Introduction - Coal Waste Impoundments: Risks, Responses, and Alternatives - page 17

The overall objectives of this study are:
• to examine engineering standards for coal waste impoundments;
• to provide recommendations for improving impoundment structure
stabilization;
• to determine the adequacy of mine maps; and
• to evaluate potential alternatives for future coal waste disposal, including
the benefits of each alternative.
The Statement of Task lists the following specific tasks:
Engineering Standards/Barrier Stability/Monitoring
• Examine current engineering practices for coal waste impoundments and
provide recommendations for improving engineering practices, including
impoundment structure stabilization.
• What alternative means are available to evaluate or confirm the safety of
the designed barrier(s) protecting slurry impoundments?
• What options can be developed to effectively monitor the status of coal
barriers left to protect slurry impoundments?
Site Characterization
• Evaluate the adequacy of mine maps and explore ways to improve mapping
and surveying practices in general for the mining industry.
• What is the best way to three-dimensionally conceptualize and delineate the
impoundment area, including the extent of underground mine works
beneath or adjacent to the slurry disposal area?
Alternative Technologies
• Evaluate potential alternatives for future coal waste disposal, including the
benefits of each alternative.
• Are there other methods to wash and process coal that would reduce the
amount of slurry disposal needed?
• What are the options for the coal waste product to be refined further in
order to produce a marketable product?
To address the charge, the committee gathered, synthesized, and analyzed
information by working in subgroups based on the three main topics in the
Statement of Task (geotechnical aspects, site characterization, and alternative
technologies). The committee held eight information-gathering meetings,
including six subgroup meetings, between March and June 2001. The meetings
included presentations by, and discussions with the sponsor, personnel from
other government programs, and representatives of