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 …
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 …
Table Of Contents,
2026
China Coal Technology and Engineering Group (CCTEG)
Machine Learning-Based Prediction And Experimental Validation Of The Pyrolysis Product Distribution In Tar-Rich Coals,
2026
China Huaneng Group Yimin Coal and Power Co., Ltd., Hulunbuir 021130, China
Machine Learning-Based Prediction And Experimental Validation Of The Pyrolysis Product Distribution In Tar-Rich Coals, Dong Shuai, Li Hongqiang, Wu Zhiqiang, Yu Zunyi, Lyu Zitao, Guo Wei, Yang Panxi, Fu Keming, Hao Xuanzhi, Liu Gen, Yang Bolun
Coal Geology & Exploration
Background Tar-rich coals serve as an important coal-based oil and gas resource in China, while their pyrolysis product distribution is governed by the coupling effects of coal properties and reaction conditions. Therefore, rapidly identifying the pyrolysis product distribution patterns holds great significance for the resource evaluation and experimental design of tar-rich coals.Methods Existing studies on tar-rich coals suffer from the insufficient integration of exclusive data and limited synergistic prediction capacities for multiple products. To address these issues, this study constructed a dedicated dataset involving proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, elemental molar ratios, maceral composition, and pyrolysis conditions by systematically collecting …
Evaluation And Research Progress Of Co2 Sequestration In Deep Coal Seams,
2026
State Key Laboratory of Digital Intelligent Technology for Unmanned Coal Mining, Huainan 232001, China; State Key Laboratory for Safe Mining of Deep Coal Resources and Environment Protection, Huainan 232001, China; School of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan 232001, China
Evaluation And Research Progress Of Co2 Sequestration In Deep Coal Seams, Xiong Yucan, Xu Shi’Ang, Zhang Pingsong, Lu Haifeng, Jia Yunzhong, Ge Binbin, Li Baiqiang, Liu Chang, Lei Jian, Fu Wenyu
Coal Geology & Exploration
Background With increasing pressure for global carbon emission reduction, geologic CO2 sequestration has emerged as a critical technical approach to achieving the goals of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. Owing to their high CO2 adsorption capacity and favorable sealing conditions, deep coal seams are considered one of the most promising media for CO2 sequestration, following saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. Therefore, the exploitation and utilization of deep coal seams hold significant strategic importance for the green, low-carbon transformation of the coal industry. Methods Based on literature analysis and a review of outcomes from cutting-edge …
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 …
