Managing Springs Emanating from Coal Combustion Residual Disposal Impoundments

Affected springs emanating from coal combustion residual (CCR) disposal impoundments where “wet disposal” methods were employed is a typical issue that frequently needs to be addressed during operation and management of these facilities. Identifying potential effects on a spring is typically accomplished through regularly scheduled field reconnaissance and laboratory analyses. Analytical testing is performed to characterize the chemical constituents present in the spring water. The management approach employed for specific springs is developed on the basis of several factors, including chemical composition and flow rate of the spring water, regulatory requirements and discharge standards, available treatment technologies, facility operations, site topography, economic feasibility, and constructability issues. Management strategies may include permitting through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System outfall, treatment in-place, collection and conveyance to a centralized treatment facility, collection and conveyance to a publicly owned treatment works, or collection and return to the CCR disposal impoundment. Spring management will often include a combined approach that uses several methods. Examples of the selection and implementation of spring collection and conveyance system designs and their subsequent construction are presented in this article.