Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)

Coal combustion residuals (CCR) come from burning coal to generate electricity, and are one of the largest types of industrial waste generated in the United States. Burning coal for electricity leaves burnt residuals. Coal combustion residuals are solid byproduct residuals from coal-fired power plants, such as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization solids (e.g., synthetic gypsum). Coal combustion residuals come from the mineral matter in coal that does not burn and drops out in the combustion zone or captured downstream in the plant’s process through electrostatic precipitators, fabric filters and baghouses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What contaminants and chemicals are in coal combustion residuals?

Coal combustion residuals contain contaminants like mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Without proper management, these contaminants can pollute waterways, ground water, drinking water, and the air. Coal combustion residuals can include unburned carbon and sorbents and additives such as activated carbon and limestone, used to capture components during combustion such as mercury and sulfur dioxide. Coal combustion residuals also contain a wide range and concentration of inorganic constituents based on coal type, and combustion and pollution control processes.

What do power plants do with coal combustion residuals?

That depends upon the location or need. Coal combustion residuals are primarily disposed of in a landfill or surface impoundment. Some coal combustion residuals can be beneficially reused in various industrial processes, including cement and concrete manufacturing, wallboard production and shingles. Other coal combustion residuals are beneficially reused in structural fill applications.

Why are coal combustion residuals reused?

Reusing coal combustion residuals may benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing risks associated with landfill disposal, and reduced use of other materials. Reusing coal combustion residuals may benefit the economy by reducing costs associated with coal combustion residual disposal, generate revenue from the sale of coal combustion residuals, and reduce the use of other, more costly materials. In certain circumstances, coal combustion residuals can improve the strength, durability, and workability of product materials.

Who regulates coal combustion residuals in Utah?

We, the Department of Environmental Quality, regulate coal combustion residuals as solid waste. Federal regulations for coal combustion residuals, first published in 2015, also require coal combustion residual disposal units to meet requirements of the EPA. Currently, we are taking action to become state-authorized by the EPA to ensure that federal requirements are met in Utah instead of via federal government regulation. This will reduce dual regulation and enable us to respond directly. Additionally, we can provide a local approach to public outreach through public notices, comment periods, and hearings.

What is Utah doing to protect the environment and inform its citizens?

We have had a regulatory process for permitting and regulating coal combustion residual facilities since the late 1990s. We have followed the specific federal regulations for coal combustion residual disposal at landfills and coal combustion residual containment at surface impoundments.

These regulations require owners of coal combustion residual landfills and surface impoundments to conduct various actions such as, but not limited to:

location standards
design criteria of landfills and surface impoundments
engineering structural and safety
inspections and assessments
groundwater monitoring
closure and post-closure care
public notifications.

These required regulations help coal combustion residual unit owners and DEQ manage the risks for each facility to protect Utah’s environment and public health.

Who is regulated by DEQ and its rules?

Owners and operators of coal-fired power plants with coal combustion residual landfills and surface impoundments in Utah. Coal combustion residuals units on Tribal lands are regulated by the EPA.

Why does DEQ regulate coal combustion residuals?

The need for protective coal combustion residual disposal measures was highlighted by large coal combustion residual spills at power plants in the past, which caused environmental and economic damage to nearby waterways and properties. Coal combustion residuals contain contaminants like mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. Without proper management, these contaminants can pollute waterways, groundwater, drinking water, and the air. To address the risks from improper disposal and discharge of coal combustion residuals, DEQ has established state rules similar to federal rules for coal combustion residual disposal at CCR landfills and surface impoundments at power plant facilities in Utah.