Coal Combustion Waste Management and Beneficial Uses

Coal fired power plants account for almost 45% of electric power generated in the United States. The coal combustion process at those facilities generates a tremendous amount of waste. In 2008, industry estimates indicate that 136 million tons of coal combustion waste (CCW) was generated. That would make CCW the second largest waste stream in the United States, second to municipal solid waste, or common household garbage. How CCW is managed and how those management methods are regulated have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. This book examines the potential harm from CCW to human health and the environment, and delves into the investigation of the management of CCW which is essentially exempt from federal regulation.