Coal has successfully powered electricity generation for more than 100 years. But in recent decades, increasing regulations regarding coal combustion residuals (CCR) have greatly impacted operations at coal-fired facilities. We help clients navigate evolving air and water regulations, as well as those relating to CCR storage and treatment and CCR waste disposal. Geosyntec consults with clients to support new and expanded storage facilities for ash and residuals, closure and reuse of existing storage facilities, and management of leachate, unplanned releases, and groundwater impacts related to coal combustion.
OUR CCR EXPERTISE
During the past 20 years of supporting our electric power clients, we have provided comprehensive services, including the following:
- Feasibility and siting studies
- Design and permit applications
- Construction support services
- Environmental investigation and remediation
- Closure engineering
- Operations support
We address technically challenging projects related to landfills, ponds, containment dams, groundwater assessment and remediation, and plant wastewater.
We offer in-plant services including the following:
- Studies to assess the impacts of new regulations
- Assessments and proposed design alternatives, including those for mechanical-process changes
- Redesign of wastewater treatment facilities
- Preparation of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit applications
We work closely with our clients to assess current and potential future needs and conduct planning and engineering to meet those needs.
COAL-ASH TECHNOLOGY
We advance the practice by introducing technical innovations, collaborating on research with industry partners, and contributing to technical publications. The Electric Power Research Institute frequently taps Geosyntec practitioners to author guidance and research on topics related to coal ash. Additionally, our experience with high-profile CCR projects was recently recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies with an Engineering Excellence Grand Award for our efforts at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Kingston plant.
Engineering and Groundwater Specialities for CCR
Services
- Design and permitting of ash landfills
- Reuse and disposal of flue-gas desulfurization waste
- Geotechnical inspections, monitoring, and rehabilitation of coal-ash dikes and dams
- Closure design for ash ponds
- Structural reliability assessment of existing dams and CCR-pond embankments
- Groundwater monitoring and assessment and remediation of heavy metals
- NPDES permitting
