Application Of Mine Tailings Flow Failure Assessment On Ccr,
2026
Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.
Application Of Mine Tailings Flow Failure Assessment On Ccr, Zachary Fallert
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
A new geotechnical stability analysis method has been implemented for a CCR surface impoundment to aid in design for temporary cut slopes and final closure grades. Conditions have come to light after significant tailings dam failures occurred across the globe, specifically those exhibiting flow failures (i.e. failures in which tailings behave a liquid and flow out of the facility). These failures have come under intense scrutiny as the failures pose significant risk to public safety and the environment and have been observed in CCR. Additionally, static liquefaction has arisen as another potential but less well understood causative mechanism. As the …
Lessons Learned: Commissioning An Fgd Wastewater Treatment System,
2026
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Lessons Learned: Commissioning An Fgd Wastewater Treatment System, Bella Triolet, Mckale Grant, Louis Manigault
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Stantec recently supported commissioning a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) Wastewater Treatment System in accordance with the 2020 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) Rule, which requires that coal fired power plants meet their more stringent requirements by December 31, 2025. With the addition of the 2024 EPA ELG Rule, coal fired power plants will now be expected to move to zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems or permanently cease coal combustion by 2034. Due to this change, it is likely that coal fired power plants will be looking to design and install ZLD systems within the next decade. While …
Risk Evaluation Of Linear Coal Combustion Residual Management Unit (Ccrmu) Fills,
2026
Gradient
Risk Evaluation Of Linear Coal Combustion Residual Management Unit (Ccrmu) Fills, Qian Zhang, Andrew Bittner, John Kondziolka, Masoud Arshadi
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
In 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) established new regulations for coal combustion residual management units (CCRMUs), defined as coal combustion residual (CCR) deposits placed on power plant properties outside of landfills or surface impoundments. US EPA supported the rulemaking with modeling-based risk analyses and established regulatory requirements based on fill size. Linear CCRMU, such as backfill along pipelines or haul roads, have individual segments that may be composed of a small amount of mass below the threshold for regulation, but the cumulative mass over the full linear feature extent may exceed regulatory thresholds. This study applies US …
Site Characterization, Design, Permitting, And Construction For Clean Closure Of A Small But Challenging Legacy Ccr Disposal Impoundment,
2026
Tetra Tech EC, Inc.
Site Characterization, Design, Permitting, And Construction For Clean Closure Of A Small But Challenging Legacy Ccr Disposal Impoundment, John Garten, Bob Baker, Lee Lenhart
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The Lay of Land Area (LOLA) is a 10-acre (40,468 square meters) legacy disposal impoundment containing approximately 55,000 cubic yards (42,000 cubic meters) of sluiced coal combustion residuals (CCRs) produced during startup operations of a former fossil plant. Most of its perimeter is bounded by water, with a river to the north and a cooling water lake to the south. The entire area lies within a 100-year floodplain, is heavily forested, and groundwater is typically encountered within a few feet of the existing ground surface. As part of an overall CCR closure-by-removal and ash beneficiation program, planning, design, permitting, and …
Trimble County Pond Closures,
2026
Tetra Tech EC, Inc.
Trimble County Pond Closures, Steven Turner, Shanti Montgomery
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The Trimble County Closure Project is a 5-year project to close the 40-acre (161,900 square meters) Gypsum Storage Pond (GSP) through closure-by-removal and the 100-acre (404,700 square meters) Bottom Ash Pond (BAP) through closure-in-place in accordance with coal combustion residual (CCR) Rule. The excavated gypsum from the GSP was “Beneficially Reused” to fill the BAP to the prescribed grade for drainage through a monitored outfall to the adjacent creek. The daily plant produced CCRs of fly ash, bottom ash, and gypsum were also used for four years to supplement the filling of the BAP as well as several onsite soil/rock …
Building Better Partnerships: Design-Build Lessons From The Ash Pond Closure Front Lines,
2026
CTI and Associates
Building Better Partnerships: Design-Build Lessons From The Ash Pond Closure Front Lines, Brian Egan, Nicholas Golden, Mark Edlebeck
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This presentation shares lessons learned on an ash pond dig-and-haul project delivered by a design-build team with CTI providing engineering and Fisher Contracting delivering construction services. CTI and Fisher Contracting will discuss how they formed their partnership, what makes a good teaming arrangement work, and the challenges that come with working closely together. This team has worked side by side from early design through construction, which has helped cut costs and keep the project on schedule. The talk will show how the partners divide tasks, then adjust roles as needed instead of locking into a fixed plan. In some cases, …
Dewatering System Operations And Modeling Of A Bottom Ash Ccr Surface Impoundment,
2026
WSP
Dewatering System Operations And Modeling Of A Bottom Ash Ccr Surface Impoundment, Craig Schuettpelz, Todd Stong, Ben Sieren
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Dewatering of coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundments is a technically challenging item for sites with CCR units at closure. Generation has ceased at this site where fly ash was mostly sold for beneficial use and bottom ash was sluiced to composite-lined CCR surface impoundments to passively drain prior to landfilling. During site closure and restoration, bottom ash and relatively minor amounts of other permitted waste materials were consolidated into the site’s landfill and bottom ash impoundment. The bottom ash impoundment entered closure 5 years ago with installation of a final cover system and construction of a sump to allow …
Illinois Coal Ash Impoundment Assessment,
2026
Illinois State Geological Survey, University of Illinois at Urbana and Champaign
Illinois Coal Ash Impoundment Assessment, Randy Locke
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Coal combustion residuals (CCR) present one of the most significant waste management challenges in the United States. Illinois hosts 72 coal ash impoundments at 23 facilities across 22 counties. In 2019, the state enacted Public Act 101 0171 (Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act), followed by Illinois Administrative Code Title 35, Part 845, establishing CCR surface impoundment standards. Even with federal and state requirements, significant gaps remain in identifying management options and site-specific risks. Key limitations include: (1) incomplete understanding of ash composition and variability within and among impoundments; and (2) fragmented information on impoundment physical properties, operational status, and geological …
Establishing A Roadmap For The Planning, Design, And Construction Of A Water Treatment System For A Ccr Unit Closure,
2026
Burns & McDonnell
Establishing A Roadmap For The Planning, Design, And Construction Of A Water Treatment System For A Ccr Unit Closure, Mariah Schroeder, Matthew Balance
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The treatment of water from a CCR unit is an important step in the closure strategy for surface impoundments to comply with 40 CFR §257.102(d)(2)(i) of the CCR rule. The unwatering and dewatering of a surface impoundment is a necessary first step in ensuring that the eventual closure of the unit will meet the requirements for closure in place described in 40 CFR §257.102(d). Depending on the operational conditions and requirements of the plant, the NDPES discharge limits, and the impacted water quality, the water treatment system needs can vary greatly. This presentation will outline a roadmap for assessment, evaluation, …
A Novel Geospatial Tool For Assessing Risks And Opportunities For Conversion Of Ccr Closures Into Productive Solar Energy Generation Sites,
2026
Profile Products LLC
A Novel Geospatial Tool For Assessing Risks And Opportunities For Conversion Of Ccr Closures Into Productive Solar Energy Generation Sites, Marc Theisen
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Closure of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) surface impoundments and landfills offers unique opportunities for conversion to solar power sites with the potential to offset costs of post-closure care via generation of clean electricity. In 2023 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborated with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to create a report entitled “Coal Ash Disposal Sites and Opportunities for Solar Photovoltaic Development” (EPA Publication #540-S-23-004). The purpose of this document was to identify closed CCR units and provide key factors for their potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) development. In 2022, the EPA’s RE-Powering Initiative identified 772 current CCR …
The Modern Hydraulic Containment System: Using Automation, Telemetry And Data Dashboarding To Meet Client And Regulatory Objectives At A Coal Combustion Residual (Ccr) Site, Brian Hennings, Christopher Glidden, Vic Modeer, J. Austin Bond
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The site, a former coal-fired power plant in southern Illinois, generated coal combustion residuals (CCR) such as bottom ash and fly ash stored in surface impoundments. Adjacent to the Ash Pond, boron was detected in groundwater above the state standard of 2 mg/L. In late 2025, a groundwater extraction system was installed to control hydraulic conditions and prevent boron migration offsite until source control measures are completed. The system is expected to operate for up to 11 years. Three-dimensional groundwater modelling was used to support system design, helping to identify optimal well locations and flow rates for effective containment. Components, …
Strategic Workforce Solutions In The Coal Ash Industry,
2026
Management Recruiters of Raleigh – MRINetwork
Strategic Workforce Solutions In The Coal Ash Industry, Stuart Keeter
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The coal ash industry stands at a pivotal moment, shaped by legacy environmental events, evolving engineering standards, and a rapidly shifting workforce landscape. This session explores the strategic talent challenges facing consultants, civil engineering firms, and utilities in 2026 and beyond. Drawing from data sources including MRI, LaborIQ, AGC, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the presentation highlights: • The impact of historic coal ash incidents (TVA Kingston, Duke Dan River) on industry best practices. • The convergence of civil, environmental, and power sectors in driving remediation and innovation. • Alarming workforce trends, including the retirement of 12,000 professionals …
Establishing Sustainable Vegetation On A Challenging Legacy Ccr Site,
2026
Profile Products
Establishing Sustainable Vegetation On A Challenging Legacy Ccr Site, Derek Oosterhouse, Blake Arthur
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
American Electric Power (AEP) is closing and restoring a legacy Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) site in Ohio that once held a power plant that pioneered innovative steam generation technology. The plant was closed in 1975. Today, the legacy CCR site is being transformed back to natural, sustainable vegetation. To comply with and close the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) permit, permanent stabilization is required on the site. AEP, one of the largest electric companies in the country, holds a core principle to respect the environment through creative sustainable solutions. AEP connected with Profile Products, the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier …
An Australian Case - Harvesting And Processing Salt Water Sluiced Dam Coal Ash For Use In Conventional Concrete,
2026
Hallett Group
An Australian Case - Harvesting And Processing Salt Water Sluiced Dam Coal Ash For Use In Conventional Concrete, Massimo Capasso
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The Cement & Concrete sector account for 8% of the worlds emissions . "hard to abate" sector is the substitution out of highly emissive cement with very low emissive SCMs. (Industry by-products) In the region of South Australia , 100% of SCM's are imported at great cost, no sovereign "Australian Standard" sources are locally available. The focus of this study is on the local Pt.Augusta dam ash, a dam repository that remains since the station closure in 2016. The uniqueness of this study is that , like many unused dam repositories globally, seawater was used to sluice coal ash at …
Methods To Enhance Groundwater Remediation During Cbr And Mass Transfer Controls On Post-Closure Groundwater Cleanup At Ccr Impoundments,
2026
Haley & Aldrich
Methods To Enhance Groundwater Remediation During Cbr And Mass Transfer Controls On Post-Closure Groundwater Cleanup At Ccr Impoundments, Sean Larkin, Jacob Chu, John Blue
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Utilities are implementing closure‑by‑removal (CBR) of coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundments as part of corrective action programs to meet groundwater protection standards (GWPSs) and are evaluating closure strategies for Legacy Units. Although CBR and associated decanting and dewatering systems can substantially reduce source mass and improve groundwater quality, lingering “tail” concentrations in the aquifer are often observed after closure because groundwater remediation typically requires extended timeframes. These persistent concentrations may be compounded by secondary source zones beneath the former impoundment, where constituent mass stored in low‑permeability materials or immobile pore spaces is slowly released into the transmissive aquifer after CBR. …
Closure Of A Process Water Impoundment,
2026
WSP
Closure Of A Process Water Impoundment, Todd Stong, Shane Stockdill, Erin Hunter
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Rainbow Energy Center’s (REC’s) Coal Creek Station manages process water in various engineered impoundments across the facility. As part of the ongoing life of the plant, one of the site process water ponds has been decommissioned to allow for construction of a new coal combustion residuals (CCR) impoundment within the same footprint. In order to transition from a non-CCR impoundment to construction of a CCR impoundment, the existing impoundment was closed and decommissioned in 2025. The composite-lined process water impoundment intended for closure previously operated from the early 1990s. To effectively close the impoundment, a closure verification plan was developed …
Future Strategies For Beneficial Use Harvesting,
2026
Watershed Geo
Future Strategies For Beneficial Use Harvesting, Gabe Lang, Patrick Kiser
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
TVA is the largest public power company in the U.S. and has historically operated a fleet of 12 coal-fired plants as part of their diverse generating portfolio. To date, eight of the coal plants have been retired and the remaining four plants are projected to shut down in the next couple of decades. The decommissioning of these plants is driving a transition to harvesting of ponded and landfilled CCR’s to continue to support ready-mix concrete and other industries that enable infrastructure development. However, the regional market demand limits the ability to initiate widespread harvesting activities during near-term CCR Unit closure …
Horizontal Wells For Ccr Applications – Results And Lessons Learned,
2026
Ellingson Companies
Horizontal Wells For Ccr Applications – Results And Lessons Learned, David Bardsley
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
No abstract provided.
From Ash Pond To Concrete: A Two-Step Treatment For Enhancing Reactivity Of Reclaimed Ashes,
2026
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
From Ash Pond To Concrete: A Two-Step Treatment For Enhancing Reactivity Of Reclaimed Ashes, Aysan Farajnia
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The closure of coal-fired power plants has led to a shortage of fly ash for concrete, increasing interest in alternative Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs). Reclaimed or harvested fly ash represents a promising SCM, but often fails to meet ASTM specifications due to impurities, variable composition, and low reactivity. This study highlights a two-phase evaluation of harvested coal ash from a local ash pond in Illinois. The first phase characterized ashes from different depths and locations based on chemical composition and pozzolanic reactivity. The second phase focused on a novel two-step treatment consisting of magnetic separation and mechanical grinding. On average, …
Ccr Impoundment Closure: Encapsulation Design Using Closure Cap And Cutoff Wall,
2026
GAI Consultants, Inc.
Ccr Impoundment Closure: Encapsulation Design Using Closure Cap And Cutoff Wall, John Klamut, A. Edward Sciulli, Kevin Bortz
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
When closing a CCR Impoundment while leaving CCR in place, 40 CFR 257.102 requires minimizing post-closure infiltration of liquid into the CCR. This presentation will provide a description of a closure plan for a 16-acre impoundment in Indiana to accomplish this criteria. Key components of the closure plan which will be presented including consolidation of CCR into a smaller footprint due to questionable underlying clay layer identified in a portion of the impoundment and the design of a geosynthetic and soil cap system. A Soil-Cement-Bentonite (SCB) cutoff wall will be constructed to enclose the portion of the impoundment where CCR …
