Power Industry Webinar Production & Promotion

Ash Management – Smart Tips for Conforming to the New CCR Rules

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Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) - fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials, continue to be a major waste stream from coal-fired power plants.  Following EPA’s publication of the final CCR Rule on April 17, 2015 (with an effective date of October 19, 2015), all U.S. coal fired power plants must develop compliance strategies for CCR landfills and CCR surface impoundment sites.  Key compliance considerations for existing & inactive facilities will include:

  • Location criteria (water table, wetlands, faults, Seismic Impact Zones)

  • Design (structural stability, composite liners, emergency action plan)

  • Operations (fugitive dust and run-on/run-off control plans)

  • Groundwater, sampling, monitoring & protection

  • Facility closures with CCR in place and with CCR removal

Below are some of the questions discussed during the webinar:

  • Is wFGD gypsum considered a CCR?

  • Has any organization, such as the Sierra Club, challenged the unenforceability of the CCR rules?

  • Does the final rule define the beneficial use of coal combustion residual?

  • Does the final rule regulate structural fill?

  • What are the risks to a utility that fails to comply?

  • What are common "gaps in compliance" encountered during initial studies?

  • Is there an assessment criteria for sites in coastal states subject to hurricane activity?

  • Please explain 'Composite Liner'.