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U.S. Department of Energy
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Coal mine spoil and refuse bank reclamation with powerplant fly ash

Journal Article · · Compost Sci.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7233431
Numerous coal mine refuse piles and strip spoil banks mar the countryside, contributing to stream and air pollution and land degradation. Experimental reclamation of several such sites with fly ash from bituminous coal-fired powerplants was conducted in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Conventional farm equipment was used at some of the sites; large earthmovers were required at others. The fly ash served as a neutralizing agent, diluent, and soil amendment, providing some nutrients that encouraged vegetation of the barren areas while disposing of significant quantities of the powerplant waste. Estimated cost of reclamation by this method is $300 per acre of previously leveled area. This figure can vary considerably depending upon the topography of the site, distance from the source of fly ash, and quality of the fly ash.
OSTI ID:
7233431
Journal Information:
Compost Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: Compost Sci.; (United States) Vol. 13:6; ISSN COMPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English