Narrative Power: Strengthening Coal Ash Communications In A Shifting Policy And Media Environment,
2026
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies
Narrative Power: Strengthening Coal Ash Communications In A Shifting Policy And Media Environment, Tamara Hinton
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
As coal ash management and beneficial use practices continue to advance and regulatory frameworks evolve, the industry still faces a persistent challenge: sharing its story clearly, credibly, and proactively to audiences beyond engineers and regulators. Public perception, media narratives, and stakeholder understanding increasingly influence policy decisions, project timelines, and market opportunities. This session focuses on how strategic communications can serve as a critical tool to support responsible coal ash management and beneficial use. This presentation explores how utilities and industry partners can move from reactive communications to a more deliberate, strategic approach that strengthens trust, mitigates risk, and reinforces the …
Increase Drying Rate And Reduce Heavy Metals In Legacy Coal Ash Landfills With Biochar Addition,
2026
Michigan Technological University
Increase Drying Rate And Reduce Heavy Metals In Legacy Coal Ash Landfills With Biochar Addition, David Schmidt
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
A northern US power plant is preparing for the closure of 40-year-old coal ash and wet FGD (flue gas desulfurization) ponds per CFR 257.102. The pond’s contents must be dried before capping to allow heavy machinery to operate on the surface to spread the cover and liner materials. However, the high moisture content (55%) and the water holding capacity of the pond mixture, combined with a wet, cold climate, are preventing adequate drying to achieve the mandated closure dates. The US Forest Service funded this project to determine whether biochar made from waste wood can aid in ash pond remediation. …
Engineered Turf And Solar Renewable Performance On Ccr In Extreme Weather,
2026
Watershed Geo
Engineered Turf And Solar Renewable Performance On Ccr In Extreme Weather, Tate Niekamp, Bryan Scholl, Ming Zhu, Thomas Orzech
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The engineered turf final closure system, ClosureTurf®, is installed on a 309-acre coal combustion residual (CCR) unit at the TVA Shawnee Fossil Plant in West Paducah, KY. Approximately 100 megawatts of the PowerCap® solar photovoltaic (PV) system is currently being deployed directly atop the engineered turf cover. An overview of the ClosureTurf® and PowerCap® systems are presented along with a comparison to traditional soil covers and conventional utility-scale solar arrays. From August 2023 through July 2025, onsite and local weather data stations reported over 20 storm events including severe thunderstorms, tornado outbreaks, winter storm systems, atmospheric rivers, and post-tropical cyclones. …
A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach For Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement To Accelerate Ph Adjustment Of Shallow Groundwater,
2026
Synterra Corporation
A Cost-Effective, Low-Impact Remedial Approach For Metals: Utilizing Phyto-Enhancement To Accelerate Ph Adjustment Of Shallow Groundwater, Jerry Wylie, Thomas Colton
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
SynTerra will present a unique, low-cost, low-impact approach to metals remediation in shallow groundwater at a former industrial site located in the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The approach employs pH adjustment of groundwater using agricultural lime coupled with the use of daikon radish to augment lime contact time and to increase depth of soil augmentation. This method is designed to be a more sustainable, less resource-intensive, and less technically challenging remedial alternative with lower estimated overall costs. The primary corrective action—source removal—has been completed. However, the oxidation of residual sulfide-bearing minerals has resulted in persistent low-pH groundwater, which increases the solubility …
The Effect Of Closure In Place On Groundwater Performance Objectives,
2026
AECOM
The Effect Of Closure In Place On Groundwater Performance Objectives, Dennis Connair, Jason Lach, Rachel Bosch
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The effect of closure in place (CiP) of a coal combustion residual (CCR) surface impoundment on the achievement of groundwater remedial performance objectives is evidenced in groundwater monitoring data. The CCR unit is located over a major alluvial aquifer adjacent to a navigable river. The unit is separated from the aquifer by an unsaturated zone and the compliance monitoring wells are located at the unit boundary. Sluicing of CCR to the unit was ceased in early 2020 with dry placement of CCR from other units and CiP/installation of a composite cap substantially completed by the end of 2020. Groundwater corrective …
Innovations To Engineered Synthetic Turf Solutions For Ccr Units,
2026
CTI and Assoicates
Innovations To Engineered Synthetic Turf Solutions For Ccr Units, Nicholas Golden, Gabe Lang, Bradford Cooley
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The use of engineered synthetic turf cover systems (e.g. ClosureTurf®) and hydraulic revetment systems (e.g. HydroTurf®) has been increasing on CCR units across the US. In the past 15 years, these systems have been installed on more than 500 combined projects totaling over 5,000 acres. The extensive use of these systems has resulted in continued research and development to address challenging site conditions by improving performance, enhancing extreme event resilience, and reducing maintenance. This presentation will focus on three specific innovations that have been developed to address site specific challenges associated with CCR units. Specifically, two new innovative engineered synthetic …
Integrated Groundwater Flow And Transport Modeling For Coal Combustion Residual (Ccr) Sites: From Closure Permitting To Corrective Action, Brian Hennings, Pejman Rasouli, Vic Modeer, Rhys Fuller
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This session describes a coordinated multi-year effort to assess and manage groundwater quality at five CCR impoundments. The objectives were to (i) develop site-specific hydrogeologic and geochemical conceptual models; (ii) quantify groundwater flow and constituent transport under baseline and post-closure conditions; and (iii) design and evaluate corrective action strategies that achieve regulatory compliance and provide a defensible framework for long-term monitoring and management. The program highlights a phased approach aligned with regulatory requirements, progressing from closure construction to corrective action planning for detected exceedances. Comprehensive hydrogeologic datasets including borehole lithology, hydraulic testing, CCR source water characterization, and groundwater monitoring were …
Improving Economic And Environmental Outcomes Of Legacy Coal Ash Ponds,
2026
Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, at Prairie Research Institute, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Improving Economic And Environmental Outcomes Of Legacy Coal Ash Ponds, Grace Wilken
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This project demonstrates a novel approach to utilize legacy coal ash waste ponds by processing the solids for use in cement/concrete and bioremediating the water fraction through algae cultivation. The algal biomass can then be used for animal feed, biofuels, or other valuable bio-products. There is an increasing demand for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials for concrete production, such as coal fly ash, yet a decreasing supply of ash as coal power plants are decommissioned in the transition to other energy sources. However, there are billions of tons of coal ash accumulated in legacy ash ponds across the US. …
High Ccp Utilisation In Road Repairs: Demonstration, Monitoring And Outcomes For State Road Authorities In Australia,
2026
Ash Development Association of Australia
High Ccp Utilisation In Road Repairs: Demonstration, Monitoring And Outcomes For State Road Authorities In Australia, Craig Heidrich, Jodi Milne, Ashnik Nanoo, Geoff Hines
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials as well as decarbonising the power industry has driven research into alternative road and pavement construction methods. One such alternative, available in significant volumes, is coal combustion products (CCPs), which can reduce environmental impact and preserve natural resources while maintaining or improving performance characteristics. This paper presents the outcomes of a multi-year, full-scale road repair trial at Stanwell Power Station, approximately 30 km southwest of Rockhampton in Queensland. The trial was designed to rigorously assess the performance of experimental flexible and rigid pavements, containing significant amounts of CCPs in various structural layers, against …
Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty In Ccr Management: A Panel Discussion,
2026
Burns & McDonnell
Navigating Regulatory Uncertainty In Ccr Management: A Panel Discussion, Mark Rokoff, Richard Huggins, Martha Thomsen, Roger Clarke
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The only certainty in CCR management is regulatory uncertainty! As we approach 2026, the industry and “CCR Universe” faces significant challenges and uncertainties due to the proposed EPA rule expected early in the year. This panel discussion will bring together a diverse group of industry experts, including representatives from associations (e.g. EEI), legal professionals, utility representatives, and consultants, to address the hard questions head-on and provide insight to and understanding of the implications of these regulatory changes. Key discussion points will include: • Legal Ramifications and Possible Pathways for 2026: Exploring the potential major pathways considering the proposed regulations and …
Coal Combustion Residual Impoundment Closure And Capping Impacts To Groundwater,
2026
WSP
Coal Combustion Residual Impoundment Closure And Capping Impacts To Groundwater, Danielle Sylvia Cofelice, Thomas Haskins
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Closure of coal combustion residual (CCR) impoundments is a critical step in mitigating long-term environmental risks, particularly to groundwater quality. This presentation evaluates spatial and temporal behavior of key groundwater contaminants during and following closure that included excavation and capping of CCR impoundments at one coal fired electric generating facility. The assessment integrates spatiotemporal plume mapping, plume area and concentration trend charts, and dissolved mass in place metrics to assess contaminant concentration, migration, and attenuation in post-closure environments. Observed trends include both increasing and decreasing concentrations of key constituents during and following closure activities, suggesting complex interactions involving residual CCR …
Engineering Stormwater Resilience In Steep Valley Ccr Landfill Construction,
2026
GAI Consultants, Inc.
Engineering Stormwater Resilience In Steep Valley Ccr Landfill Construction, Kevin Resnik, Grant Phelps
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Construction of a CCR landfill within steep geography presents unique challenges related to stormwater management, erosion control, and establishing placement and compaction practices over an extended construction timeline. This presentation builds upon prior work focused on temporary rain cover and wet-weather resiliency, expanding the discussion to practical strategies implemented during the prolonged startup and subsequent phases of waste placement. Key topics include: Stormwater management during active construction, with emphasis on intercepting, conveying, and controlling runoff in a topographically constrained setting. Breaking up drainage areas to reduce flow concentrations, prevent channelized erosion, and improve maintainability as grading evolves. Erosion control approaches …
Rapid Field Methods To Distinguish Coal Ash And Soil,
2026
EPRI
Rapid Field Methods To Distinguish Coal Ash And Soil, Benjamin Gallagher, Klaudio Peshtani, Lee Slater, Rebecca Kreuzer
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Some coal ashes exhibit soil-like textures and colors. If the coal ash and native soil at an impoundment or landfill site have similar appearances, it can be difficult to distinguish these materials in the field. Therefore, field and lab methods may be needed to supplement visual and manual observations. The results of a laboratory investigation of rapid screening methods (induced polarization, magnetic susceptibility, nuclear magnetic resonance, and colorimetry) for the discrimination of coal ashes and soils are discussed. Across five series of lab-created soil and coal ash mixtures, lab measurements of induced polarization and magnetic susceptibility values both showed strong …
Corrective Action Alternative Evaluation For Surface Impoundment Remedy – Two Case Study Examples,
2026
Gradient
Corrective Action Alternative Evaluation For Surface Impoundment Remedy – Two Case Study Examples, Qian Zhang, Andrew Bittner
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Illinois Administrative Code Part 845 requires owners and operators of coal combustion residual (CCR)-containing impoundments with groundwater protection standard (GWPS) exceedances to perform a Corrective Action Alternatives Analysis (CAAA) to evaluate viable remedies prior to selecting and implementing corrective action. The goal of a CAAA is to holistically evaluate a range of factors for the various corrective actions being considered at an impoundment. This presentation summarizes two CAAAs conducted for surface impoundments (SIs) at two power plants. Each CAAA applied a consistent decision framework that evaluates corrective action options using multiple performance criteria, such as: • Magnitude of Reduction of …
Capping And Closure Of Two Pennsylvania Ccr Landfills: Progress Update And Key Insights,
2026
GAI Consultants, Inc.
Capping And Closure Of Two Pennsylvania Ccr Landfills: Progress Update And Key Insights, Cory White, Ron Harris, John Klamut
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This project consists of the ongoing capping of two, 200-acre, coal combustion residual (CCR) landfills with geosynthetic capping systems consisting of 15 to 24 inches of final cover soil over eight ounce per square yard filter/separation geotextile over Super Gripnet geomembrane with drainage studs along top and friction spikes along the bottom over a prepared subgrade consisting of in-place cover soil. Approximately 80 acres were capped at each landfill from 2023 to 2025. To comply with Title 25, Pennsylvania Code §288.234(d), requiring closure within one year after cessation of waste placement, approximately 30 acres of each 200-acre site must be …
Tva Paf Gypsum Stack Final Closure – Lessons Learned And Planning For Future Use,
2026
CTI and Associates
Tva Paf Gypsum Stack Final Closure – Lessons Learned And Planning For Future Use, Brooke Alison, Nicholas Golden, Gabe Lang, Shane Harris
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This case study involves review of the closure design and construction of a 250-acre gypsum stack at TVA's Paradise Fossil Plant using Watershed Geo's ClosureTurf final cap system. The design review will include the selection criteria of the final closure cap system, the use of a flatter-than-conventional 150-acre top deck grade, discussion of the storm water management strategy, and the planning for future use which potentially includes solar development and future harvesting of the CCP. Lessons learned will be presented including performance of the flat top deck, challenges associated with access roads over ClosureTurf, and geosynthetics documentation processes.
Unlocking Data Integrity: How Historical Data Review Enhances The Accuracy Of Laboratory Results,
2026
Onterris
Unlocking Data Integrity: How Historical Data Review Enhances The Accuracy Of Laboratory Results, Danielle Coles
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Due to the implementation of the CCR rule and longstanding state regulatory guidelines, many utilities have built robust historical data sets associated with their groundwater monitoring programs. Data collected through these monitoring programs are used for many purposes including generation of statistics and site evaluation along with reporting to regulators and the public. Often, trends in data are evaluated long after data reporting to look at large scale trends or movement of constituents in the groundwater across a CCR landfill or entire site, but historical data sets can be used in real time to help determine the accuracy of current …
Coal-Derived Fly Ash – The Outlook Is Bright In The Uk,
2026
UK Quality Ash Association
Coal-Derived Fly Ash – The Outlook Is Bright In The Uk, Nigel Cooke
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
The global imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is reshaping industrial strategies across all sectors, with construction facing particular scrutiny due to its significant embodied carbon footprint. In response, greater emphasis is being placed on proven materials that can deliver both performance and environmental benefits. Coal-derived fly ash (CDFA) has a long and successful history within the UK construction sector. It is widely recognised for the technical advantages it brings to concrete and mortar performance, as well as its established use in applications such as autoclaved aerated concrete, grouts, and secondary aggregates. As the UK commits to achieving net-zero carbon …
Anthropogenic Lithologic Characterization Through Use Of Advanced Visual Tools As A Means Of Identifying Coal Ash,
2026
TRC Environmental Companies
Anthropogenic Lithologic Characterization Through Use Of Advanced Visual Tools As A Means Of Identifying Coal Ash, Stephen Papageorge, Lucas Mangold
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
Identification and differentiation of particular Anthropocene strata such as coal ash and historic fill intermixed with native unconsolidated overburden presents significant challenges. To make specific determinations about origin and composition, a variety of tools are available such as our well-defined lithologic characterization processes. However, additional tools are required, as important and defining characteristic evidence isn’t available or obvious to our senses in the field. One challenge is the absence of surficial evidence of ash areas. Secondly, we are faced with limited access, as the responsible party no longer owns the site, there is new construction in the area of historic …
Fifteen Years, 450 Acres: Inside The Tva Gallatin Ash Pond Closure,
2026
CTI and Associates
Fifteen Years, 450 Acres: Inside The Tva Gallatin Ash Pond Closure, Brian Egan, Shane Harris
World of Coal Ash Proceedings
This presentation is focused on the TVA Gallatin Ash Pond Complex Closure. The project team embarked on a major coal ash pond remediation effort in 2023, targeting a 450-acre site with operations expected to continue over a 15-year period. The long-term and massive scope of this dig and haul project required the design and construction of extensive supporting infrastructure, including haul roads suitable for large earthmoving equipment, major pipelines for process water rerouting, and a robust water treatment facility. Key components of the work include maintaining slope stability, conducting comprehensive air quality monitoring, and ensuring high standards for coal ash …
