Ash pond

Ash Pond

A coal power plant near Portage, Wisconsin, which may utilize ash ponds for waste management.

An ash pond is a type of surface impoundment used for the disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash. These ponds are typically located near coal-fired power plants and are designed to store the byproducts of coal combustion, such as fly ash, bottom ash, and flue-gas desulfurization materials.

Design and Construction

Ash ponds are engineered structures that are constructed to contain the waste materials produced by coal-fired power plants. They are usually lined with clay or synthetic liners to prevent the leaching of contaminants into the surrounding environment. The design of an ash pond includes embankments or dikes to contain the ash slurry, which is a mixture of water and ash.

Environmental Concerns

Coal power plants produce significant amounts of ash that require careful management.

Ash ponds have been a subject of environmental concern due to the potential for groundwater contamination and the release of toxic substances such as arsenic, lead, and mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has established regulations to manage and monitor the safety of ash ponds to mitigate these risks.

Closure and Remediation

The closure of ash ponds involves dewatering the pond and stabilizing the remaining ash. This process may include capping the pond with a cover system to prevent water infiltration and the release of contaminants. Remediation efforts are often necessary to restore the site and prevent future environmental impacts.

Related Pages

• Coal combustion residuals
• Fly ash
• Bottom ash
• Flue-gas desulfurization
• Environmental Protection Agency