Proposed ash rules may hamper recycling efforts
It requires extensive resources to provide reliable electricity across Minnesota. Great River Energy operates 11 power plants and maintains more than 4,500 miles of transmission lines in order to deliver power to its membership. Such extensive infrastructure is necessary, but it also has an environmental impact.
Great River Energy has made significant progress on reducing its environmental impact and making use of waste products. For example, Great River Energy markets a majority of the fly ash created at its power plants.
This fine ash, which is a byproduct of burning coal, has numerous industrial applications, such as soil stabilization and as a replacement for Portland cement in concrete production. For every ton of Portland cement that is replaced with fly ash, up to one ton of greenhouse gas emissions is avoided.
However, the safe and reliable use of fly ash is being threatened by a proposed rule.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new regulations for coal combustion byproducts that are out for public comment. EPA is seeking public comment about whether fly ash should be regulated under section C (hazardous waste) or section D (non-hazardous waste) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
EPA has expressed its preference to classify coal combustion byproducts that are not destined for beneficial use as hazardous waste, which would require them to be stored in a hazardous waste landfill.
Although the EPA still supports the beneficial use of coal combustion byproducts, such as in concrete mixtures, people may be less likely to use coal ash in their homes, schools and neighborhoods if it is considered hazardous. In addition, Minnesota regulation prohibits using a hazardous material in such a way.
John Weeda, plant manager at Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station power plant, recently provided information about the beneficial use of fly ash at an EPA hearing in Denver, Colo. During his presentation, Weeda talked about the advancements made at Coal Creek Station to find beneficial uses for fly ash.
“The proposed rule could destroy the progress that has been made in making Coal Creek Station ash a respected commodity in the marketplace,” said Weeda. “Any indication that fly ash is a hazardous waste under any circumstances would bring a stigma of liability concerns that most users would avoid and thus eliminate the use of that ash.”
The environmental agencies of 30 states have asked for fly ash to remain regulated as non-hazardous waste. The EPA will accept comments on coal combustion byproducts through Nov. 19.
The public is invited to learn more about potential regulations and provide comments to the EPA on its proposed rule by visiting www.recyclingfirst.org.
Existing environmental precautions
Great River Energy creates coal combustion byproducts at its two coal-fired power plants, which are both located in North Dakota. State law requires facilities that store coal combustion byproducts to follow strict precautions to protect the environment.
To keep in accordance with North Dakota laws, Great River Energy has composite liners installed on ash landfills and impoundments. Monitoring wells are also required to ensure groundwater is not affected by storage of coal combustion byproducts.
