CCP Extension Program
INTRODUCTION
Over the last eight years, Ohio has become a leader in the
development of new technologies for the beneficial use of clean coal combustion products
(CCPs). This is the result of tremendous cooperation and support by a large number of
organizations including: the Ohio Coal Development Office/Ohio
Air Quality, Dravo Lime Company, American Electric Power, The Ohio State University, the U.S.
Department of Energy, Ohio Edison, the Electric Power Research Institute, US Geological
Survey, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Environmental Protection
Agency, the American Coal Ash Association and others.
Through a considerable amount of research, along with extensive development and field
demonstration work, significant progress has been made toward creating various new uses of
CCPs. Re-use of CCPs is frequently desirable as it provides a low-cost raw material (often
displacing a more expensive, virgin material); extends the life of expensive landfills and
lessens the need for new ones, thereby enhancing the environment; and helps keep energy
production costs in check. Some of these products are currently used as grit for ice and
snow control, as an additive in some concretes, as a major component in
"flash-fill," in reflective paints, and several other uses. However, the bulk of
these materials were unproductively and expensively disposed.
It was felt that a concerted effort was needed to move the
utilization technologies from the research and demonstration phase into the marketplace.
The current knowledge gaps between CCP producers, brokers, regulators and users
was bridged through the establishment of an extension program at The Ohio State
University, where a considerable amount of data and expertise has developed over the past
8 years. This extension program primarily focuses on the beneficial uses of CCPs from
sulfur dioxide scrubbing processes. However, other more traditional CCPs, e.g., fly ash,
bottom ash, boiler slag, fluidized-bed combustor ash etc., are also included as
opportunities present themselves.
Bringing CCP use technology to the marketplace has both direct benefits and indirect and
societal benefits. The direct benefits are most easily quantified and are generally what
drive the adoption of a new product or technology. Direct economic benefits include those
realized by both the producer of the CCPs and the end user. The producer benefits if the
cost associated with support of beneficial uses is lower than that of landfilling or other
disposal means. The end user benefits if the CCP application results in lower cost than
would the conventional application.
CCP COORDINATOR
A technology transfer/extension position filled by a qualified
CCP expert was established at The Ohio State University in January of 1998 under the
statewide extension program. The coordinator acts as a liaison amongst CCP
producers, brokers, regulators and users. The CCP Coordinator produces information sheets,
provides expertise in the field to those who wish it, sponsors or co-sponsors seminars,
meetings, and speaks at these events, and generally works to promote knowledge about the
productive and proper application of these products as useful raw materials. The duties of
the coordinator include:
Development of Information Database: The coordinator collects, organizes and
analyzes technical information to produce a data base of the available knowledge
groundwork presently existing regarding CCPs by contacting known CCP organizations and
experts. The purposes are to build a comprehensive knowledge base of those involved in CCP
research and promotion efforts, to develop a data base of resource entities to which those
interested in CCPs can be referred for additional information, and to assist the CCP
Coordinator in accessing and using what is already available and avoiding the duplication
of work in his other efforts which already have been accomplished.
Market Study: A market
development study is in progress to assess the approximate annual volumes of CCP products
produced by category (fly ash, scrubber sludge, etc.) in Ohio and the estimated and
potential markets for each of three major use sectors, i.e., highway/road construction and
related civil engineering uses, mine reclamation, agricultural uses. There are a number of
potential markets for CCP use. These markets will be identified and analyzed to determine
the geographic and volumetric size. A market development report is being prepared which
will include a listing and discussion of identified CCP products and/or applications, a
listing of markets for these Ohio-produced CCPs, including market volume, the geographical
relationship of the market to the producers, and the estimated economics of the markets
for producers/brokers. The various benefits associated with CCP use to both users and CCP
generators, including potential cost savings (loss) to both will be quantified and
discussed. A realistic market value for CCPs will be determined for various types of end
uses, and to the extent possible, the profitability or avoided cost associated with CCP
use will be determined by category for the CCP producers, brokers, and users. Maps shall
be included to display the radius around each CCP production source (e.g., power plants)
within which CCP transport/usage is economical. The marketing report shall also list and
discuss the incentives and disincentives for CCP use, and shall make recommendations on
how to solve or remove the disincentives. While the report focuses on Ohio, it also
briefly reviews existing CCP-use practices and precedents in neighboring states in this
region.
Work with Regulatory Agencies:
The coordinator works with various regulatory agencies to produce environmental guidelines
and standards for CCP use. This involves working with the various regulatory agencies such
as Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Natural Resources/Division of Mines and Reclamation, etc.
and the producer/user communities to develop approved, standard procedures for the
use/application of some CCPs which will facilitate expedited permit approval. This
involves labeling of materials, writing procedures of standard tests, development of
streamlined approval procedures for certain end uses, ensuring that existing research
results, data, precedents, and expertise are made available to regulators.
Preparation of Support Materials: Support and educational materials are prepared for end users which provide
detailed instructions specific for various beneficial uses of CCPs. The CCP coordinator
serves as a resource person to end users, particularly small businesses which lack access
to other resources. The Coordinator has established a web site to assist in the
dissemination of information relating to responsible uses of CCPs. To ensure that CCPs are
formulated and used properly, a series of "how-to" sheets, "tip"
sheets, "fact" sheets and instruction guides are being developed for various end
uses. Special attention is being given to identifying standard testing procedures and
QA/QC regimens for CCPs.
Training Workshops: The
Coordinator conducts workshops to train CCP users and others in the advantages of CCPs and
their proper application. Workshops are effective method of disseminating information and
encouraging the use of new processes and techniques. The Coordinator convenes targeted
workshops, seminars, and field days to promote and train potential end users and others.
Development of Promotional Materials: The CCP coordinator promotes the responsible use of CCPs via the preparation of
promotional materials, papers, presentations, press releases, etc. The intention is to
develop both industry and public awareness of the benefits of CCP use. The coordinator
prepares articles for various end user trade publications, creates promotional materials
describing the various uses of CCPs and their benefits economically and to the
environment, etc.
SPONSORS
