xi’an Research Institute (Group) Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710077, China; State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Prevention and Control, Xi’an 710077, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Prevention and ControlTechnology for Coal Mine Water Hazard, Xi’an 710077, China
Exploring The Vertical Heterogeneity Of Extremely Thick Aquifers In Coal Mines Through Layered Fine-Scale Pumping Tests, Guo Xiaoming
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective Extremely thick aquifers in mining areas typically exhibit strong heterogeneity and high water yield. Therefore, they are prone to cause severe water inflow in mines and induce water disasters, representing a major factor affecting the mining safety of numerous mines in China. However, the vertical heterogeneity of these aquifers remains poorly understood, emerging as a primary bottleneck in the prevention and control of such water hazards. Methods To scientifically reveal the vertical heterogeneity characteristics of extremely thick aquifers, this study investigated the extremely thick Luohe Formation aquifer in a coal seam roof of a representative coal mine in the …
Optical Mechanisms Behind Vitrinite Reflectance Suppression Caused By Strong Anisotropy: A Case Study Of Contact Metamorphic Coals,
2026
School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China
Optical Mechanisms Behind Vitrinite Reflectance Suppression Caused By Strong Anisotropy: A Case Study Of Contact Metamorphic Coals, An Yanfei, He Shuyang, Chen Kaixin, Gao Junhan
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective For vitrinite with weak anisotropy, which proves uniaxial and optically negative, replacing random vitrinite reflectance (Rran) with the maximum vitrinite reflectance (Rmax) allows for the accurate correction of vitrinite reflectance suppression induced by anisotropy. However, as its anisotropy intensifies, vitrinite exhibits increasingly complex optical properties, rendering it challenging to reflect the thermal metamorphic temperature of vitrinite using Rmax. Methods This study investigated the strongly anisotropic vitrinite in coals and natural coke subjected to magma intrusion in the Shitai coal mine, Huaibei City, Anhui Province. Using a reflected-polarized light microscope (R-PLM), an …
Mechanisms Behind Thermal Evolution Of The Structural Alignment Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Coals: Implications For Structural Transition Of Coal Macromolecules,
2026
School of Resources and Geoscience, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China; Key Laboratory of Coalbed Methane Resources & Reservoir Formation Process, Ministry of Education, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221008, China
Mechanisms Behind Thermal Evolution Of The Structural Alignment Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons In Coals: Implications For Structural Transition Of Coal Macromolecules, Song Yu, Jiang Bo, Cheng Guoxi, Zheng Sijian, Li Ming, Ge Yao, Dai Yan, Wang Qian, Feng Guangjun
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective Coals are highly sensitive to variations in temperature and pressure conditions. The structural evolution of coal macromolecules, driven by tectono-thermal processes, is the key to understanding coal rank transition and geological evolution. The structural alignment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coals represents a critical indicator for characterizing coal rank transition and geological evolution. However, due to limited studies, there is a lack of systematic experimental demonstration and theoretical support for the structural alignment and microstructural characteristics of PAHs in coals, as well as their intrinsic relationships with the structural transition of coal macromolecules, during pyrolysis. Methods This study …
Sedimentary Characteristics And Coal Accumulation Patterns Of The Permian Shallow-Water Deltas In Shandong And Its Adjacent Regions,
2026
College of Earth Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science And Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
Sedimentary Characteristics And Coal Accumulation Patterns Of The Permian Shallow-Water Deltas In Shandong And Its Adjacent Regions, Feng Kai, Li Zengxue, Li Ying, Li Xuchao, Zhang Hui, Zhou Xiaojuan
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective The Shanxi Formation, deposited during the critical transitional period from the sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins to the sedimentation of continental basins, exhibits well-developed shallow-water delta systems and significant coal-forming processes. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of sedimentary environment transformation during the late stage of sedimentary filling of epicontinental sea basins in North China. To this end, the Early Permian shallow-water delta systems in Shandong and its adjacent regions during that period was investigated, including their primary sedimentary characteristics, the predominant bases of sedimentary transformation, and the lithofacies paleogeographic characteristics of coal-forming processes.Methods Based on …
Geological Characteristics And Enrichment-Accumulation Patterns Of Coalbed Methane Within The Jurassic Strata In The Miquan Area Along The Southern Margin Of The Junggar Basin,
2026
China United Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd., Beijing 100083, China
Geological Characteristics And Enrichment-Accumulation Patterns Of Coalbed Methane Within The Jurassic Strata In The Miquan Area Along The Southern Margin Of The Junggar Basin, Wu Luofei, Yang Kangjun, Zhang Jie, Shi Yongxia, Fu Haijiao, Yang Shuguang, Wang Gang, Liu Mengmeng, Li Yueguo, Wang Xiaoming
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective The southern margin of the Junggar Basin (also referred to as the southern Junggar) possesses abundant medium- to low-rank coalbed methane (CBM) resources, with significant progress achieved in CBM exploration and production. However, there remains a lack of systematic understanding of the genetic mechanisms of CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic strata, along with its accumulation and evolution laws, in the Miquan area, southern Junggar. This absence restricts the commercial development of CBM in these strata.Method Focusing on CBM within the Middle-Lower Jurassic Xishanyao and Badaowan formations in the Miquan area, this study further identified the CBM origins and …
Exploring Water Migration Patterns In Reconstructed Soil Layers For Waste Dumps Of Open-Pit Coal Mines Based On Ct Scanning,
2026
State Key Laboratory for Safe Mining of Deep Coal Resources and Environment Protection, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China; School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Coal Resources Green Mining, Ministry of Education, Xinjiang Institute of Engineering, Urumqi 830023, China
Exploring Water Migration Patterns In Reconstructed Soil Layers For Waste Dumps Of Open-Pit Coal Mines Based On Ct Scanning, Fan Tingyu, Zhang Xinghui, Lu Akang, Yang Changde, Wang Shun, Wang Xingming, Sun Xueliang, Ji Quancai
Coal Geology & Exploration
Objective In the arid regions of western China, the ecological restoration of waste dumps within open-pit coal mines plays a key role in green mine construction, while creating a suitable soil profile structure serves as a prerequisite for the ecological restoration.Methods This study investigated the reconstructed soils with a three-layer sponge-like structure consisting of the topsoil, sandy-soil, and mudstone layers for the waste dump of the Hongshaquan open-pit coal mine in Xinjiang. Using computed tomography (CT) scanning, a three-dimensional (3D) pore network model (PNM), and water migration simulation, this study systematically analyzed the pore structures and water migration characteristics …
