Analysis of the fugitive dust problem associated with the surface mining of Iowa coal

Technical Report · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5221703· OSTI ID:5221703

Takle, E S; Becker, D L

Suspended-particulate emissions associated with the mining, handling, and transportation of coal in Iowa, make suspended particulates the single worst pollutant threatening to violate present air quality standards. Surface strip-mining operations produce 24-hour particulate concentrations that average greater than surrounding areas, and produce greater daily variability. High daily averages and variability are due to two simultaneous occurring effects--a large potential dust source approaching urban levels, surrounded by low ambient background levels. Topographical differences and rapid meteorological changes result in a wide range of atmospheric dispersion conditions. Dry, windy periods are most conducive to high particulate concentrations. Distributions of particle sizes were observed to closely resemble the log-normal distribution. Periods of abnormally high concentrations result in conditions which would increase the amount of inhaled particulate matter deposited in the nasal canal, trachea and primary bronchi, and alveoli. Although there were no violations of present MESA health standards for mining personnel operating within the site boundaries, there were repeated violations in state primary and secondary ambient standards. Violations can be prevented by reducing source emissions. Because the largest single source emission is associated with hauling operations on unpaved surfaces, dust control on the haul roads would likely prevent violations.

• Research Organization: Iowa State Univ. of Science and Technology, Ames (USA). Energy and Mineral Resources Research Inst.
• OSTI ID: 5221703
• Report Number(s): IS-ICP-59
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
COAL
LAND TRANSPORT
COAL INDUSTRY
DUSTS
SURFACE MINING
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
AIR POLLUTION
COAL MINING
IOWA
MATERIALS HANDLING
PARTICLES
TRUCKS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INDUSTRY
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
POLLUTION
POLLUTION CONTROL
TRANSPORT
USA
VEHICLES
012000* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Mining
016000 - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Health & Safety