Oklahoma Department of Mines - Coal Combustion By-Products

FAQs | Contact

Coal Combustion By-Products (CCB)

Ash Placement Site in LeFlore County

The CCB Program

Reclaiming mine sites with CCB, including ash and CKD, is the primary focus of the CCB Program. Sites in this program are issued mining permits by the Minerals Division and the reclamation of such sites involves the placement of CCBs in designated portions of the site. Prior to a permit being issued all mining and reclamation applications are technically reviewed for environmental design and to ensure that the operation being proposed complies with all applicable rules and regulations protecting public health and the environment. Background information including, but not limited to, hydrologic, geologic, land use and soil data is analyzed in order to make certain that environmental balance protection is achieved. Water monitoring points are established prior to CCB placement both on and off the site at locations that will provide representative data on the environmental effects of the site. Such background information is a useful tool in environmental compliance monitoring throughout the life of the permit. Prior to a permit being issued, the operator must obtain all the required permits from other agencies with applicable jurisdiction. This may include, for example, a storm water discharge and an air quality permit.

In 2010 there were nine (9) sites totaling 1,316 acres of land (1,256 acres for fly ash and 60 acres for CKD) across Oklahoma that are permitted to receive CCBs. One (1) of these sites was completely reclaimed and released and one (1) was partially reclaimed and released in 2010.

CKD Placement Site in Mayes County.

The CCB Program involves both Fly Ash and CKD.

These sites are in various stages of reclamation, with some simultaneously conducting different stages of reclamation.

CKD site during placement.

CCB sites are in the reclamation stage when issued. When a sufficient amount of CCB has been placed on site, a pre-determined amount of cover material and topsoil is laid down. Once sufficient vegetation is established, the site is released.

CKD site during reclamation

As reclamation progresses and the need arises, permits may be revised to more accurately reflect the changes that have occurred at the site over time and/or to better monitor the environment being effected by the operations.

	Stockpiles (pre-grading) at an ash site.
	Partial reclamation at an ash site.
	Reclamation complete at an ash site.

During reclamation, the enforcement of State laws, rules, regulations and permit conditions related to minerals mining and reclamation is administered under the CCB program to ensure continued compliance. Surface and ground water monitoring points are sampled on a scheduled frequency and environmental aspects of the site are closely watched throughout the life of the permit.

Water Monitoring Points

Operators must monitor both surface and ground water on either a semi-annual or an annual basis. Analyses on these monitoring points look at the concentration of a variety of parameters that reflect the water quality of the surrounding area. As evidenced by these analyses to date, water quality levels are unaffected by the placement of CCB at these sites.

Water Monitoring Well on an Ash site.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 cubic yards of fly ash and 300,000 cubic yards of CKD are placed on sites each year. This number is expected to increase as the CCB Program continues to develop and the benefits of utilizing CCB for reclamation purposes are further realized.

Title 460:30.Coal Combustion By-Products Standards have been developed to address reclamation standards when CCB is utilized in order to further the mission of this program and to assist the mining industry in meeting its environmental responsibilities in an efficient and effective manner. These standards are a part of the rules regulated by ODM on all of its mine sites throughout Oklahoma.

Water monitoring well on CKD site.

Both environmental and health and safety inspections are being conducted on all CCB permits to ensure that environmental standards and guidelines are being met and that safe practices are being followed.

One inspector conducts both inspections so to minimize departmental costs and to give the operator/owner one primary contact person at ODM. This same inspector conducts complaint investigations relating to these assigned permitted sites.

When necessary, the CCB Inspector issues Notices of Violations to operators who are out of compliance with State Statutes and Departmental Rules governing environmental and health and safety practices. In 2010 the number of health and safety violations at two (2) sites rose sharply due to increased reclamation activity and additional equipment on site.

Environmental technical assistance also is available for Non-Coal Inspectors, Coal Inspectors and other ODM staff as requested and representation of ODM is provided at interagency meetings and CCB discussion and workgroups both statewide and nationally

	Fly ash hopper on active site.
	Ash being slurried down to ash cell.
	Active ash placement site.

In summary, the CCB Program administered through the Minerals Division of ODM is designed and functions to meet the needs of both the mining industry and the citizens of Oklahoma. Precious land that has endured the hardships of mining is put back into productive service for Oklahoma property owners as crops, grazing land for domestic animals or set aside for wildlife and recreation. With diligent environmental monitoring and careful adherence to the laws of this State, this is becoming an increasing reality.

Reclamation Is No Bull

Reclaimed Ash Site.

Last Modified on 12/28/2012