S ites previously utilized as solid waste landfills or coal ash ponds need not remain permanent blights on the environment. Through land reuse, such areas can often be converted into spaces that offer greater value and utility than their original condition. Nonetheless, costs remain a significant factor in determining the feasibility of land reuse projects. [...]
A recent article was published in ASH at Work magazine, entitled “The Next Golden Age of Coal Ash Beneficial Use” authored by John Ward, in which he explains that a beneficial use shift from “fill” to “functional material” is upon us. This change will also necessitate adjustments in CCR compliance and closure methods through the [...]
W hen coal combustion residuals (CCR), such as coal ash, fly ash, bottom ash, gypsum and other solids produced by coal-fired power plants are improperly stored, they can contaminate surrounding soil and ground and surface water, causing a host of environmental problems. Covering legacy CCR stored in ponds, known as “cap in place,” is [...]
E nvironmental Insanity is often described as repeating the same actions expecting different outcomes. This oversimplification may explain the negative trend in regulatory approval. The "Push Through" technique for environmental regulatory approval is now less effective, leading to longer delays and more failures. Many landfill or ash impoundment owners rely on these ineffective traditional methods, [...]
I t is easy to get frustrated with “pendulum swinging” CCR Regulations because we have seen this playbook before … with very limited results. The EPA announced it’s prioritizing a number of timely actions on coal ash, including state permit program reviews and updates to the coal ash regulations. The Agency plans to work [...]
W hen it comes to landfill expansions, landfill owners should consider project costs and are paramount to the decision process. The most prudent strategy should not only reflect the science behind the decision, but also how project costs factor in the decision process. At times because of the contentious landfill expansion market or the [...]
A coalition of U.S. power companies is demanding “immediate action” from the Trump administration to roll back federal regulation of coal ash and rescind recent enforcement actions. Further examination of the “U.S. power companies request” reveals some telling truths. There are good arguments from both sides, but the fact remains that there is not one [...]
U nwrap the TOOLS to leapfrog past the evolving CCR regulations and provide all stakeholders, especially the Utilities, with three key strategies that can drive success. Apply Pull–Through Method of Regulatory Approval Adhere to the KISS Principle of Strategy Prepare Yourself with the Right Tools “You cannot solve this non-traditional coal ash basin closure [...]
H ere we go again! As a result of the 2024 election, the environmental regulations pendulum will swing from the far left to the far right; at least it seems. Through regulations, which some have considered excessive, transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels has been the main driver over the Obama/Biden years with [...]
The new coal ash rules were announced in tandem with three other regulations designed to reduce pollution from power plants. While it could take years to see how the other three rules will ultimately play out and how utilities will respond, the coal ash cleanup in this country has shifted into a higher gear. EnCAP-IT [...]
