Lysimeter study on the disposal of Paraho retorted oil shale. Final report, July 1975-July 1978

Technical Report · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979

OSTI ID:5143108

Harbert, III, H P; Berg, W A; McWhorter, D B

This study used lysimeters to develop both a low-elevation (dry site) and a high-elevation (moist site) disposal scheme for Paraho (direct-heated) retorted shale. The objectives were to investigate: (1) vegetative stabilization of the surface of Paraho retorted shale and retorted shale covered with various soil depths; and (2) water and salt movement through both uncompacted and compacted Paraho retorted shale. The lysimeters were constructed in western Colorado in 1976 and filled in March 1977. Only a sparse vegetation cover (5% to 15) was established on retorted shale following fertilization, mulching, and irrigation. In contrast, adequate plant cover (55% to 85%) was established on the soil cover over retorted shale and on soil control treatment areas. Water balance calculations and drainage below the compacted zone indicated that water had moved into and through the compacted zone in the leached treatment areas. Further study is needed on the permeability of the compacted shale.

• Research Organization: Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (USA). Dept. of Agronomy
• OSTI ID: 5143108
• Report Number(s): PB-80-102924
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
041000* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- Environmental Aspects
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COLORADO
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INDUSTRY
LAND RECLAMATION
MANAGEMENT
MOISTURE
NORTH AMERICA
OIL SHALE INDUSTRY
OIL SHALES
PLANTS
REVEGETATION
ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
SOILS
SOLID WASTES
SPENT SHALES
USA
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES