Track H: CCR, CCP, CCS, Coal Ash, Impoundments
Track I: ASH PONDS, LINERS, WATER, WWM, ELG, FGD, 316(b), O&M
H1 H2
Coal Ash | CCR | CCS | SWM CCR | CCP Harvesting
Dan Chartier
Utility Solid Waste Regulatory Issues
Utility Solid Waste Regulatory Issues
Speaker Name – Company – RTP
Summary of Presentation
Chris-Vandervort
DOE ARPA-E FLExible Carbon Capture and Storage (FLECCS) Program
Slurry Walls for Hydraulic Control at CCR Sites
DOE ARPA-E FLExible Carbon Capture and Storage (FLECCS) Program
Chris Vandervort – Department of Energy – Technology-to-Market Advisor
The objective of the DOE ARPA-E FLExible Carbon Capture and Storage (FLECCS) program is to develop carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies that enable natural gas-fired combined cycles (NGCC) to be responsive to grid conditions in a high variable renewable energy environment. CCS equipped NGCC plants present a viable option for decarbonization, but increasing penetration of VRE sources complicates design, operation and maintenance, and commercialization potential. Changing market signals are resulting in operational challenges such as increased ramping of electricity generators. Implications for the CCS system and downstream CO2 storage and transport are equally or more challenging.
Sylvain Payne-Gagnon
Slurry Walls for Hydraulic Control at CCR Sites
Hydraulic Containment at CCR Sites: Now More than Ever
Slurry Walls for Hydraulic Control at CCR Sites
Sylvain Payne-Gagnon, Paul Lear – Forgen, McLean, VA, USA
Hydraulic containment involves controlling the movement of contaminated groundwater, preventing the continued expansion of the contaminated zone. CCR impoundments and landfills with impacts to groundwater can benefit from hydraulic containment.
Traditionally, slurry walls have been used for hydraulic containment. An overview of slurry wall techniques will be given to familiarize the audience with these technologies. An example project where Forgen was contracted to install a slurry wall as part of a Vertical Hydraulic Barrier System to encircle the ash consolidation area for a CCR impoundment undergoing closure in-place will be discussed to demonstrate the applicability of this technique.
Mark Rokoff – Jim Aiken
Setting the Stage: Proposed Legacy CCR Surface Impoundment Rule
Setting the Stage: Proposed Legacy CCR Surface Impoundment Rule
Mark Rokoff – Burns & McDonnell
On May 18, 2023, the EPA published their proposed Legacy CCR Surface Impoundment Rule which has created quite a stir in the scope and breadth of what is intended to be required (and the corresponding schedule to execute). There is a lot to understand and subsequently begin planning for based on the proposed requirements throughout the fleet. Mark Rokoff will present a deeper dive into new rule to aid in understanding and implementation. The presentation will focus on the following:
- Stage setting: Review a modern history of the CCR Rule and discuss why and how we got here
- Overview of the Rule: A high-level overview of the content of the rule and key issues
- Detailed Summary: An intentional presentation of the rule, what is included, how it applies, what needs to be done and the proposed timing (with a bit of commentary)
- Preparation: A conversation of next steps to prepare for implantation and a discussion of what may come. Intended to be a comprehensive conversation on the new legacy CCR Rule and address how to prepare.
Steve Sullivan
Beneficiation of Harvested Fly Ash Using a Triboelectric Belt Separator
Beneficiation of Harvested Fly Ash Using a Triboelectric Belt Separator
Steve Sullivan – Separation Technologies
Tribo-electrostatic separation has been used for the commercial beneficiation of coal combustion fly ash to produce a low carbon product for use as a cement replacement in concrete for twenty-five years. With 24 separators in 18 coal-fired power plants and cement plants across the world, Separation Technologies’ (ST) patented electrostatic separator has been used to produce over 20 Million tons of low carbon product that has been recycled for use in concrete or cement production. To date, commercial tribo-electrostatic beneficiation of fly ash has been performed primarily on dry “fresh” or “production” ash. Reductions in the quantity of dry fly ash generated and requirements to empty historical ash landfills and ponds has created the need to develop a process to reclaim and beneficiate landfilled or ponded ash.
ST has developed and commercialized a new process for beneficiation of reclaimed fly ash from landfills and ponds that utilizes fly ash drying and deagglomeration technology together with the ST tribo-electrostatic carbon separation technology. ST has installed a demonstration of this new process at the Talen Energy Brunner Island power station near York PA. The ST fly ash beneficiation process offers both utility and cementitious materials customers an environmentally friendly, low-carbon emission, fly ash recycling technology which enables cost effective landfill and pond reclamation.
Randall Stremmel
Beneficial Reuse of CCR to Manufacture LEED Construction Material without Creating Another Waste Stream
Beneficial Reuse of CCR to Manufacture LEED Construction Material without Creating Another Waste Stream
Randall Stremmel – Brixx Technology
This abstract discusses the research and development undertaken by Brixx Technology to utilize coal combustion residuals (CCR) in manufacturing sustainable building materials. The study aimed to determine the feasibility of producing eco-friendlier alternatives to existing reuse programs. The process involved a systematic approach to meet ASTM specifications for commercial building materials while ensuring economic viability. Initial experiments were conducted on a pilot scale, validating the feasibility of producing high-quality products using off-spec, F-class, and landfilled ash. The process involves combining fly and bottom ash with proprietary binders, water is added, and the mixture is pressed into desired shapes, followed by hydrothermal curing to form durable building materials. Mechanical properties were validated through internal and accredited laboratory testing. A mass production facility was established in India, demonstrating consistent quality and financial feasibility, followed by a facility in the United States in Ohio. Environmental benefits include reduced energy consumption, shorter production times, and elimination of waste streams. Alternative uses of CCR, combined with other industrial waste, were explored successfully. Future directions involve sequestering CO2 in the manufactured products. The study showcases the potential of CCR-based building materials for sustainable construction practices.
H2
CCR | CCP Harvesting | Concrete Domes
Fb 14 (10 am – 12 pm)
Jim Aiken
Update on EPA Part A, Part B, and Consent Order Determinations with Applications for CCR Legacy Rule
Update on EPA Part A, Part B, and Consent Order Determinations with Applications for CCR Legacy Rule
Jim Aiken – Barr Engineering Co.
The 2015 EPA CCR Rule was originally intended as a ‘self-implementing’ rule that left many critical decisions up to the owner and their designated qualified professional engineer (QPE). Without a permitting program, and without clear guidance on how EPA is interpreting the rule, the default compliance paradigm has been the use of general industry practice as a standard of care. More recently, the EPA’s determinations (Part A, Part B, and Consent Orders) have provided much more insight into what the EPA considers compliant-and in some cases-appears to require a new standard of care. This presentation summarizes the four main categories cited by EPA as deficient, including Site Characterization, Reporting/Certifications, Statistics, and Alternative Source Determinations as well as a tally of EPA’s findings in each category. We will summarize each deficiency type and offer ideas on improving compliance. For example, a common type of deficiency can be described generally as “a lack of rigor” in evaluating data and testing alternative hypotheses. Enhanced data collection and analysis techniques may offer a more defensible basis for conclusions in the event of future EPA or state enforcement actions. The insight offered by this analysis may be used to inform compliance under the anticipated CCR Legacy Rule, which brings in a new type of CCR unit called the CCR Management Unit or CCRMU. Defining and monitoring CCRMUs will require a degree of rigor that we believe can borrow from the insight gained from evaluation of the EPA’s previous determinations.
Jarrod-Rice
Solids Separation a Novel Approach to CCR Closure
Solids Separation a Novel Approach to CCR Closure
Solids Separation a Novel Approach to CCR Closure
Jarrod Rice – Yukon Technology
USEPA regulations prohibit the use of unlined ponds for ash management at coal-fired powerplants. Each CCR pond is different requiring unique solutions for each location. The concept of wet dredging and a solids separation plant is a novel approach to addressing these new regulations.
There are several benefits to wet dredging and solids separation over the traditional methods. Initially, by avoiding traditional dewatering, we reduce the potential of oxidizing metals in the ash and preventing them from leaching into the water reducing the need for costly water treatment. Additionally, wet dredging allows the movement of ash out of the pond earlier in the closure process. Hydraulic dredging and the use of a solids separation plant also allows for the processing of wet ash into a dry easily transportable product reducing the time required for ash management. Finally, removing ash through dredging preserves the stability of the ash in place reducing the dangers of ash slides providing a safe and secure field from which to work.
Water generated during this process can be returned to the pond for further sluicing of ash or treated further to allow for permitted release. Water can also be reused onsite for operational needs such as a truck wash or dust control. Using this approach to ash management, a significant amount of time and costs can be saved.
This presentation will discuss in detail the use of dredging and mechanical solids separation to reduce the time and costs associated with CCR pond closure.
Alejandra Cabrera
Multi-gas FTIR Monitoring in Carbon Capture Processes
B1.3 Multi-gas FTIR Monitoring in Carbon Capture Processes
Alejandra Cabrera – Gasmet
Carbon capture plants deploy several methods ranging from membranes, to amine-based technologies that involve components which degrade into ammonia, formamide, aldehydes, organic acids, nitrosamines and other toxic gaseous species. Gas products pose challenges for sampling and analysis given the presence of water vapor and high concentrations of carbon dioxide as well as certain water-soluble compounds.
There are currently stationary and semi-portable hot-wet FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) instruments for online analysis and gas emissions monitoring from such plants. These units scan a wide wavenumber spectrum where several species absorb infrared light, allowing to simultaneously measure more than 25 gases. FTIR analytes include standard criteria pollutants such as CH4, CO2, NOx, SO2, acid gases, NH3, aldehydes, and other VOCs, and extend to amines and amine by-products observed in CO2 absorber and amine stripping towers. Some of these substances are ecotoxic, have low biodegradability, and are known to cause cancer.
This presentation reviews FTIR principles, sampling solutions, and available configurations for online gas analysis at carbon capture and storage plants. It highlights industrial and laboratory scale case studies using semi-portable and CEM systems, and advantages as related to analytical performance, component flexibility, and maintenance requirements.
Co-Author: Jim Cornish, Gasmet Technologies
QUESTIONS
1. How are different gas matrices and concentrations analyzed?
2. What gas components cannot be monitored with FTIR?
3. Can I measure from multiple sampling points within a plant?
Don Fuller II
CCR Unit Closure 2024 – Engineering & Construction Management
CCR Unit Closure 2024 – Engineering and Construction Management Straight Talk
Don Fuller II – Stantec
In association with the ongoing Energy Transition, the Power Industry has undertaken hundreds of CCR Unit closures. By some accounts, the total closure compliance cost to date is over $15B USD . Closure engineering and construction process state of practice has evolved significantly through execution of these major projects. Closure can be viewed through the following progressive processes:•Ash Characterization•Dewatering•Excavation•Moisture Conditioning•Transport•End PlacementThis presentation takes a deep dive into the collective wealth of experience in CCR engineering and construction management afforded by the authors. Each closure process is tabled thru the criteria of:•Objectives•Proven Solutions•Lessons LearnedThrough this distilled down “straight talk”, both novice CCR and industry experts will find clarity on how we have advanced the practice and where there are opportunities for continued innovation. The discussion concludes with a holistic evaluation of realized ash handling production rates associated with several major closure projects under a wide array of site conditions. Ultimately, realized production rates are directly impacted by one or more of the closure processes identified above. The impacts typically come in the form of site or construction process “constraints”. Production rates from the case histories are linked to the site-specific constraint logic outlined to provide the audience with this valuable insight on CCR mass material handling realities.
Tim Silar
Discrete In-Situ Solidification of CCR Impoundments
Discreet In-Situ Solidification of CCR Impoundments
Tim Silar
Full scale implementation of Discrete In-Situ Solidification (Discrete ISS), a cost effective impoundment closure technology is ongoing. State and Federal regulators have determined that Discrete ISS meets U.S. EPA’s requirement of an engineering control that will control, minimize, or eliminate to the maximum extent feasible movement of liquid into and out of impoundments. Silar Services Inc.’s patented, proprietary technology meets these requirements by mitigating groundwater infiltration.
Discrete ISS technology hydraulically isolates coal combustion residuals (CCR) from groundwater by constructing a hydraulic barrier at the bottom of the impoundment and along the perimeter using engineered ISS applications on the CCR and natural material, and capping the impoundment for closure. If Discrete ISS is appropriate at your site, inclusion of Discrete ISS significantly will reduce the cost and schedule of closure for utilities and ratepayers without sacrificing environmental protection.
Steve-Putrich
CCR Corrective Measures/Remedies – Smart Implementation Strategies 2024
CCR Corrective Measures/Remedies - Smart Implementation Strategies 2024
CCR Corrective Measures/Remedies – Smart Implementation Strategies 2024
Steve Putrich –
I1
CCR | Impoundments | ZLD | LSA | Remediation | EPA 316 (b) | Leachate Disposal | PFAS | Silica |
Feb 15 ( 7:30 – 9:30 am)
David Donkin (CHAIR)
Bottom Ash Transport Water Chemistry in High Recycle Rate Systems
Bottom Ash Transport Water Chemistry in High Recycle Rate Systems
Bottom Ash Transport Water Chemistry in High Recycle Rate Systems
David Donkin – UCC Environmental
The coal-fired electrical utility sector is faced with the regulatory requirement to retire their coal ash sluicing ponds under the finalized Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) regulation in the Spring of 2021. Wet-to-dry ash handling solutions are being implemented throughout the fleet to allow ponds to come out of service. However, the final disposition of outage wash wastewater, specifically the wastewater generated from washing boiler internals, air pre-heater, economizer and precipitator systems must also be considered. Historically these washwaters were simply directed to the CCR pond along with other ash materials and treated by dilution and settling prior to discharge. This option is longer available. The primary constituents of concern are total suspended solids, iron, copper and other heavy metals, and pH control. In addition, outage wash wastewater presents unique challenges with respect to wide flow variations and contaminant loading changes throughout a wash. A temporary or permanent retro-fit of existing wet-to-dry bottom ash handling systems can allow these systems to serve as a wastewater treatment system in order to meet water quality requirements with respect to outage wash wastewater streams. UCC Environmental’s lessons learned from over 2 years providing these retrofits and treating wastewater from outage washes will be reviewed.
Scott Holder (COCHAIR)
Zero Liquid Discharge an Integrated Solution for the Power Industry
Zero Liquid Discharge an Integrated Solution for the Power Industry
Scott Holder – Alfa Laval
Typical Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) applications are seen as a solution for a specific problem resulting in projects being siloed as traditional wastewater treatment systems. This approach prevents the full impact and utilization of ZLD within the power industry. ZLD systems can utilize process or waste heat to drive evaporation, reclaim water, reduce waste, and reduce the consumption of resources such as water. Ultimately, this approach can have the greatest effect on a facilities environmental impact and risk. Zero Liquid Discharge systems are a combination of technologies that work together to minimize wastewater as much as technically and economically practical, often resulting in a concentrated solid product and high-quality clean water for re-use or environmental discharge. Integrating a ZLD system into your process increases resiliency by reducing both cost and risk. Zero Liqui Discharge works to secure control over your water source and waste disposal reducing the influence of factors outside of your control. In many applications, ZLD should be seen as a comprehensive solution utilizing all aspects of the power generator process. Waste energy can be used to concentrate waste stream and recover water for reuse within the facility.Water scarcity, new Fuel-gas desulfurization (FGD) regulations, and a circular economy are driving industries to rethink their business models from the ground up. Zero Liquid Discharge should be seen as an integrated solution for beneficial reuse of both water and energy within the power energy Maximization of energy utilization through capturing high-temperature waste heat normally discarded to the cooling towers is one example of how this can be achieved.
Matthew Biega
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Corrective Action Alternatives to Evaluate Sustainable Remediation
A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Corrective Action Alternatives to Evaluate Sustainable Remediation
Matthew Biega – Gradient Corp
Life cycle assessments (LCAs) empower stakeholders to understand environmental impacts and allow for informed decision-making regarding sustainable alternatives. One LCA application that supports the comparison of environmental impacts is the selection of remedial corrective actions. This study reviewed a comprehensive LCA performed to assess the environmental sustainability of corrective action alternatives for groundwater remediation at an example industrial site. Three corrective action alternatives were considered: monitored natural attenuation (MNA), pump and treat (P&T), and permeable reactive barriers (PRBs). As part of this LCA, a variety of environmental impact categories were evaluated, including global warming, acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, smog, respiratory effects, human health, and ecotoxicity. The findings of the comparative LCA revealed substantial differences in the environmental impacts associated with MNA, P&T, and the PRB when each of the methods were applied to the example site. MNA was found to have the lowest overall environmental impacts, followed by P&T, while the PRB had the highest impacts. Operational energy of the pumping system was determined to be the major impact driver in the P&T scenario, while the potential impacts of the PRB were shown to be driven by the reactive medium supply.
Monte Markley
The Basics of Deep Well Injection as a Leachate Disposal Option
The basics of Deep Well Injection as a Leachate Disposal Option
Monte Markley – SCS Engineers
Elisabeth Christ (CHAIR)
PFAS Destruction in High Strength Waste Streams: A Case Study on Low Energy EOx
PFAS Destruction in High Strength Waste Streams: A Case Study on Low Energy EOx
PFAS Destruction in High Strength Waste Streams: A Case Study on Low Energy EOx
Elisabeth Christ – Aclarity
With recent action by the USEPA and individual states, stricter regulation of poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in water and solids wastes will change the way that the water industry has dealt with organic contaminants in the past. Typically, regulated organic contaminants have been controlled through the use of oxidation, e.g., ozonation or chlorination, or by adsorption onto activated carbon, followed by high temperature regeneration. Because of the chemical and thermal stability of PFAS compounds, however, these approaches will not work. It has been shown that even the strongest oxidant commonly used in water treatment, hydroxyl radicals, cannot degrade these compounds. It has also been shown that some PFAS is not destroyed by thermal regeneration of activated carbon, even with an afterburner. Several states have banned the incineration of PFAS-containing wastes.These circumstances have led the industry to search for technologies capable of destroying PFAS by breaking carbon-fluorine bonds, among the strongest known in organic chemistry. Among these destructive technologies are supercritical water oxidation (SCWO), hydrothermal alkaline treatment (HALT), plasma reactors, and electrochemical oxidation (EOx).To date, these technologies have been studied at relatively small scales, and are not economic for treating the millions of gallons per day flows for water treatment plants. However, when coupled with concentration technologies such as high pressure membranes, regenerable ion exchange, or foam fractionation, the technologies can be viable for use in municipal water treatment.This presentation will show results from bench and pilot scale testing of Aclarity’s EOx system treating multiple high strength wastes including reverse osmosis brine, raw landfill leachate, ion exchange brines and foam fractionate. In addition to PFAS destruction data, transformation byproducts will be addressed. Economic data demonstrating viability at larger scales will also be presented.
Evgeniya Hristova
Advanced Solidifiers for Oil Spill Containment
Advanced Solidifiers for Oil Spill Containment
Evgeniya Hristova – Natural Resources Canada
I2
EPA 316 (b) | Leachate Disposal | PFAS | Silica |
Feb 15 (10 am – 12 pm)
Andrew Xie
Solutions for Online Silica Monitoring in Power Plants and Ultrapure Water Facilities
Solutions for online silica monitoring in Power Plants and Ultrapure Water Facilities
Andrew Xie – Thermo Fisher Scientific
Silica in boiler feedwater and steam could cause silica deposition on power plant turbines and heat exchange tubes, which leads to inefficiencies, equipment failure and increased maintenance. Monitoring soluble reactive silica at ppb level in ultrapure water with an online analyzer allow users to detect excess silica and enable water treatment operations to remove silica through prior to boiler and turbine. Online Silica analyzers are widely used for monitoring boiler feedwater and ultrapure water in various industries, such as power plants, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants. Especially, Peaker power plants, which turns on and off regularly on demand, poses significant challenges to online silica analysis due to their intermittent flow, particles in sample, analysis and reagent stability requirements.Thermo Fisher Scientific developed the Orion 8030cX Silica Analyzer to solve silica monitoring challenges to prevent silica built-up, improve energy efficiency and maximize uptime. It offers superior accuracy, reliable operation, automated features and intuitive user interface to protect valuable assets and ensure safe power generation. It combines a patented fluid delivery system with smart flow sensing and auto-cleaning to resolve challenges related to intermittent flow and particles in sample. The optimized reagent chemistry minimizes common interferences from phosphate and lasts longer. Consuming only about 200 µL of reagent per test, the new analyzer can continuously monitor unattended for up to 100 days while reducing chemical waste. The 8030cX Silica Analyzer features state-of-the-art automation (such as automated calibration, validation and cleaning), advanced intuitive software, intelligent system diagnostics and alert notifications that reduce manual intervention and maintenance.
Ted Parkinson
Cost-Effective, Green, Concrete Domes for Bulk Storage of CCPs
H3.3 Cost-effective, Green, Concrete Domes for Bulk Storage of CCPs
Ted Parkinson, Business Development Director – Domtec International, LLC
This paper focuses on optimizing bulk storage of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs). It discusses state-of-the-art, green (climate friendly), storage structure solutions for plants, terminals and ports using concrete domes in both domestic (USA) and overseas markets.
Various successful storage projects will be discussed including for fly ash, limestone, coal, and FGD gypsum. The benefits of dome storage will be addressed as well as various methods for product handling and reclaim, including automated reclaim systems mechanical and pneumatic (screws, stacker-reclaimers, and fluidized floors, etc.).
The paper will also demonstrate how concrete domes are truly a ‘green’ storage structure alternative.
3 short Questions
- How are concrete domes a more efficient type of storage structure?
- In what ways are concrete domes considered ‘green’?
- What is a concrete dome’s productive life span?
Co-authors: Zac Fillmore, Ted Parkinson
Andrew Xie
Solutions for Online Silica Monitoring in Power Plants and Ultrapure Water Facilities
Solutions for online silica monitoring in Power Plants and Ultrapure Water Facilities
Andrew Xie – Thermo Fisher Scientific
Silica in boiler feedwater and steam could cause silica deposition on power plant turbines and heat exchange tubes, which leads to inefficiencies, equipment failure and increased maintenance. Monitoring soluble reactive silica at ppb level in ultrapure water with an online analyzer allow users to detect excess silica and enable water treatment operations to remove silica through prior to boiler and turbine. Online Silica analyzers are widely used for monitoring boiler feedwater and ultrapure water in various industries, such as power plants, oil refineries, and manufacturing plants. Especially, Peaker power plants, which turns on and off regularly on demand, poses significant challenges to online silica analysis due to their intermittent flow, particles in sample, analysis and reagent stability requirements.Thermo Fisher Scientific developed the Orion 8030cX Silica Analyzer to solve silica monitoring challenges to prevent silica built-up, improve energy efficiency and maximize uptime. It offers superior accuracy, reliable operation, automated features and intuitive user interface to protect valuable assets and ensure safe power generation. It combines a patented fluid delivery system with smart flow sensing and auto-cleaning to resolve challenges related to intermittent flow and particles in sample. The optimized reagent chemistry minimizes common interferences from phosphate and lasts longer. Consuming only about 200 µL of reagent per test, the new analyzer can continuously monitor unattended for up to 100 days while reducing chemical waste. The 8030cX Silica Analyzer features state-of-the-art automation (such as automated calibration, validation and cleaning), advanced intuitive software, intelligent system diagnostics and alert notifications that reduce manual intervention and maintenance.