Placement of Coal Combustion By-Products at Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act(SMCRA) Mines: A Short History of OSM Technical Efforts and Responses to Environmental Concerns

Abstract

The use and disposal of Coal Combustion By-Products (CCBs) (i.e. fly ash, bottom ash, flue gas desulfurization material, and fluidized bed combustion material) at coalmines has become an area of intense interest, research, activity, and controversy during the last decade. Beginning in May of 1994, the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) has taken an active role in encouraging and promoting technological advances, research, and technology transfer related to the use and disposal of those material residues remaining after the combustion of coal to produce electric power. Currently, approximately 2 percent of the CCBs that are produced in the U.S. are placed back at about 2 percent of the mines sites where they originated. Research indicates that the placement of these materials on the mine site usually results in a beneficial impact to human health and the environment when it is used to mitigate other existing potential mining hazards. Beneficial uses include: (1) a seal to contain acid forming materials and prevent the formation of acid mine drainage; (2) an agricultural supplement to create productive artificial soils on abandoned mine lands where native soils are not available; (3) a flowable fill that seals and stabilizes abandoned underground mines to prevent subsidence and the production of acid mine drainage; (4) a construction material for dams or other earth like materials where such materials are needed as a compact and durable base; and (5) a non-toxic, earthlike fill material for final pits and within the spoil area. Concerning CCB placement at coal mines, some environmental groups believe, based on historic problems experienced at some power plants, that the use of these materials at coal mines places an unacceptable risk on public health and environmental quality. This paper will attempt to provide a response to criticism that SMCRA programs are not adequate to protect public health and the environment when CCBs are placed at a SMCRA permitted mine.