Solid Waste Management for Utility Reconversions

Since the OPEC oil embargo, several utilities have reconverted or are in the process of reconverting some of their power plants from oil to coal firing. The increased quantity of wastes generated as a result of these projects, coupled with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), necessitates that the utilities develop comprehensive solid waste management plans. In most cases, the environmental licensing for these projects requires the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, in which solid waste management impacts, as well as alternatives to disposal, are discussed. Frequently, other documents, similar to Environmental Reports, containing the results of the subsurface and groundwater investigation and accompanied by a set of conceptual design drawings, must be prepared to satisfy the licensing requirements for the selected solid waste management facility. While air quality impacts remain the single most important environmental consideration facing these reconversion projects, solid waste management plans are also vital to successful licensing. Proper attention to the solid waste management issues of a utility's coal reconversion project can expedite the licensing process and, consequently, the overall reconversion timetable. Several of the major aspects which should be considered when selecting and licensing a utility's solid waste management facility are discussed in this paper.