Physical and chemical evaluation of CCBs for alternative uses

Coal combustion by-products (CCBs) have beneficial properties that are curr ently underutilized. Prudent evaluation of CCBs prior to alternative use ap plication is in the best interest of the party undertaking the project. Ign orance and misunderstanding can lead to environmental harm and may result i n unnecessary obstacles and undue regulation. With this consideration in mi nd, an alkaline injection treatment (AIT) evaluation was undertaken in orde r to select the most appropriate CCB to treat acid mine drainage (AMD). The information generated from this study also provides insight to the suitabi lity of the CCBs for such alternative uses as neutralization of acidic indu strial wastes and soil liming applications in an agricultural setting. Alth ough there is variability in CCB composition due to parent material and ope rating conditions, general patterns are apparent from this work. With respe ct to AIT, CCBs with high alkaline contents, nonsetting characteristics, an d low exchangeable toxic constituents are the most effective and desirable.