Coal Combustion Residuals Conference 2018

Power generators have developed and revised their ash management, ash storage procedures, and groundwater monitoring plans to keep their facilities in regulation. With the approach taken by the Trump administration’s EPA and the impact of citizen lawsuits, there may be future changes yet to come while the industry adapts the best they can.

This coal ash focused conference will continue the discussion on how any changes may affect the industry with discussion on generators’ ash closure plans, the CCR and ELG Rule’s regulations and their impacts, closure service contracting options, safety, and how utilities are accomplishing closures, remediation issues and more. 

Learning Outcomes

  • Review an update on the state of CCR regulations at the state and federal levels
  • Address risk management techniques to consider given the role of Citizen Suits under the CCR Rule
  • Engage in a panel discussion on successful project contract and safety performance
  • Discuss Duke Energy’s closure projects in accordance with the CCR rule
  • Review the positive results of Vectren Corporation’s redesign of a pond closure project based on agency and environmental feedback
  • Listen to Lakeland Electric’s lessons learned with existing landfills being brought into compliance
  • Address Duke Energy’s challenges with ash basin closure work in North Carolina
  • Discuss Southern Company’s approach to dewatering including strategies, technologies and contracts
  • Examine the benefits of early-on remedial planning and feasibility studies to support potential groundwater remediation
  • Review an approach using advanced groundwater assessment techniques to demonstrate fingerprinting of groundwater quality signatures
  • Listen to East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s case study of lessons learned during the planning and execution of a closure project

Credits

AP_Logo

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.9 CEUs for this conference, 0.7 CEUs for Pre-conference workshop 1, 0.4 CEUs for Pre-conference Workshop 2 and 0.4 CEUs for the Post conference workshop.

 

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must sign in/out each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Case studies, PowerPoint presentations, and group discussion will be used in this event.

Agenda

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

12:45 – 1:15 p.m. :: Registration

1:15 – 1:25 p.m. :: Introductions

1:25 – 1:45 p.m. :: Welcoming Keynote Address

Kenny Tapp, Senior Byproducts Coordinator, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Services, Inc.

1:45 – 3:00 p.m. :: CCR Regulation, Risk Management and Citizen Suits

This presentation will provide attendees an update on the state of CCR regulations at the state and federal levels, including the status of state program approvals under the post-WIIN Act ability of states to run federally-approved CCR programs. We will also address risk management techniques to consider given the role of Citizen Suits under the CCR Rule and the website publication of data and analysis. 

Joshua R. More, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP

Daniel J. Deeb, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. :: Networking Break sponsored by

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. :: Panel Discussion: Successful Project Contract and Safety Performance

Engage in a discussion with panelists on which method of contracting closure and environmental work may be the best fit for your company and what has been seen in recent solicitations. Additional topics will consist of project safety since with so much new pond and landfill activity being generated, successful bidders may not have experience with the hazards associated, especially with pond closure work.

Moderator:

Kenny Tapp, Senior Byproducts Coordinator, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Services, Inc.

Panelists:

Chad McKnight, Principal Engineer, Southern Company

Joel Roberts, VP Construction Services, TRC

Paul Schmall, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Engineer, Senior Vice President, Moretrench

Joe Laubenstein, Director CCR Management, Waste Connections

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. :: Networking Reception

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. :: Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:15 a.m. :: CASE STUDY: CCR Rule Compliance and Impoundment Closure

This presentation will discuss Duke Energy’s projects and lessons learned through the filter of their impoundment closure work in accordance with the CCR rule.

Yuhui Hu, Lead Engineer, Duke Energy

9:15 – 10:00 a.m. :: The Hybrid Remedial Approach: An Introduction to Complex Ash Pond Closures

The vast majority of ash pond closures are complex groundwater remediation projects. This presentation will provide an overview of applicable remedial options for closing these complex sites including cut-off walls, in-situ soil stabilization, permeable reactive barriers, advanced grouting techniques, biological treatments, MNA and more.

Sean Rome, Director – CCR, Remedial Construction Services, L.P.

Dale Evans, P.E., Senior Director of Technology and Strategy, Remedial Construction Services, L.P.

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. :: Networking Break

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. :: CASE STUDY: CCR Compliance with Old Landfills

Lakeland Electric will review their old landfill issues with CCR compliance. Lessons learned with existing landfills being brought into compliance as well as other challenges, including neighborhood challenges will be discussed.

Ken Riddle, Supervisor of Chemical Processes, Lakeland Electric

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: CASE STUDY: Ash Basin Dewatering Experiences in North Carolina

Review Duke Energy’s lessons learned, and challenges faced with ash basin closure work at their facilities in North Carolina.

Charles Smith, P.E., Senior Engineer – CCP Engineering, Duke Energy

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

1:00 – 1:45 p.m. :: CASE STUDY: Ash Pond Water Treatment for Dewatering

This presentation will discuss Southern Company’s approach to dewatering including strategies, technologies and contracts.  There will also be high level discussion of the types of ash ponds Southern Company has to close and the water treatment challenges they will face at various sites.

Chad McKnight, Principal Engineer, Southern Company

1:45 – 2:30 p.m. :: The Value of Remedial Planning and Feasibility Studies during Pond Closure Site Characterization

This presentation will examine some of the benefits of early-on remedial planning and feasibility studies to support potential groundwater remediation.

Kenneth J. Quinn, Technical Director – Hydrogeologist, TRC

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. :: Networking Break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. :: Using Advanced Techniques to Assess Groundwater Quality Signatures Associated with Coal Combustion Residuals

This presentation will review a tiered approach using advanced groundwater assessment techniques to demonstrate a method for fingerprinting of groundwater quality signatures at CCR sites. The assessment techniques include trend analysis, geochemical signatures, isotope methods, groundwater age dating and numerical modeling, that may be used to distinguish background groundwater from groundwater influenced by site activities including disposal of CCRs. This method is applicable to development and improvement of conceptual site models which are an essential component of the remedial design process, and the approach can potentially reduce the scope and cost of remedial measures necessary.

Andrew Ashton, Project Manager, Sanborn Head & Associates

4:00 – 4:45 p.m. :: CASE STUDY: Dale Ash Impoundment Closure and Site Restoration Project

Listen to East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s case study of lessons learned during the planning and execution of their Dale Ash Impoundment Closure project and its resulting restoration work. This in-depth look, will cover preplanning, project engineering, contracting the work, completion of the closure work and final restoration completion.

Matt Clark, P.E., Senior Engineer – Construction, East Kentucky Power Cooperative 

Ed Tohill, PE, LEED A.P., Civil Department Manager- Energy \ Project Manager 

4:45 – 5:00 p.m. :: Conference Wrap-up and Adjournment  

Workshops

Pre-conference Workshop 1

Pre-conference Workshop 2

Post Conference Workshop

Coal Ash Landfill Management

Monday, April 23, 2018

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. :: Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. :: Workshop Timing

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. :: Group Luncheon

Overview

As coal generation continues and wet to dry conversions take place, increased storage and handling of dry coal combustion residuals (CCR) is paramount. This full-day workshop is intended to give new and current landfill operators and managers, utility personnel involved with CCR’s storage, and secondary CCR beneficiation market users’ knowledge on how to properly store and manage CCR’s in landfills.

The workshop will provide practical tools so you can: operate safely, maintain regulatory compliance and improve financial performance. In addition, detailed discussions into: the current and future regulatory permitting issues, characterizing siting and site specifications and requirements, comparing different design and permitting options, analyzing construction techniques and practices, determining proper equipment needs and uses, and preparing strategies for CCR landfill storage and handling. Attendees will immediately be able to apply their knowledge of CCR landfill management to their everyday operations for storage and handling. 

Agenda / Learning Outcomes

Introductions

Class introductions, understanding the roles of the students in their jobs to help focus the trainers on the topics to be covered.  General housekeeping issues covered.

Basics

List different types of waste and waste processing, with special attention to CCRs.  Identify major site facility goals, identify issues and responsibilities of landfill supervisors.

Regulations

Understand the regulatory evolution of the current waste industry with emphasis on CCR regulations.  Identify various regulatory agencies and rules pertinent to ash solid waste management facilities.  Review the regulations that govern solid waste management facility operators

Siting & Site Characteristics

Understand the “basics” of soils, geology, groundwater, hydrology, and climate Discuss how site features (climate, soils, geology, surface water, groundwater) impact Design, Construction, Landfill operations, Closure & Post Closure Care.

Design & Permitting

Discuss the main environmental protective features of a landfill.  Describe the landfill permitting process.  Describe the major steps in the landfill design process.

Construction

List the steps necessary for constructing liners and leachate collections systems.   List the steps necessary for constructing a final closure cap. Discuss construction issues unique to CCR landfills and drainage systems.  Discuss and understand the basics and value of a construction quality assurance (CQA) program.

Equipment

Describe the purpose of each type of landfill equipment, with emphasis on ash landfill equipment.  Name the factors to consider when choosing equipment. Improve equipment productivity.  List the components of an effective equipment maintenance program.  

Operations & Airspace Management

Improve Compaction density, reduce the use of Daily and Intermediate Covers, identify typical ash landfill operational problems, including fugitive dust, storm water and leachate management vs. contact and non-contact water.  Help you understand the value of your facility’s airspace.  Discuss management of your facility’s airspace and compaction. 

Communications & Reporting

Review the importance of good communications with Employees, Customers, Neighbors, Regulators, Consultants and Engineers.  Improve your Communications with these parties.  Explain the importance of keeping accurate records.  Discuss report requirements for CCR LFs. 

Groundwater Monitoring Programs

Identify the basic components of a groundwater monitoring program. Discuss compliance issues unique to CCR facilities.

Leachate Management Programs

Review the basic components of a leachate management program.  Discuss the meaning of and differences between Contact and Non-Contact Water.  Identify the compliance issues unique to CCR facilities.

Erosion & Sediment Control / Stormwater Management

Identify the basic components of an erosion & sediment control program and storm water management.  Review the compliance issues unique to ash facilities.

Workshop Expert

Jeff Fantell, P.E., Sr. Technical Consultant, Joyce Engineering, Inc.

Jeff is a graduate of Virginia Tech with over 28 years of consulting experience in solid waste. His specialties are design, permitting, construction administration, and operations of solid waste facilities. He currently serves as the program manager and lead trainer for Joyce Engineering’s Waste Management Facility Operator Training curriculums throughout the Southeast and has, upon request, led many training events for energy companies and coal combustion ash handling contractors. Jeff has been published in Waste Age magazine for articles related to landfill operations.

Draining and Stabilizing Fly Ash

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. :: Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Workshop Timing

Overview

Referencing the extensive dewatering, soil stabilization and water treatment experience earned through the closure of over a dozen ash ponds, the workshop experts will discuss the behavior and responsiveness of ash to drainage methods, the wide range of techniques that can be used, associated water treatment methods, the geotechnical investigations necessary, geotechnical verification and monitoring, and new advances in the technologies.

Note: This workshop is not open to direct competitors of Moretrench at the discretion of EUCI. 

Agenda

Geotechnical Behaviors of Fine Grained, Non-Cohesive Materials

  • Geotechnical differences between soil and ash
  • Moisture sensitivity
  • Capillarity
  • Vibration sensitivity

The Typical “Construction” of an Ash Pond

The Behavior of a Typical Ash Pond as it Pertains to Closure Work

  • Instability
  • Stable crust thickness
  • Localized liquefaction

Methods of Improving Ash Behavior

  • Drainage
    • Rim ditching and sumping
    • Wellpoints
    • Deep wells
    • Other drainage methods
  • Ground improvement methods for ash

What is an “Adequate” Geotechnical Investigation?

  • Investigation for dewatering
  • Investigation for other geotechnical concerns
  • When pilot testing is warranted

Instrumentation and Monitoring

  • Pore water pressure
  • Shear strength

Case Studies in Ash Stabilization

  • Shallow & deep ponds
  • Lined and unlined impoundments

Ground Improvement and GeoStructural Work in Ash

  • In-situ stabilization in ash
  • Earth retention in ash
  • Embankment retrofit & stabilization
  • Barrier walls

Water Treatment

  • Ponded water
  • Ash pore water

An Integrated Approach to Closure

New Advancements in Practice

  • Measurement of geotechnical parameters (and difficult access work)
  • Drainage methods/devices

Workshop Experts

Paul Schmall, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Engineer, Senior Vice President, Moretrench

Greg Landry, P.E., Chief Engineer, Dewatering & Groundwater Control, Moretrench

CCR Groundwater and Construction

Thursday April 26, 2018

8:00 – 8: 30 a.m. :: Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. :: Workshop Timing

Overview

This workshop will focus on groundwater management under the CCR Rule and unique CCR engineering and construction challenges. Ash Pond Stabilization issues and post-closure use opportunities will be discussed in detail as well.  Experiences and lessons learned from 25 years of solid waste and CCR management under RCRA will be shared throughout the workshop.

Note: This workshop is not open to direct competitors of TRC at the discretion of EUCI. 

Agenda

CCR Groundwater Issues

Three presentations will take attendees through the life-cycle of groundwater management under the CCR Rule

    • Background determination; detection monitoring; alternative source demonstrations (ASD) strategies
    • Assessment monitoring and corrective action triggers; statistical procedures and pitfalls
    • Pro-active steps that owners/operators can take during closure to address/avoid groundwater impacts; and groundwater remediation strategies

CCR Engineering and Construction

  • Ash pond berm stabilization issues, including engineering considerations and construction issues and resolution, especially when confronted with limited direct access from the berm adjacent to waterways
  • Post-closure pond use opportunities, including an in-depth discussion of the engineering, construction and benefit considerations associated with constructed wetlands

Workshop Experts

Graham Crockford CPG, Michigan Engineering, Construction and Remediation Practice Leader, TRC

Joyce Peterson PE, Senior Environmental Consultant/Engineer; Engineering, Construction and Remediation, TRC

Kenneth J. Quinn, Technical Director – Hydrogeologist, TRC

Joel Roberts, VP Construction Services, TRC

Speakers

Andrew Ashton, Project Manager, Sanborn Head & Associates

Matt Clark, P.E., Senior Engineer – Construction, East Kentucky Power Cooperative

Daniel J. Deeb, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP

Dale Evans, P.E., Senior Director of Technology and Strategy, Remedial Construction Services, L.P.

Yuhui Hu, Lead Engineer, Duke Energy

Joe Laubenstein, Director CCR Management, Waste Connections

Chad McKnight, Principal Engineer, Southern Company

Joshua R. More, Partner, Schiff Hardin LLP

Ken Riddle, Supervisor of Chemical Processes, Lakeland Electric

Joel Roberts, VP Construction Services, TRC 

Paul Schmall, Ph.D., P.E., Chief Engineer, Senior Vice President, Moretrench

Charles Smith, P.E., Senior Engineer – CCP Engineering, Duke Energy

Kenny Tapp, Senior Byproducts Coordinator, Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Services, Inc.

Amy Wilson PhD PE, Technical Director; Engineering, Construction and Remediation, TRC

Location

Hyatt Regency Louisville
311 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202

To reserve your room, please call 1-502-581-1234 or book online here.
Please indicate that you are with the EUCI group to receive the group rate.

Room Rate:

The room rate is $209.00 single or double plus applicable taxes.

Room Block Dates:

A room block has been reserved for the nights of April 22 – 25, 2018.

Rate Available Until:

Make your reservations prior to April 2, 2018. There are a limited number of rooms available at the conference rate. Please make your reservations early.

Register

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Coal Ash Landfill Management

April 23, 2018 | Louisville,KY
Individual attendee(s) - $ 995.00 each

Buy 4 in-person seats and only pay for 3! For this event every fourth in-person attendee is free!

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