Archived
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Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Start Date
6-5-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
6-5-2026 11:30 AM
Description
Identification and differentiation of particular Anthropocene strata such as coal ash and historic fill intermixed with native unconsolidated overburden presents significant challenges. To make specific determinations about origin and composition, a variety of tools are available such as our well-defined lithologic characterization processes. However, additional tools are required, as important and defining characteristic evidence isn’t available or obvious to our senses in the field. One challenge is the absence of surficial evidence of ash areas. Secondly, we are faced with limited access, as the responsible party no longer owns the site, there is new construction in the area of historic coal operations, and the presence of historic fill, which is visually similar to coal ash. Additionally, the breadth of analytical and lithological historic data we are working with, was collected prior to the CCR Rule, meaning coal ash was not specifically differentiated from historic fill, which is a specific designation given to historically placed soils in New Jersey. This presentation explores the advanced lithologic identification methodology employed by TRC, leveraging optical tools to overcome these challenges. By combining traditional geologic skills with modern visual tools, we developed a systematic approach to identify coal ash in complex subsurface environments. Techniques include use of hand lenses and field microscopes to facilitate sampling decisions in the field, bench microscope for analysis under more controlled lab conditions to inform sample plans, and the study of historic processes that create defining ash characteristics, such as cenospheres formed under superheated conditions. This presentation will highlight the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in order to make data-driven decisions. This includes historic data, qualitative and quantitative microscopy, and a deep understanding of Anthropocene geologic characterization.
Document Type
Presentation
Archival?
Archival
Included in
Energy Systems Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Mining Engineering Commons, Oil, Gas, and Energy Commons, Structural Materials Commons, Sustainability Commons
Anthropogenic Lithologic Characterization through use of Advanced Visual Tools as a Means of Identifying Coal Ash
Lexington, Kentucky
Identification and differentiation of particular Anthropocene strata such as coal ash and historic fill intermixed with native unconsolidated overburden presents significant challenges. To make specific determinations about origin and composition, a variety of tools are available such as our well-defined lithologic characterization processes. However, additional tools are required, as important and defining characteristic evidence isn’t available or obvious to our senses in the field. One challenge is the absence of surficial evidence of ash areas. Secondly, we are faced with limited access, as the responsible party no longer owns the site, there is new construction in the area of historic coal operations, and the presence of historic fill, which is visually similar to coal ash. Additionally, the breadth of analytical and lithological historic data we are working with, was collected prior to the CCR Rule, meaning coal ash was not specifically differentiated from historic fill, which is a specific designation given to historically placed soils in New Jersey. This presentation explores the advanced lithologic identification methodology employed by TRC, leveraging optical tools to overcome these challenges. By combining traditional geologic skills with modern visual tools, we developed a systematic approach to identify coal ash in complex subsurface environments. Techniques include use of hand lenses and field microscopes to facilitate sampling decisions in the field, bench microscope for analysis under more controlled lab conditions to inform sample plans, and the study of historic processes that create defining ash characteristics, such as cenospheres formed under superheated conditions. This presentation will highlight the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence in order to make data-driven decisions. This includes historic data, qualitative and quantitative microscopy, and a deep understanding of Anthropocene geologic characterization.
