Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
the origination of new seeps, initiation of erosion, and many other parameters.
As discussed in Chapter 2 , OSM and its state delegate programs require
mine operators to monitor both surface and groundwater at coal mining sites.
The vast majority of the work published on slurry impoundment composition
and chemistry was conducted in the mid 1970s and early 1980s. However,
considering the advances in coal cleaning techniques and in storage and
abandonment of the refuse, and the likely impact on impoundment chemistry
resulting from the implementation of these technologies, this data may not be
representative of current conditions (Darrell Taulbee, Center for Applied
Energy Research, Lexington, KY, personal communication, 2001). In addition,
a theme mentioned repeatedly in town meetings with coalfield citizens was their
concern and desire for information concerning the chemical constituents in the
coal waste, and how it affects their ground and surface water. As a result, the
committee recommends that research be performed to identify the
chemical constituents contained in the liquid and solid fractions of coal
waste, and to characterize the hydrogeologic conditions around
impoundments. An additional benefit to this research is that the
characterization of the wastewater will aid in monitoring schemes that could aid
in leak detection, which could foreshadow impoundment failure ( Sidebar 6.2 ).
These monitoring systems focus on forensic petrologic and geochemical
investigations that may aid in the early detection of fugitive solutions from a
refuse impoundment system. While these investigations and monitoring
programs are not directly germane to limiting the potential for refuse
impoundment breakthroughs and failures, they may act as an early warning
system for mine operators to change their management of the impoundment
system. Conjunctive research should also be conducted to demonstrate the use
of continuous data loggers and real-time monitoring devices that can monitor
and warn of changes in hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and geotechnical conditions
around the impoundments.
It must be clearly understood that for monitoring to be successful it should
be applied to all modes of potential failure. Monitoring expenses can only be
justified if data and analysis results are received in a timely manner. Acquisition
and analysis of data should be sufficiently rapid to enable coal operators to
make meaningful decisions. If data indicating movement or water pressure
increases are not analyzed prior to a black-water release or failure, they are of
limited value. Computerized processing can immediately transform the raw data
into a format the engineer can use. If some crucial criteria are exceeded, visual
or audible alarms can be triggered.
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