Feasibility of alternatives for surface utilization of coal wastes. Final technical report, 29 July 1979. [126 references

Abstract

This report examines above-ground utilization of coal wastes generated in the mining and preparation of underground coal. Background information covers environmental impacts of surface disposal methods available techniques for coal waste utilization, properties of coal refuse and quantities to be generated in eastern and midwestern coal fields through 1985. The main objective of the study was to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of a selected utilization technique in a representative mining district. The feasibility of using coarse coal refuse in combination with power plant fly ash to form subbase course material for roadway construction is evaluated for the Monogalia County region in northern West Virginia. On the basis of technical, environmental and economic factors, it concluded that using coal refuse/fly ash material for roadway subbase construction is feasible in the study area. The key technical and environmental considerations are related to the compaction characteristics of the material. Chemical and physical testing of the material to establish properties, in-place performance, and optimum refuse/fly ash blends followed by proper mixing, handling and compaction during construction will result in a strong, environmentally benign subbase course. The costs of subbase construction with refuse/fly ash and with conventional materials were compared using cost factorsmore » in the 1978 Dodge Guide. Maximum usage of coal refuse/fly ash (3/1 ratio) on the 127 miles of new roadway planned through 1985 would utilize about 2.3 million tons of an estimated 7.5 millon tons of refuse to be generated in the study area. An annotated bibliography is included.« less