Document Type
Article
Abstract
In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule regarding the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCRs), many utilities need to re-examine their waste disposal practices and make decisions regarding if and how unlined surface impoundments (SIs) should be closed. The two primary options for closing SIs are in-place closure, with capping and engineering controls, and excavation of the CCR for transport to and re-disposal in a lined landfill. To help inform closure option decisions, we supported the Electric Power Research Institute’s development of a practical, science-based decision framework that comprehensively evaluates the potential impacts to human health and the environment associated with SI closure alternatives. We have applied this framework to several sites and have performed a detailed sensitivity analysis of individual parameters on the framework results. Based on these applications, we developed a set of lessons learned that can be used to scope and streamline further SI closure option assessments.
First Page
34
Last Page
36
DOI
10.4177/1946-0198.9.2.34.1
Volume
9
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Ari S., and Andrew B. Bittner. 2017. “The Relative Impact Framework for Evaluating Coal Combustion Residual Surface Impoundment Closure Options: Applications and Lessons Learned.” Coal Combustion and Gasification Products 9 (2): 34–36. https://doi.org/10.4177/1946-0198.9.2.34.1.