Welcome to the September/October edition of Industrial WaterWorld. Our feature this month delves into the issue of coal combustion residuals (CCR) and the industry’s reaction to recent Environmental Protection Agency revisions to regulations governing coal ash storage and disposal. As William Steel explains on page 14, opinions toward the rule are starkly opposed. Industry groups favor EPA’s attempt to provide greater flexibility in the management of CCR — a move that will reportedly save tens of millions of dollars in regulatory costs. Environmental groups, however, believe the amendments weaken existing coal ash regulations and open the door to increased groundwater contamination from leaking storage ponds.
Continuing the coal ash theme, Kevin McDonough discusses an enhanced wastewater technology for the conversion of wet bottom ash to dry for the purposes of disposal. As he explains on page 20, bottom ash transport water and impoundment closure have become critical concerns in light of recent CCR regulations and Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs). He outlines a case study in which a plant was faced with the challenge of converting a wet bottom ash sluicing conveying system that was fed by multiple operating units.
Interest in desalination continues to intensify as the pressures of global water security become more acute, but concerns about the energy requirements of desalination technology persist. With that, support for nuclear-powered desalination is growing, fueled by the versatility and maturity of nuclear technology. The resulting energy output is clean and high enough to support desalination processes — and the desalinated water can serve two important purposes: provide make-up water for the plant and produce potable water for drinking. William Steel discusses the current state of the technology and its adoption on page 24.
Retail giant Walmart is acutely focused on delivering value to its customers but being a good water steward is also high on its agenda. Walmart’s Environmental, Health and Safety Compliance Manager Toni McCrory spoke with Industrial WaterWorld about her company’s attitude toward water. Turn to page 37 to hear what she had to say.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Industrial WaterWorld. Thanks for reading!
