ASTM E3183-24

Standard Guide for Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial Use

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for reclamation of existing CCPs placed in active and inactive storage areas. The guide includes information on the following activities required for the safe and effective reclamation of CCPs from storage areas: (1) Background Review of CCP Storage Areas; (2) Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas; (3) Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas; (4) Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval of CCP Storage Areas; and (5) Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas. More detailed descriptions of these activities are in Sections 6 through 10.  
4.2 Potential Beneficial Uses of CCPs—There are many CCP storage areas that are potentially harvestable and can provide a functional benefit in a wide variety of beneficial uses. The beneficial use of CCPs contained in these storage areas can have significant environmental and economic benefits for the facility, the facility owner and the local economy, and can significantly reduce disposal operations (1-4).4 Beneficial use of CCPs can provide industry with a safe and responsible way to economically manage the CCPs, while promoting conservation and recycling/reuse, meeting sustainability goals, and addressing the shortage of CCPs in some building product market areas (1, 2, 5). CCPs consist of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, economizer ash, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material (see Terminology E2201 for definitions of CCPs) (6, 7).  
4.2.1 Fly ash is the most abundant CCP in existing storage areas. Its beneficial uses include, but are not limited to: partial replacement for cement in concrete and concrete products – once in concrete, fly ash reacts with Portland cement to create additional reaction products that improve the strength and durability of concrete; raw feed for the production clinker – fly ash can be calcined along with other minerals to produce clinker; blended cements – fly ash can be an important component ...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers a framework to address critical aspects related to the harvesting of CCPs placed in active (operational) and inactive (closed or no longer receiving CCPs) storage areas. These storage areas may be used for wet or dry material, and may be located at active or inactive facilities (that is, coal-fired electric utilities or independent power producers that are currently generating electricity or have ceased to do so, respectively). Also, CCPs may be harvested from active or inactive storage areas located on-site or off-site of the facility.  
1.2 This guide does not include information on how to determine what storage areas or facilities, or both, should be selected for potential harvesting of CCPs, as each entity may approach a harvesting program in accordance with their own harvesting pursuits and regulatory requirements. In addition, it does not include information on how an energy company or other interested parties should evaluate inventories to determine the order of their storage areas for potential harvesting, including consideration of risk, performance, and cost. This guide is intended to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting of the storage areas once the storage areas are selected for evaluation.  
1.3 This guide is comprised of the following sections: Scope, Section 1; Referenced Documents, Section 2; Terminology, Section 3; Significance and Use, Section 4; Project Planning and Scoping, Section 5: Background Review of CCP Storage Areas, Section 6; Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas, Section 7; Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas, Section 8; Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval (as applicable) of CCP Storage Areas, Section 9; and Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas, Section 10. Not all information within this guide will be necessary for each harvesting project, and the user should determine the applicability of each section.  
1.3.1 Section...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 75.160.10 - Solid fuels
• Technical Committee: E50 - Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
• Drafting Committee: E50.03 - Beneficial Use

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E3183-19 - Standard Guide for Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial Use
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3355-23 - Standard Guide for Characterization of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) in Storage Area(s) for Beneficial Use
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM E3377-24 - Standard Guide for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure Related to Climate and Community
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM E3183-24 – Standard Guide for Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial Use, establishes best practices for the safe and effective reclamation of coal combustion products (CCPs) from storage areas. Developed by ASTM, this standard provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating, planning, and implementing the harvesting of CCPs, including fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, economizer ash, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material. The guide aims to facilitate the beneficial use of CCPs, supporting sustainability, resource conservation, and the reduction of disposal operations.

Key Topics

• Framework for Reclamation: The standard outlines a step-by-step process for the reclamation of CCPs from both active (operational) and inactive (closed or no longer receiving CCPs) storage areas. This includes:

  • Background review of CCP storage areas
  • Detailed characterization through sampling and analysis
  • Harvesting planning and scoping
  • Design and approval phases
  • Implementation and post-harvest monitoring

• Beneficial Use of CCPs: Emphasis is placed on the wide range of possible beneficial uses for harvested CCPs, such as:

  • Partial replacement for cement in concrete (notably for fly ash, which improves concrete strength and durability)
  • Raw material for clinker production and blended cements
  • Aggregates for structural fill and mine reclamation
  • Gypsum panel production (using FGD gypsum)
  • Use in controlled low strength materials, soil stabilization, asphalt, masonry products, and various industrial applications

• Professional Judgment & Approval Requirements: The guide stresses the need to work with environmental professionals and local, state, and federal approval authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Sustainability & Economic Impact: The standard supports achieving sustainability goals by promoting CCP recycling, reducing landfill usage, conserving raw materials, and delivering economic value to facility owners and local communities.

Applications

Entities that generate or store CCPs-such as coal-fired electric utilities and independent power producers-can use ASTM E3183-24 to support:

• Resource Recovery Projects: Evaluate and reclaim CCPs from operational and decommissioned facilities for new industrial uses.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Integrate CCP harvesting into broader strategies for waste reduction and recycling, supporting green building and circular economy goals.
• Site Rehabilitation: Repurpose historic storage areas, reducing liability and enabling redevelopment or environmental restoration.
• Product Manufacturing: Supply industries (e.g., construction, cement, wallboard manufacturing) with alternative materials to address shortages and improve product performance.

This guide is applicable to both on-site and off-site storage areas, whether they use wet or dry placement of CCPs. It also serves as a foundational tool for project teams to develop harvesting plans tailored to the specifics of each storage area.

Related Standards

For a holistic approach to the management and beneficial use of CCPs, the following ASTM and EPA standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM E3183-24:

• ASTM C311 – Test methods for sampling and testing coal ash or pozzolans for use in concrete
• ASTM C618 – Specification for coal fly ash and pozzolan for use in concrete
• ASTM E2201 – Terminology for coal combustion products
• ASTM E2277 – Guide for design and construction of coal ash structural fills
• ASTM E1527 – Practice for environmental site assessments (Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process)
• EPA 40 CFR 260.10 – Definitions for hazardous waste management systems

By applying the guidance in ASTM E3183-24, organizations can ensure that reclamation and beneficial use of CCPs are handled using recognized best practices, supporting environmental stewardship and operational excellence in coal combustion product management.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E3183 − 24
Standard Guide for
Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and
Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3183; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.3.1 Section 1, Scope, includes information related to
contents of this guide, as well as what is not included in this
1.1 This guide covers a framework to address critical
guide.
aspects related to the harvesting of CCPs placed in active
1.3.2 Section 2, Referenced Documents, includes published
(operational) and inactive (closed or no longer receiving CCPs)
documents referenced within this guide.
storage areas. These storage areas may be used for wet or dry
1.3.3 Section 3, Terminology, includes definitions for terms
material, and may be located at active or inactive facilities (that
as they relate to this guide.
is, coal-fired electric utilities or independent power producers
that are currently generating electricity or have ceased to do so,
1.3.4 Section 4, Significance and Use, describes the benefi-
respectively). Also, CCPs may be harvested from active or cial use of CCPs stored within active and inactive storage
inactive storage areas located on-site or off-site of the facility.
areas, including each CCP potential beneficial use; the context
of the guide and its use; the professional judgment that is
1.2 This guide does not include information on how to
appropriate for use of the guide; and the inherent uncertainty
determine what storage areas or facilities, or both, should be
with the processes described within the guide.
selected for potential harvesting of CCPs, as each entity may
1.3.5 Section 5, Project Planning and Scoping, describes the
approach a harvesting program in accordance with their own
steps needed prior to implementing this guide, including:
harvesting pursuits and regulatory requirements. In addition, it
establishing a project team; determining what storage areas
does not include information on how an energy company or
within the facility should be evaluated for potential harvesting
other interested parties should evaluate inventories to deter-
of CCPs; determining the potential materials to be harvested;
mine the order of their storage areas for potential harvesting,
compiling existing land use, environmental compliance,
including consideration of risk, performance, and cost. This
geologic/hydrogeologic, topographic, design and construction
guide is intended to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting
information; estimating potential project costs and project
of the storage areas once the storage areas are selected for
schedule with contingencies (if feasible); and identifying
evaluation.
factors that may impact the ability to harvest the CCPs.
1.3 This guide is comprised of the following sections:
1.3.6 Section 6, Site Background Review of CCP Storage
Scope, Section 1; Referenced Documents, Section 2;
Areas, describes the steps for evaluating the attributes of
Terminology, Section 3; Significance and Use, Section 4;
storage areas at the facility relative to harvestingCCPs.
Project Planning and Scoping, Section 5: Background Review
1.3.7 Section 7, Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage
of CCP Storage Areas, Section 6; Detailed Characterization of
Areas, describes the steps for developing and implementing the
CCP Storage Areas, Section 7; Harvesting Planning and
CCP characterization sampling and analysis plan that will
Scoping of CCP Storage Areas, Section 8; Harvesting Detailed
evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of the CCPs
Design and Approval (as applicable) of CCP Storage Areas,
within the storage areas, and determining if amendments to the
Section 9; and Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage
CCPs will be needed for beneficial use.
Areas, Section 10. Not all information within this guide will be
necessary for each harvesting project, and the user should
1.3.8 Section 8, Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP
determine the applicability of each section.
Storage Areas, describes the steps necessary to evaluate the
approval status of the storage areas and develop a conceptual
harvesting strategy and approval approach for the project.
Considerations are given for both active and inactive storage
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental
areas.
Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct responsibil-
ity of Subcommittee E50.03 on Beneficial Use.
1.3.9 Section 9, Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published April 2024. Originally
(as applicable) of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps
published in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E3183 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/E3183-24 needed to prepare the detailed design and approval documents
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3183 − 24
(as applicable) for the CCP storage area harvesting and 1.8 This guide should not be used as a justification to avoid,
receive the appropriate approval (as applicable). minimize, or delay implementation of specific management,
operation, closure, or remediation activities, or both as appro-
1.3.10 Section 10, Harvesting Implementation of CCP Stor-
priate by law or directive, unless the harvesting activities are
age Areas, describes the steps needed to implement the storage
conducted in conjunction with such strategies to maintain or
area harvesting plans from installation of the appropriate
achieve compliance with the approval requirements or as
pre-harvesting components and harvesting the CCPs in accor-
otherwise agreed upon with the appropriate authorizing agen-
dance with the approval requirements, to completing the
cies.
post-harvesting monitoring and inspections.
1.9 This guide should not be used to characterize (that is,
1.3.11 Sections 6 through 10 provide the five phases (Phase
I through V) of the harvesting process that follow once storage environmentally assess) a storage area for ownership transfer
although portions of such information may supplement other
areas are selected for harvesting evaluation. Information
environmental assessments that are used in such a transfer.
related to Phase I through V is located on Table 1.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.4 This guide does not include information on the process-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ing of harvested CCPs, and therefore, additional approvals not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
discussed within this guide may be needed (for example,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
residual waste processing approvals, air approvals specific to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
processing, water control approvals, storage system approvals,
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
etc.).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.5 As CCPs are produced, they may be sent off-site directly ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
to beneficial use applications, such as concrete, wallboard and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
controlled or structural fills, while the alternative is to direct mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
them to dry or wet storage areas. Although many CCPs were
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
placed in storage due to not meeting applicable specifications
for use, many other CCPs were stored for lack of market. In 2. Referenced Documents
either case, the CCPs retain the ability to be considered a 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
wanted material that provides a functional benefit and a benefit
C311 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Coal Ash or
to the environment. They can be harvested and lightly
Natural Pozzolans for Use in Concrete
processed, if necessary, to meet relevant product specifications
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
and substitute for the raw materials. Depending on the type and
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
homogeneity of CCPs and the type of storage area from which
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
the materials are being harvested (that is, dry or wet storage
Fluids
areas), this harvesting and processing may include, but is not
E1527 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I
limited to, excavating or dewatering/dredging, drying, milling,
Environmental Site Assessment Process
classifying and storing or transporting the material before they
E2201 Terminology for Coal Combustion Products
are beneficially used.
E2277 Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash
Structural Fills
1.6 The CCPs that may be harvested include: fly ash, bottom
ash and economizer ash generated by powdered carbon boilers; 2.2 EPA Standards:
boiler slag; flue gas desulfurization material; fluidized-bed
40 CFR 260.10 Hazardous Waste Management System:
combustion products as defined in Terminology E2201; ceno- General – Definitions
40 CFR 312.10 Innocent Landowners, Standards for Con-
spheres; or other materials suitable for beneficial use.
ducting All Appropriate Inquiries – Definitions
1.7 Laws and approval requirements governing the use of
CCPs vary by locality, state, and country, and generally do not
3. Terminology
yet include provisions for CCP harvesting as described herein.
3.1 For additional definitions related to coal combustion
The user of this guide is responsible for determining and
products (CCPs), see Terminology E2201. For definitions
complying with the applicable approval requirements, which
related to geotechnical properties, see Terminology D653.
may extend beyond harvesting to include approval require-
ments or guidance on issues such as storage, transportation,
3.2 Definitions:
end use, and other concepts. This guide complements approval
3.2.1 active facility, n—a facility producing electricity.
programs where guidance on harvesting is unavailable or
insufficient, thereby improving the chance that such storage
areas may be repurposed for public or private benefit, or both. 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
It is important to engage and educate the approval authority
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
early and often throughout the planning, design, and imple-
the ASTM website.
mentation of the harvesting activities. The project team may
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William
also consider affording an opportunity to solicit input from
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
other stakeholders. http://www.epa.gov.
E3183 − 24
3.2.2 active storage area(s), n—storage area(s) containing 3.2.12 contact water, n—the liquid byproduct of CCP place-
CCPs that has not completed closure in accordance with the ment or harvesting within the active or inactive storage area
approval authority requirements. whose origin may be the CCPs combined with rainwater that
runs off the CCPs and does not infiltrate the CCPs.
3.2.3 approval authority, n—entity that is authorized to
3.2.13 dry CCPs, n—CCPs placed in a dry storage area not
establish and enforce compliance with environmental protec-
containing free liquids.
tion and public/worker safety laws and directives concerning
the management of CCP storage area(s); this includes govern-
3.2.14 dry CCP storage area(s), n—area of land or excava-
ments of cities, counties, states, countries, provinces, and tribal
tion used to manage and store coal combustion products that is
organizations.
not a wet CCP storage area.
3.2.4 beneficial use of coal combustion products (CCPs),
3.2.15 economizer ash, n—coal ash that exits the combus-
n—recycling CCPs in lieu of disposal.
tion chamber carried in the flue gases used by the economizer,
3.2.4.1 Discussion—The beneficial use of CCPs, when which is typically captured by hoppers.
appropriate, may result in the conservation of natural resources
3.2.15.1 Discussion—Economizer ash is heavier and coarser
and energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
than fly ash, but lighter and less coarse than bottom ash.
while protecting human health and the environment. For the
3.2.16 engineering controls, n—constructed containment
purpose of this guide, beneficial use includes, but is not limited
barriers or systems that control the downward migration,
to: raw feed for cement clinker, concrete, grout, flowable fill,
infiltration or seepage or surface runoff and rain; control the
and controlled low-strength material; controlled or structural
natural leaching/migration of containments through the subsur-
fill; road base/sub-base; soil modification; mineral filler; snow
face over time; control fugitive emissions; and measures that
and ice traction control; blasting grit and abrasives; roofing
minimize the flow of liquids and fugitive emissions into or out
granules; mining applications; gypsum panel; waste
of a regulated storage area(s).
stabilization/solidification; soil amendment; and agriculture.
3.2.16.1 Discussion—Examples of engineering controls are
3.2.5 boiler slag, n—a molten ash collected at the base of
engineered soil liners or caps, leachate collection and removal
slag tap and cyclone boilers that is quenched with water and
systems, dewatering systems, surface water management
shattered into black, angular particles having a smooth, glassy
systems, and dust control systems.
appearance.
3.2.17 environmental professional, n—a person trained and
3.2.6 bottom ash, n—ash that results from the process of experienced in the management of materials and storage
combustion of ground or powdered coal that is not transported
area(s).
by flue gases.
3.2.17.1 Discussion—An environmental professional has
3.2.6.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in- the credentials to make professional judgments about the
formation. acceptability of how land is used; potential impacts to safety,
human health, and the environment; and the effectiveness of
3.2.7 caps or cover, n—natural (for example, engineered
engineering, institutional and regulatory controls. The defini-
soil liners or caps) or synthetic (for example, linear low-
tion of environmental professional in this guide is different and
density polyethylene, LLDPE) materials placed on the top of a
mutually exclusive from the definition of environmental pro-
storage area to minimize the infiltration of rainwater into the
fessional as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency’s
storage area.
(EPA’s) All Appropriate Inquiries rule (40 CFR 312.10) and
3.2.8 cenospheres, n—type of fly ash particle consisting of
Practice E1527.
lightweight, hollow sphere.
3.2.18 facility, n—as used in this guide, a coal-fired power
3.2.9 closure, n—for permitted storage areas, closure of a
plant including all contiguous land, structures, other
storage area is completed by either meeting harvesting goals
appurtenances, and improvements on the land used for treating,
and project endpoints or installing a cap/cover, as appropriate,
storing, disposing, or otherwise conducting solid waste man-
in accordance with the approval authority.
agement of CCPs.
3.2.18.1 Discussion—A facility may consist of several
3.2.10 coal ash, n—a collective term referring to any solid
treatment, storage, or disposal operational units (for example,
materials produced primarily from the process of combustion
one or more active or inactive storage area(s)). A facility as
of coal (for example, fly ash, bottom ash, or boiler slag).
defined in this guide is not necessarily a permitted Resource
3.2.11 coal combustion products (CCPs), n—solid materials
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment, storage, or
that result from the process of combustion of ground or
disposal facility as defined in 40 CFR 260.10.
powdered coal.
3.2.19 flue gas desulfurization (FGD), n—removal of gas-
3.2.11.1 Discussion—Examples of coal combustion prod-
eous sulfur dioxide from boiler exhaust gas.
ucts include fly ash, bottom ash, flue gas desulfurization (FGD)
3.2.19.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in-
residue, and boiler slag. This definition of coal combustion
formation.
products does not include, among other things, the residue
resulting from: (1) fluidized bed combustion, (2) the burning of 3.2.20 flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material, n—a prod-
municipal solid waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the uct of an FGD process typically using a high-calcium sorbent
burning of industrial or municipal solid waste in incinerators. such as lime or limestone.
E3183 − 24
3.2.20.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in- has infiltrated the storage area (typically at the base of a
formation. pre-approval storage area).
3.2.21 fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, n—the fly ash
3.2.32 liners, n—natural (for example, engineered soil lin-
and bed ash produced by an FBC boiler.
ers) or synthetic (for example, high density polyethylene,
HDPE) materials placed on the bottom and sidewalls of a
3.2.22 fly ash, n—finely divided residue that results from the
storage area to contain leachate and prevent or minimize the
process of combustion of ground or powdered coal and is
infiltration of leachate to groundwater.
transported by flue gases.
3.2.22.1 Discussion—This definition of fly ash does not
3.2.33 permitted storage area, n—storage area(s) where the
include, among other things, the residue resulting from: (1)
placement of CCPs was governed by approval from an
fluidized bed combustion, (2) the burning of municipal solid
approval authority (that is, governing documents regulate the
waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the burning of
construction, operations, and closure of the storage area(s)).
industrial or municipal solid waste in incinerators.
3.2.34 post-closure care measures, n—activities that the
3.2.23 harvesting, v—the removal, or reclamation, of CCPs
CCP storage area owner must take to maintain the effective-
from an active or inactive storage area(s) for the purpose of
ness of engineering and institutional controls that protect
beneficial use.
against potential adverse impacts to human health, public
safety, and welfare; applies to a storage area under the
3.2.24 harvesting phase, n—a segment of the overall stor-
authority of an approval authority.
age area harvesting that strategically divides the harvesting
area based on the anticipated sequence of harvesting within the
3.2.35 processing, v—activities that the CCP undergoes,
storage area, while considering issues such as site access,
such as, dewatering, dredging, drying or milling of CCPs, or
harvesting rate, management of liquids during harvesting, and
both, before storage or transportation or both of the materials to
end use.
end use.
3.2.25 harvesting sub-phase, n—a subdivision of a harvest-
3.2.36 project team, n—two or more professionals (includ-
ing phase that provides further detail on harvesting activities
ing the environmental professional) who collaborate on the
including proposed grades; management of leachate, contact
evaluation and selection of a CCP storage area(s) to be
water and surface water; placement of cover; and removal/
harvested.
addition of infrastructure as harvesting progresses.
3.2.36.1 Discussion— The team may include the user;
3.2.26 historic CCP fill material, n—CCPs typically that
environmental professionals; the local, state, and country
were placed before effective regulatory requirement governed
approval authority; ash management/marketing partner; and
material placement, and therefore, they were stored without a
the storage area(s) owner or his or her representatives. For
permit or an approval obtained by an approval authority.
some storage area(s), the project team may also include
community stakeholders.
3.2.27 historic (or unpermitted) storage area, n—the loca-
tion where historic CCPs were placed before effective envi-
3.2.37 run-off, n—any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid
ronmental regulatory requirements governed material place-
that drains over land from any part of a CCP storage area.
ment.
3.2.38 run-on, n—any rainwater, leachate or other liquid
3.2.28 inactive facility, n—a facility not producing electric-
that drains over land onto any part of the CCP storage area.
ity.
3.2.39 stakeholders, n—a person with an interest in the
3.2.29 inactive storage area, n—storage area(s) containing
outcome of a decision to harvest CCPs from the storage area;
CCPs that has completed closure in accordance with the
includes the property owner, energy producers, neighboring
approval authority requirements or has not placed CCPs within
property owners, community representatives, development and
a period specified by the approval authority (as applicable).
conservation groups, sustainability advocates, and other inter-
3.2.30 institutional controls, n—measures established and
ested parties.
enforced by an approval authority that directs users of CCP
3.2.40 storage area, n—an area where wet CCPs (see wet
storage area(s) on appropriate or prohibited activities, and
storage area(s)) or dry CCPs (see dry storage area(s)) are
deliverable documents concerning the control of leachate,
stored within a facility.
stormwater runoff and water infiltration.
3.2.41 storage area closure, n—the transition period of a
3.2.30.1 Discussion—These measures may include what
regulated storage area between the active receipt of CCPs and
activities are allowed or permitted, what is to be measured
the start of the post-closure care period; often involves the
during inspections, and required responses or corrective action
installation of the storage area cap that isolates the CCPs.
are to be implemented if conditions exceed what is considered
Historic storage areas may not be able to achieve “closure”.
acceptable.
3.2.31 leachate, n—the liquid byproduct of placement 3.2.42 storage area post-closure care period, n—following
within an active or inactive storage area whose origin may be closure of storage area, a span of time in which the storage
of the following sources: (1) the CCP material itself; (2) the area may need to be inspected or monitored, or both, in
CCP material combined with rainwater that infiltrates the CCP accordance with requirements determined by the approval
material; or (3) the CCP material dissolved in groundwater that authority (as applicable).
E3183 − 24
3.2.43 unpermitted storage area, n—storage area(s) where improved flowability and strength as well as reduced bleeding
the placement of CCPs was not governed by approval from an and shrinkage; as a soil stabilization material; as an aggregate/
approval authority. soil replacement construction material in structural fill and
3.2.43.1 Discussion—Current governing requirements that mine reclamation projects; fillers in carpet backing – fly ash is
regulate construction, operations, and closure of the storage high performance mineral filler; and as a solidification agent
area(s) are not applicable to unpermitted storage area(s). within landfills and remediation projects (6-9).
4.2.2 Bottom ash can be beneficially used as raw feed for the
3.2.44 wet CCPs, n—CCPs that were hydraulically placed
production of clinker, as a component of structural fills, and as
in a storage area(s).
aggregate in the manufacturing of masonry products (6, 7, 9).
3.2.45 wet storage area(s), n—topographic depression,
4.2.3 Boiler slag can be used as blasting grits and roofing
man-made excavation, impoundment, or diked area, which is
granules. Other applications include, but are not limited to, as
designed to hold an accumulation of CCPs and liquids.
a component of structural fills and mineral filler in asphalt (7,
3.2.45.1 Discussion—Wet storage area(s) contain wet
9).
CCPs.
4.2.4 Fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash can be utilized
in various mixtures as a low-strength concrete material and soil
4. Significance and Use
stabilization agent (7).
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for reclamation
4.2.5 Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, in its
of existing CCPs placed in active and inactive storage areas.
majority, is typically beneficially used in gypsum panel prod-
The guide includes information on the following activities
ucts. Other uses include in agricultural applications to improve
required for the safe and effective reclamation of CCPs from
soil, as a component in structural fills, and as an important
storage areas: (1) Background Review of CCP Storage Areas;
component in the production of cement (6, 7, 9).
(2) Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas; (3) Har-
4.3 Approval Context—This guide does not supersede local,
vesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas; (4) Har-
state or country requirements, if applicable. This guide is
vesting Detailed Design and Approval of CCP Storage Areas;
intended to be used for storage areas that are both within an
and (5) Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas.
approval authority program and historic (or unpermitted)
More detailed descriptions of these activities are in Sections 6
storage areas.
through 10.
4.3.1 For harvesting of CCPs from storage areas within an
4.2 Potential Beneficial Uses of CCPs—There are many
approval authority program, governing documents should be
CCP storage areas that are potentially harvestable and can
carefully reviewed and followed to ensure that all requirements
provide a functional benefit in a wide variety of beneficial uses.
relative to design, operations, monitoring, closure, and post-
The beneficial use of CCPs contained in these storage areas
closure are followed, or that agreements are established to
can have significant environmental and economic benefits for
ensure compliance and allow for harvesting activities.
the facility, the facility owner and the local economy, and can
4.3.2 For harvesting of CCPs from historic (or unpermitted)
significantly reduce disposal operations (1-4). Beneficial use of
storage areas, the project team should engage with the
CCPs can provide industry with a safe and responsible way to
appropriate local, state, province, or country approval, or
economically manage the CCPs, while promoting conservation
combination thereof, authorities to determine the appropriate
and recycling/reuse, meeting sustainability goals, and address-
requirements, and should ensure that the appropriate engineer-
ing the shortage of CCPs in some building product market
ing controls and institutional controls are incorporated into the
areas (1, 2, 5). CCPs consist of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag,
harvesting project.
fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, economizer ash, and flue
4.4 Use of Guide—Approval authorities may incorporate
gas desulfurization (FGD) material (see Terminology E2201
this guide, in whole or in part, into general guidance documents
for definitions of CCPs) (6, 7).
or site-specific approval documents.
4.2.1 Fly ash is the most abundant CCP in existing storage
areas. Its beneficial uses include, but are not limited to: partial 4.5 Professional Judgment—This guide presumes the active
involvement of an environmental professional who is knowl-
replacement for cement in concrete and concrete products –
once in concrete, fly ash reacts with Portland cement to create edgeable in how to design and construct storage areas and how
additional reaction products that improve the strength and to identify acceptable site conditions, or when appropriate,
durability of concrete; raw feed for the production clinker – fly satisfy applicable statutory or approval authority limitations on
ash can be calcined along with other minerals to produce the use of an operating, closed, or historic (unpermitted)
clinker; blended cements – fly ash can be an important storage area.
component in the production of blended cement, especially
4.6 Inherent Uncertainty—Professional judgment, interpret-
when pozzolanic properties are desired; filler in plastics – fly
ation, and some uncertainty are inherent in the processes
ash typically increases the stiffness and compressive strength
described herein even when decisions are based upon objective
when used as a filler in plastics; controlled low strength
scientific principles and accepted industry practices.
materials (CLSM) – CLSM that include fly ash, typically have
5. Project Planning and Scoping
5.1 Prior to applying this guide, the user should perform the
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard. following project planning and scoping activities: (a) identify
E3183 − 24
an environmental professional to assist with the technical 6. Background Review of CCP Storage Areas, Phase I
components of the project; (b) develop a project team; (c) (see Fig. 1)
identify site and storage areas to be potentially harvested; (d)
6.1 A Background Review of the CCP Storage Areas should
determine the potential beneficial uses of the CCPs; and (e)
be initiated after the Project Planning and Scoping activities are
compile site data.
completed (see Section 5), including identification of an
5.1.1 The user should identify an environmental
environmental professional and project team, determination of
professional, who for purposes of this guide, is a person who
which storage areas should be evaluated for potential
possesses sufficient education, training, experience and certifi-
harvesting, initial determination of potential beneficial uses of
cations (as applicable), and exercises sound professional judg-
CCPs, and compilation of relevant storage area information
ment regarding the components of this guide.
(see 5.1.5).
5.1.2 The user should assemble a project team that consid-
ers attributes such as historical site knowledge; technical
6.2 Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas Steps—
expertise relevant to the components of this guide including the
The Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas process
investigation, assessment, design, approval process (as
follows the following three steps: Step 1 – Determine the
applicable), construction, operation, monitoring, and mainte-
Approval Authority Applicability of Storage Areas; Step 2 –
nance of active/inactive storage areas that are protective to
Determine if Harvesting CCPs Will Meet End Use Criteria;
human health, public safety, and welfare; approval authority
Step 3 – Establish Baseline Conditions of CCP Storage Areas.
requirements; and stakeholder interests and concerns, if
The three steps are summarized below and shown on Fig. 1.
known.
6.2.1 Step 1: Determine the Approval Authority Applicabil-
5.1.3 Prior to using this guide, the user should determine
ity of Storage Areas—A review of local, state, country, and
which storage areas could provide useful CCPs for beneficial
province requirements should be completed to determine
use and should be evaluated for potential harvesting. This
approval authority and compliance criteria that may be appli-
guide is to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting of
cable. Such criteria may apply to both the harvesting of the
storage areas once the storage areas are selected for evalua-
CCPs, as well as the actual beneficial use of the CCPs or other
tion.
issues.
5.1.4 The user may prepare an initial determination of the
potential uses of the CCPs from the available storage areas at 6.2.1.1 Permitted facilities may have specific approval and
the facility. These may be refined following completion of the
compliance criteria stated in the operational, closure or post-
Site Background Review and Detailed Characterization of closure documents, or both, and other approval authority
CCP Storage Areas tasks (see Sections 6 and 7, respectively).
criteria may exist outside of applicable permits that may apply
5.1.5 The user should compile land use, historic environ- to harvesting.
mental compliance, geologic and hydrogeologic, topographic,
6.2.1.2 Unpermitted facilities may use general standard
design and construction-related information (if available);
operating procedures, existing requirements for permitted fa-
estimate project costs and develop the project schedule with
cilities or other arbitrary guidelines, or both that may apply to
contingencies (if feasible); and identify other factors that may
harvesting.
impact the ability to harvest the CCPs.
6.2.2 Step 2: Determine if Harvesting CCPs Will Meet End
5.2 When an approval authority program governs harvest-
Use Criteria—A general review of the potential end use
ing of CCPs, the user should evaluate whether the applicable
specifications, technologies and performance standards should
approval authority program and the goals and requirements of
be completed. In their absence, development of new specifi-
this guide complement each other and are protective to human
cations or changes to existing standards should be considered.
health, public safety, and welfare.
If CCPs do not meet current end use specifications and
performance standards for a specific application, consider what
5.3 Process—The five phases of the Harvesting Coal Com-
amendments or processing could be made to the raw CCPs to
bustion Products Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas
meet the end use specifications and performance standards, or
guide are presented on Table 1. Detailed information on the
whether changes to the specifications and standards could be
five phases is presented on Figs. 1-5 and in Sections 6 through
10. made to allow harvesting of CCPs to be feasible, or both.
TABLE 1 Harvesting Phase Information
NOTE 1—Process assumes the storage areas have already been chosen. Site selection is not included in this Guide.
Phases Description Location within this guide
I Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 1 and Section 6
II Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 2 and Section 7
III Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 3 and Section 8
IV Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval (if required) of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 4 and Section 9
V Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 5 and Section 10
E3183 − 24
FIG. 1 Phase I – Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas
6.2.2.1 Review existing chemical, physical and geotechni- the applicability of approval authority involvement, feasibility
cal information for the CCPs relative to the requirements of the of the harvesting of the CCP storage areas, and establishing
intended end use. baseline conditions for management of the harvesting unit.
6.2.2.2 Review estimated volume of CCPs that may be
7.2 Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas
obtained during harvesting activities to assess feasibility of
Steps—The Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas
project.
process follows the following five steps: Step 1 – Develop CCP
6.2.2.3 Review transportation considerations and distance
Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan; Step 2 – Perform
between the source and the end use.
Appropriate CCP Sampling; Step 3 – Perform Appropriate
6.2.3 Step 3: Establish Baseline Conditions of CCP Storage
Laboratory Analyses; Step 4 – Evaluate Results of Character-
Areas—A review of available data related to the CCP storage
ization; Step 5 – Determine Suitability of CCPs for Harvesting.
areas’ attributes should be completed to establish baseline
The five steps are summarized below and shown on Fig. 2.
conditions. Such attributes include, but are not limited to:
7.2.1 Step 1: Develop CCP Characterization Sampling and
facility layout and infrastructure; storage area configuration,
Analysis Plan—A CCP Characterization Sampling and Analy-
design, and fill sequencing/phasing; types, homogeneity, age,
sis Plan should be prepared to augment the baseline informa-
liquid content, physical/chemical characteristics, and volume
tion.
of CCPs; geologic, hydrogeologic and hydrologic conditions;
and roadways/transportation hubs and surrounding environs.
7.2.1.1 The plan should establish the data quality objectives
and sampling protocols needed to obtain adequate datasets
7. Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas,
appropriate to maintain approval compliance and meet end use
Phase II (see Fig. 2)
specifications and performance standards. A description of the
7.1 A Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas assessment of the representativeness of the samples or a
should be initiated after completion of the Site Background pre-determined level of uncertainty, or both, determined to be
Review of CCP Storage Areas, including the determination of acceptable for the project needs to be included.
E3183 − 24
FIG. 2 Phase II – Detailed Characterization of Storage Areas
7.2.1.2 The number of samples to be collected, sample the non-homogenous nature of the deposited CCPs within the
locations, and sample volumes for the applicable test methods dry or wet storage areas, as either a result of natural deposition
should be included. The plan should establish methods for differences or physical or chemical, or both changes that CCPs
collecting representative samples and should establish can undergo from within a storage area (10).
mineralogical, geochemical, and geotechnical test methods for 7.2.1.3 Quality assurance and quality control protocols
characterization of the CCPs. Consideration may be given to should be outlined within the Plan.
sampling the CCPs directly from the CCP storage area, or 7.2.2 Step 2: Perform Appropriate CCP Sampling—
analyses may be conducted on samples that have been pro- Implement the CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis
cessed or amended, or both to achieve end use specifications Plan and document sample collection activities. Follow stan-
and performance standards. Sample locations should consider dard operating procedures for surface and subsurface sample
E3183 − 24
FIG. 3 Phase III – Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas
collection of the CCPs for the appropriate tests to ensure documented to identify observations on the physical and
representative samples are collected and the location of the chemical characteristics, liquid content, and other applicable
samples are documented. Subsurface conditions should be attributes.
E3183 − 24
FIG. 4 Phase IV – Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval of CCP Storage Areas
7.2.3 Step 3: Perform Appropriate Laboratory Analyses— the necessary amendments or processing that would be needed
The samples should be tested according to test methods and for the material to meet the specification. Alternatively, if the
specifications applicable for the intended beneficial use. For material does not meet the specification but is proven to
example, if harvesting fly ash for the beneficial use in concrete, provide a functional benefit for the intended beneficial use, the
the test methods given in Test Methods C311 should be used to user may identify the amendments to the specification neces-
determine if the material complies with Specification C618, or sary for the material to be in compliance, or whether a new
E3183 − 24
FIG. 5 Phase V – Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas
E3183 − 24
specification is needed. The samples should be transferred Determine Approval Requirements (as applicable). The four
following the proper chain-of-custody and preservation re- steps are summarized below and shown on Fig. 3.
quirements established in the CCP Characterization Sampling
8.2.1 Step 1: Determine Approval Applicability and Initial
and Analysis Plan. Testing laboratories or vendors processing
Feasibility:
and completing the analyses should follow accepted test
8.2.1.1 Review historic information gathered as part of the
methods. Results should be presented in a final report, and any
Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas (see 6.2 and
deviations from the prescribed protocols established in the
Fig. 1). Based on these data, determine if the CCPs are located
CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan should be
within a permitted or unpermitted storage area and whether
noted.
they are within an active/operational or inactive/closed storage
7.2.4 Step 4: Evaluate Results of Characterization—A re-
area.
view of the data should be completed to determine if data
8.2.1.2 If the CCP is in a historic or unpermitted storage
quality objectives are met. Apply best professional judgement
area, then traditional management practices should be followed
to determine if the dataset is representative and adequate for
to ensure that the harvesting activities are performed in a safe
use in the planning and development process.
and environmentally responsible manner. The storage area
7.2.5 Step 5: Determine Suitability of CCPs for
may become “regulated” once harvesting would begin, and
Harvesting—Comparisons should be drawn to approval com-
therefore, the approval authority should be consulted to
pliance standards or end use specifications, or both and
determine any requirements that would need followed.
performance standards to determine the suitability of the
8.2.1.3 If the CCPs are located within a permitted storage
CCPs. In their absence, development of new specifications or
area, determine the initial feasibility of harvesting CCPs.
changes to existing standards should be considered. If CCPs do
(1) Review the approval authority requirements, as the
not meet current end use specifications and performance
harvesting of CCPs would be governed by the requirements of
standards for a specific application, consider what amendments
the approval (as applicable).
could be made to the raw CCPs to meet the end use
(2) Determine general infrastructure needs and evaluate
specifications and performance standards, or whether changes
siting criteria requirements of the storage area relative to
to the specifications and standards could be made to allow
harvesting CCPs.
harvesting of CCPs to be feasible, or both.
(3) Review information gathered as part of the Detailed
7.2.5.1 The CCPs are suitable for harvesting if the charac-
Characterization of CCP Storage Areas (see 7.2 and Fig. 2).
terization data of the CCPs meets or exceeds the selected
(4) Based on the approval history, site configuration and
criteria for the end use. If the material is deemed suitable, a
detailed characterization information obtained (see 7.2), deter-
strategic plan for harvesting the CCPs can be established to
mine the initial feasibility of harvesting CCPs from the storage
ensure compliance with the approval authority or the end user,
areas.
or both.
(5) If the CCPs are located within an inactive storage area
7.2.5.2 If all or a portion of the material is determined to not
and the storage area is closed in accordance with the local,
be suitable for harvesting, the material may be processed or
state, and country requirements, those requirements may apply
amended and additional sampling and analyses conducted to
if harvesting of the CCPs occurs, and therefore, approval
determine suitability. Alternate end uses may be considered for
would be needed.
the CCPs deemed unsuitable (raw or processed/amended), or
(6) If the CCPs are located within a permitted/regulated
the material may be partially or wholly left in CCP storage
dry storage area that is no longer accepting CCPs, then the
areas for potential future use.
applicable requirements should be reviewed to help determine
7.2.5.3 Observations on the findings of the characterization
the overall feasibility of harvesting. Relevant information
may be used in developing harvesting strategies.
should include, but is not limited to, liner system requirements,
leachate management, contact water management, and post-
8. Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage
closure care requirements. In addition, if the CCPs are located
Areas, Phase III (see Fig. 3)
within a certified closed area, then authorization from the
approv
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3183 − 19 E3183 − 24
Standard Guide for
Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and
Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3183; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide providescovers a framework to address critical aspects related to the harvesting of CCPs placed in active
(operational) and inactive (closed or no longer receiving CCPs) storage areas. These storage areas may be used for wet or dry
material, and may be located at active or inactive facilities (that is, coal-fired electric utilities or independent power producers that
are currently generating electricity or have ceased to do so, respectively). Also, CCPs may be harvested from active or inactive
storage areas located on-site or off-site of the facility.
1.2 This guide does not include information on how to determine what storage areas or facilities, or both, should be selected for
potential harvesting of CCPs, as each entity may approach a harvesting program in accordance with their own harvesting pursuits
and regulatory requirements. In addition, it does not include information on how an energy company or other interested parties
should evaluate inventories to determine the order of their storage areas for potential harvesting, including consideration of risk,
performance, and cost. This guide is intended to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting of the storage areas once the storage
areas are selected for evaluation.
1.3 This guide is comprised of the following sections: Scope, Section 1; Referenced Documents, Section 2; Terminology, Section
3; Significance and Use, Section 4; Project Planning and Scoping, Section 5: Background Review of CCP Storage Areas, Section
6; Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas, Section 7; Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas, Section
8; Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval (as applicable) of CCP Storage Areas, Section 9; and Harvesting Implementation of
CCP Storage Areas, Section 10. Not all information within this guide will be necessary for each harvesting project, and the user
should determine the applicability of each section.
1.3.1 Section 1, Scope, includes information related to contents of this guide, as well as what is not included in this guide.
1.3.2 Section 2, Referenced Documents, includes published documents referenced within this guide.
1.3.3 Section 3, Terminology, includes definitions for terms as they relate to this guide.
1.3.4 Section 4, Significance and Use, describes the beneficial use of CCPs stored within active and inactive storage areas,
including each CCP potential beneficial use; the context of the guide and its use; the professional judgment that is appropriate for
use of the guide; and the inherent uncertainty with the processes described within the guide.
1.3.5 Section 5, Project Planning and Scoping, describes the steps needed prior to implementing this guide, including: establishing
This test method guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct
responsibility of Subcommittee E50.03 on Beneficial Use.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019Feb. 1, 2024. Published December 2019April 2024. Originally published in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 20182019 as
E3183E3183 – 19.–18. DOI: 10.1520/E3183–1910.1520/E3183-24
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3183 − 24
a project team; determining what storage areas within the facility should be evaluated for potential harvesting of CCPs;
determining the potential materials to be harvested; compiling existing land use, environmental compliance, geologic/
hydrogeologic, topographic, design and construction information; estimating potential project costs and project schedule with
contingencies (if feasible); and identifying factors that may impact the ability to harvest the CCPs.
1.3.6 Section 6, Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps for evaluating the attributes of storage areas
at the facility relative to harvestingCCPs.
1.3.7 Section 7, Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps for developing and implementing the CCP
characterization sampling and analysis plan that will evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of the CCPs within the
storage areas, and determining if amendments to the CCPs will be needed for beneficial use.
1.3.8 Section 8, Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps necessary to evaluate the approval
status of the storage areas and develop a conceptual harvesting strategy and approval approach for the project. Considerations are
given for both active and inactive storage areas.
1.3.9 Section 9, Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval (as applicable) of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps needed to
prepare the detailed design and approval documents (as applicable) for the CCP storage area harvesting and receive the
appropriate approval (as applicable).
1.3.10 Section 10, Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas, describes the steps needed to implement the storage area
harvesting plans from installation of the appropriate pre-harvesting components and harvesting the CCPs in accordance with the
approval requirements, to completing the post-harvesting monitoring and inspections.
1.3.11 Sections 6 through 10 provide the five phases (Phase I through V) of the harvesting process that follow once storage areas
are selected for harvesting evaluation. Information related to Phase I through V is located on Table 1.
1.4 This guide does not include information on the processing of harvested CCPs, and therefore, additional approvals not
discussed within this guide may be needed (for example, residual waste processing approvals, air approvals specific to processing,
water control approvals, storage system approvals, etc.).
1.5 As CCPs are produced, they may be sent off-site directly to beneficial use applications, such as concrete, wallboard and
controlled or structural fills, while the alternative is to direct them to dry or wet storage areas. Although many CCPs were placed
in storage due to not meeting applicable specifications for use, many other CCPs were stored for lack of market. In either case,
the CCPs retain the ability to be considered a wanted material that provides a functional benefit and a benefit to the environment.
They can be harvested and lightly processed, if necessary, to meet relevant product specifications and substitute for the raw
materials. Depending on the type and homogeneity of CCPs and the type of storage area from which the materials are being
harvested (that is, dry or wet storage areas), this harvesting and processing may include, but is not limited to, excavating or
dewatering/dredging, drying, milling, classifying and storing or transporting the material before they are beneficially used.
1.6 The CCPs that may be harvested include: fly ash,bottom ash and economizer ash generated by powdered carbon boilers; boiler
slag; flue gas desulfurization material; fluidized-bed combustion products as defined in Terminology E2201; cenospheres; or other
materials suitable for beneficial use.
1.7 Laws and approval requirements governing the use of CCPs vary by locality, state and countrystate, and country, and generally
do not yet include provisions for CCP harvesting as described herein. The user of this guide is responsible for determining and
complying with the applicable approval requirements, which may extend beyond harvesting to include approval requirements or
guidance on issues such as storage, transportation, end use, and other concepts. This guide complements approval programs where
guidance on harvesting is unavailable or insufficient, thereby improving the chance that such storage areas may be repurposed for
public or private benefit, or both. It is important to engage and educate the approval authority early and often throughout the
planning, design, and implementation of the harvesting activities. The project team may also consider affording an opportunity to
solicit input from other stakeholders.
1.8 This guide should not be used as a justification to avoid, minimize, or delay implementation of specific management,
operation, closure, or remediation activities, or both as appropriate by law or directive, unless the harvesting activities are
conducted in conjunction with such strategies to maintain or achieve compliance with the approval requirements or as otherwise
agreed upon with the appropriate authorizing agencies.
E3183 − 24
1.9 This guide should not be used to characterize (that is, environmentally assess) a storage area for ownership transfer although
portions of such information may supplement other environmental assessments that are used in such a transfer.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C311 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Coal Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Concrete
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
E1527 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process
E2201 Terminology for Coal Combustion Products
E2277 Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
2.2 EPA Standards:
40 CFR 260.10 Hazardous Waste Management System: General – Definitions
40 CFR 312.10 Innocent Landowners, Standards for Conducting All Appropriate Inquiries – Definitions
3. Terminology
3.1 For additional definitions related to coal combustion products (CCPs), see Terminology E2201. For definitions related to
geotechnical properties, see Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 active facility, n—a facility producing electricity.
3.2.2 active storage area,area(s), n—a storage areaarea(s) that has had containing CCPs placed within it, but that has not
completed closure in accordance with the approval authority requirements.
3.2.3 approval authority, n—an authority entity that is tasked to ensure authorized to establish and enforce compliance with
environmental protection and public/worker safety laws and directives concerning the management of CCP storage areasarea(s);
this includes governments of cities, counties, states, countries, provinces, and tribal organizations.
3.2.4 beneficial use of coal combustion products (CCPs), n—the use of or substitution of the recycling coal combustion products
(CCPs) for another product based on performance criteria. The CCPs will be used in a manner that meets the design specification,
conserves natural resources and energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and/or protects human health and the environment,
along with other benefits. For purposes of this definition, beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, raw feed for cement clinker,
concrete, grout, flowable fill, controlled low strength material; controlled or structural fill; road base/sub-base; soil modification;
mineral filler; snow and ice traction control; blasting grit and abrasives; roofing granules; mining applications; wallboard; waste
stabilization/solidification; soil amendment; and agriculture. in lieu of disposal.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—
See TerminologyThe beneficial E2201use of CCPs,for more information. when appropriate, may result in the conservation of
natural resources and energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while protecting human health and the environment.
For the purpose of this guide, beneficial use includes, but is not limited to: raw feed for cement clinker, concrete, grout, flowable
fill, and controlled low-strength material; controlled or structural fill; road base/sub-base; soil modification; mineral filler; snow
and ice traction control; blasting grit and abrasives; roofing granules; mining applications; gypsum panel; waste stabilization/
solidification; soil amendment; and agriculture.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
http://www.epa.gov.
E3183 − 24
3.2.5 boiler slag, n—a molten ash collected at the base of slag tap and cyclone boilers that is quenched with water and shattered
into black, angular particles having a smooth, glassy appearance.
3.2.6 bottom ash, n—agglomerated ash particles formed in pulverized coal boilers that are too large to be carried in the flue gases
and impinge on the boiler walls or fall through open grates to an ash hopper at the bottom of the boiler. ash that results from the
process of combustion of ground or powdered coal that is not transported by flue gases.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
See Terminology E2201 for more information.
3.2.7 caps or cover, n—natural (for example, engineered soil liners or caps) or synthetic (for example, linear low-density
polyethylene, LLDPE) materials placed on the top of a storage area to minimize the infiltration of rainwater into the storage area.
3.2.8 cenospheres, n—lightweight, inert, hollow spheres made largely of silica and alumina and filled with air or inert gas,
typically produced as a byproduct of coal combustion at power plants.type of fly ash particle consisting of lightweight, hollow
sphere.
3.2.9 closure, n—for permitted storage areas,closure of a storage area is completed by either meeting harvesting goals and project
endpoints or installing a cap/cover, as appropriate, per in accordance with the approval authority.
3.2.10 coal ash, n—a collective term referring to any solid materials produced primarily from the process of combustion of coal
(for example, fly ash,bottom ash, or boiler slag).
3.2.11 coal combustion products (CCPs), n—fly ash,solid materialsbottom ash, thatboiler slag, resultfluidized-bed combustion
(FBC) ash, or flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material produced primarily from the process of combustion of coal or the cleaning
of the stack gases.ground or powdered coal.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—
Examples of coal combustion products include fly ash,bottom ash,flue gas desulfurization (FGD) residue, and boiler slag. This
definition of coal combustion products does not include, among other things, the residue resulting from: (1) fluidized bed
combustion, (2) the burning of municipal solid waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the burning of industrial or municipal
solid waste in incinerators.
3.2.12 contact water, n—the liquid byproduct of CCP placement or harvesting within the active or inactive storage area whose
origin may be the CCPs combined with rainwater that runs off the CCPs and does not infiltrate the CCPs.
3.2.13 dry CCPs, n—CCPs placed in a dry storage area not containing free liquids.
3.2.14 dry CCP storage area,area(s), n—the location wherearea of land dry CCPs are stored; a dry stack, valley fill, landfill,
storage unit or cell, which is designed to hold an accumulation of or excavation used to manage and store coal combustion products
that is not a CCPswet andCCP leachate.storage area.
3.2.15 economizer ash, n—coal ash that exits the combustion chamber carried in the flue gases used by the economizer, which
is typically captured by hoppers.Economizer ash is heavier/coarser than fly ash, but lighter/less coarse than bottom ash.
3.2.15.1 Discussion—
Economizer ash is heavier and coarser than fly ash, but lighter and less coarse than bottom ash.
3.2.16 engineering controls, n—constructed containment barriers or systems that control the downward migration, infiltration or
seepage or surface runoff and rain; control the natural leaching/migration of containments through the subsurface over time; control
fugitive emissions; and measures that minimize the flow of liquids and fugitive emissions into or out of a regulated storage
areaarea(s). (for example, engineered soil liners or caps,leachate collection and removal systems, dewatering systems, and surface
water management systems).
3.2.16.1 Discussion—
Examples of engineering controls are engineered soil liners or caps,leachate collection and removal systems, dewatering systems,
surface water management systems, and dust control systems.
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3.2.17 environmental professional, n—a person trained and experienced in the management of materials and storage areasarea(s).;
he or she has the credentials to make professional judgments about the acceptability of how land is used, potential impacts to safety,
human health and the environment, and the effectiveness of engineering, institutional and regulatory controls.
3.2.17.1 Discussion—
An environmental professional has the credentials to make professional judgments about the acceptability of how land is used;
potential impacts to safety, human health, and the environment; and the effectiveness of engineering, institutional and regulatory
controls. The definition of environmental professional in this guide is different and mutually exclusive from the definition of
environmental professional as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) All Appropriate Inquiries rule (40 CFR
312.10) and Practice E1527.
3.2.18 facility, n—all contiguous land and structures associated with the power plant, as used in this guide, a coal-fired power plant
including all contiguous land, structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land,land used for treating, storing,
disposing, or otherwise conducting solid waste management of CCPs. A facility may consist of several treatment, storage, or
disposal operational units (for example, one or more active or inactive storage areas).
3.2.18.1 Discussion—
A facility may consist of several treatment, storage, or disposal operational units (for example, one or more active or inactive
storage area(s)). A facility as defined in this guide is not necessarily a permitted Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
treatment, storage, or disposal facility as defined in 40 CFR 260.10.
3.2.19 flue gas desulfurization (FGD), n—removal of gaseous sulfur dioxide from boiler exhaust gas.
3.2.19.1 Discussion—
See Terminology E2201 for more information.
3.2.20 flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material, n—a product of an FGD process typically using a high-calcium sorbent such as
lime or limestone.
3.2.20.1 Discussion—
See Terminology E2201 for more information.
3.2.21 fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, n—the fly ash and bed ash produced by an FBC boiler.
3.2.22 fly ash, n—coal ashfinely divided that exits a combustion chamber in the flue gas and is captured by air pollution control
equipment such as electrostatic precipitators Baghouses, and wet scrubbers. residue that results from the process of combustion
of ground or powdered coal and is transported by flue gases.
3.2.22.1 Discussion—
This definition of fly ash does not include, among other things, the residue resulting from: (1) fluidized bed combustion, (2) the
burning of municipal solid waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the burning of industrial or municipal solid waste in
incinerators.
3.2.23 harvesting, v—the removal, or reclamation, of CCPs from an active or inactive storage areaarea(s) for the purpose of
beneficial use.
3.2.24 harvesting phase, n—a segment of the overall storage area harvesting that strategically divides the harvesting area based
on the anticipated sequence of harvesting within the storage area, while considering issues such as site access, harvesting rate,
management of liquids during harvesting, and end use.
3.2.25 harvesting sub-phase, n—a subdivision of a harvesting phase that provides further detail on harvesting activities including
proposed grades; management of leachate,contact water and surface water; placement of cover; and removal/addition of
infrastructure as harvesting progresses.
3.2.26 historic CCP fill material, n—CCPs typically that were placed before effective regulatory requirement governed material
placement, and therefore, they were stored without a permit or an approval obtained by an approval authority.
3.2.27 historic (or unpermitted) storage area, n—the location where historic CCPs were placed before effective environmental
regulatory requirements governed material placement.
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3.2.28 inactive facility, n—a facility not producing electricity.
3.2.29 inactive storage area, n—a storage areaarea(s) that has had containing CCPs placed within it and that has completed
closure in accordance with the approval authority requirements,requirements or has not placed CCPs within a period specified by
the approval authority (as applicable).
3.2.30 institutional controls, n—administrative measures (of measures established and enforced by an approval authority) that
guide users and owners directs users of CCP storage areasarea(s) on appropriate or prohibited activities, and deliverable
documents concerning the control of leachate, stormwater runoff and water infiltration. These conditions may include what is
allowed, what is to be measured during inspections, and what is to be done if conditions exceed what is considered acceptable.
The environmental professional may recommend such controls in their evaluation of a site using this guide, in addition to what
an approval authority requires.
3.2.30.1 Discussion—
These measures may include what activities are allowed or permitted, what is to be measured during inspections, and required
responses or corrective action are to be implemented if conditions exceed what is considered acceptable.
3.2.31 leachate, n—the liquid byproduct of placement within an active or inactive storage area whose origin may be of the
following sources: (1) the CCP material itself; (2) the CCP material combined with rainwater that infiltrates the CCP material; or
(3) the CCP material dissolved in groundwater that has infiltrated the storage area (typically at the base of a pre-approval storage
area).
3.2.32 liners, n—natural (for example, engineered soil liners) or synthetic (for example, high density polyethylene, HDPE)
materials placed on the bottom and sidewalls of a storage area to contain leachate and prevent or minimize the infiltration of
leachate to groundwater.
3.2.33 permitted storage area, n—storage areaarea(s) where the placement of CCPs was governed by approval from an approval
authority (that is, governing documents regulate the construction, operations, and closure of the storage areaarea(s)).
3.2.34 post-closure care measures, n—activities that the CCP storage area owner must take to maintain the effectiveness of
engineering and institutional controls that protect against potential adverse impacts to human health, public safety, and welfare;
applies to a storage area under the authority of an approval authority.
3.2.35 processing, v—activities through which that the CCP undergoes, such as, dewatering, dredging, drying, and/ordrying or
milling of CCPs, prior to storage and/or transportation or both, before storage or transportation or both of the materials to end use.
3.2.36 project team, n—two or more professionals (including the environmental professional) who collaborate on the evaluation
and selection of a CCP storage areaarea(s) to be harvested. The team may include the user; environmental professionals; the local,
state and country approval authority; ash management/marketing partner; and the storage area owner and/or his or her
representatives. For some storage areas, the project team may also include community stakeholders.
3.2.36.1 Discussion—
The team may include the user; environmental professionals; the local, state, and country approval authority; ash management/
marketing partner; and the storage area(s) owner or his or her representatives. For some storage area(s), the project team may also
include community stakeholders.
3.2.37 run-off, n—any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid that drains over land from any part of a CCP storage area.
3.2.38 run-on, n—any rainwater, leachate or other liquid that drains over land onto any part of the CCP storage area.
3.2.39 stakeholders, n—a person with an interest in the outcome of a decision to harvest CCPs from the storage area; includes
the property owner, energy producers, neighboring property owners, community representatives, development and conservation
groups, sustainability advocates, and other interested parties.
3.2.40 storage area, n—an area where wet CCPs ((see wet storage areaarea(s)) or dry CCPs ((see dry storage areaarea(s)) are
stored within a facility.
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3.2.41 storage area closure, n—the transition period of a regulated storage area between the active receipt of CCPs and the start
of the post-closure care period; often involves the installation of the storage area cap that isolates the CCPs.Historic storage areas
may not be able to achieve “closure”.
3.2.42 storage area post-closure care period, n—following closure of storage area, a span of time in which the storage area may
need to be inspected and/or monitored or monitored, or both, in accordance with requirements determined by the approval
authority (as applicable).
3.2.43 unpermitted storage area, n—storage areaarea(s) where the placement of CCPs was not governed by approval from an
approval authorityauthority. (that is, a historic storage area where governing documents do not regulate the construction,
operations and closure of the storage area).
3.2.43.1 Discussion—
Current governing requirements that regulate construction, operations, and closure of the storage area(s) are not applicable to
unpermitted storage area(s).
3.2.44 wet CCPs, n—CCPs that were hydraulically placed in a storage area.area(s).
3.2.45 wet storage area,area(s), n—the location where wet CCPs are stored; a topographic depression, man-made excavation,
impoundment, or diked area, which is designed to hold an accumulation of CCPs and liquids.
3.2.45.1 Discussion—
Wet storage area(s) contain wet CCPs.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for reclamation of existing CCPs placed in active and inactive storage areas. The
guide includes information on the following activities required for the safe and effective reclamation of CCPs from storage areas:
(1) Background Review of CCP Storage Areas; (2) Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas; (3) Harvesting Planning and
Scoping of CCP Storage Areas; (4) Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval of CCP Storage Areas; and (5) Harvesting
Implementation of CCP Storage Areas. More detailed descriptions of these activities are in Sections 6 through 10.
4.2 Potential Beneficial Uses of CCPs—There are many CCP storage areas that are potentially harvestable and can provide a
functional benefit in a wide variety of beneficial uses. The beneficial use of CCPs contained in these storage areas can have
significant environmental and economic benefits for the facility, the facility owner and the local economy, and can significantly
reduce disposal operations (1-4). Beneficial use of CCPs can provide industry with a safe and responsible way to economically
manage the CCPs, while promoting conservation and recycling/reuse, meeting sustainability goals, and addressing the shortage of
CCPs in some building product market areas (1, 2, 5).CCPs consist of fly ash,bottom ash,boiler slag,fluidized-bed combustion
(FBC) ash,economizer ash, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material (see Terminology E2201 for definitions of CCPs) (6, 7).
4.2.1 Fly ash is the most abundant CCP in existing storage areas. Its beneficial uses include, but are not limited to: partial
replacement for cement in concrete and concrete products – once in concrete, fly ash reacts with Portland cement to create
additional reaction products that improve the strength and durability of concrete; raw feed for the production clinker – fly ash can
be calcined along with other minerals to produce clinker; blended cements – fly ash can be an important component in the
production of blended cement, especially when pozzolanic properties are desired; filler in plastics – fly ash typically increases the
stiffness and compressive strength when used as a filler in plastics; controlled low strength materials (CLSM) – CLSM that include
fly ash, typically have improved flowability and strength as well as reduced bleeding and shrinkage; as a soil stabilization material;
as an aggregate/soil replacement construction material in structural fill and mine reclamation projects; fillers in carpet backing –
fly ash is high performance mineral filler; and as a solidification agent within landfills and remediation projects (6-9).
4.2.2 Bottom ash can be beneficially used as raw feed for the production of clinker, as a component of structural fills, and as
aggregate in the manufacturing of masonry products (6, 7, 9).
4.2.3 Boiler slag can be used as blasting grits and roofing granules. Other applications include, but are not limited to, as a
component of structural fills and mineral filler in asphalt (7, 9).
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard.
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4.2.4 Fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash can be utilized in various mixtures as a low strength low-strength concrete material
and soil stabilization agent (7).
4.2.5 Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, in its majority, is typically beneficially used in gypsum panel products. Other uses
include in agricultural applications to improve soil, as a component in structural fills, and as an important component in the
production of cement (6, 7, 9).
4.3 Approval Context—This guide does not supersede local, state or country requirements, if applicable. This guide is intended
to be used for storage areas that are both within an approval authority program and historic (or unpermitted) storage areas.
4.3.1 For harvesting of CCPs from storage areas within an approval authority program, governing documents should be carefully
reviewed and followed to ensure that all requirements relative to design, operations, monitoring, closure, and post-closure are
followed, or that agreements are established to ensure compliance and allow for harvesting activities.
4.3.2 For harvesting of CCPs from historic (or unpermitted) storage areas, the project team should engage with the appropriate
local, state, province, or country approval, or combination thereof, authorities to determine the appropriate requirements, and
should ensure that the appropriate engineering controls and institutional controls are incorporated into the harvesting project.
4.4 Use of Guide—Approval authorities may incorporate this guide, in whole or in part, into general guidance documents or
site-specific approval documents.
4.5 Professional Judgment—This guide presumes the active involvement of an environmental professional who is knowledgeable
in how to design and construct storage areas and how to identify acceptable site conditions, or when appropriate, satisfy applicable
statutory or approval authority limitations on the use of an operating, closed, or historic (unpermitted) storage area.
4.6 Inherent Uncertainty—Professional judgment, interpretation,interpret-
ation, and some uncertainty are inherent in the processes described herein even when decisions are based upon objective scientific
principles and accepted industry practices.
5. Project Planning and Scoping
5.1 Prior to applying this guide, the user should perform the following project planning and scoping activities: (a) identify an
environmental professional to assist with the technical components of the project; (b) develop a project team; (c) identify site and
storage areas to be potentially harvested; (d) determine the potential beneficial uses of the CCPs; and (e) compile site data.
5.1.1 The user should identify an environmental professional, who for purposes of this guide, is a person who possesses sufficient
education, training, experience and certifications (as applicable), and exercises sound professional judgment regarding the
components of this guide.
5.1.2 The user should assemble a project team that considers attributes such as historical site knowledge; technical expertise
relevant to the components of this guide including the investigation, assessment, design, approval process (as applicable),
construction, operation, monitoring, and maintenance of active/inactive storage areas that are protective to human health, public
safety, and welfare; approval authority requirements; and stakeholder interests and concerns, if known.
5.1.3 Prior to using this guide, the user should determine which storage areas could provide useful CCPs for beneficial use and
should be evaluated for potential harvesting. This guide is to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting of storage areas once
the storage areas are selected for evaluation.
5.1.4 The user may prepare an initial determination of the potential uses of the CCPs from the available storage areas at the
facility. These may be refined following completion of the Site Background Review and Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage
Areas tasks (see Sections 6 and 7, respectively).
5.1.5 The user should compile land use, historic environmental compliance, geologic and hydrogeologic, topographic, design and
construction-related information (if available); estimate project costs and develop the project schedule with contingencies (if
feasible); and identify other factors that may impact the ability to harvest the CCPs.
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5.2 When an approval authority program governs harvesting of CCPs, the user should evaluate whether the applicable approval
authority program and the goals and requirements of this guide complement each other and are protective to human health, public
safety, and welfare.
5.3 Process—The five phases of the Harvesting Coal Combustion Products Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas guide are
presented on Table 1. Detailed information on the five phases areis presented on Figs. 1-5 and in Sections 6 through 10.
6. Background Review of CCP Storage Areas, Phase I (see Fig. 1)
6.1 A Background Review of the CCP Storage Areas should be initiated after the Project Planning and Scoping activities are
completed (see Section 5), including identification of an environmental professional and project team, determination of which
storage areas should be evaluated for potential harvesting, initial determination of potential beneficial uses of CCPs, and
compilation of relevant storage area information (see 5.1.5).
6.2 Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas Steps—The Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas process follows
the following three steps: Step 1 – Determine the Approval Authority Applicability of Storage Areas; Step 2 – Determine if
Harvesting CCPs Will Meet End Use Criteria; Step 3 – Establish Baseline Conditions of CCP Storage Areas. The three steps are
summarized below and shown on Fig. 1.
6.2.1 Step 1: Determine the Approval Authority Applicability of Storage Areas—A review of local, state, country, and province
requirements should be completed to determine approval authority and compliance criteria that may be applicable. Such criteria
may apply to both the harvesting of the CCPs, as well as the actual beneficial use of the CCPs or other issues.
6.2.1.1 Permitted facilities may have specific approval and compliance criteria stated in the operational, closure or post-closure
documents, or both, and other approval authority criteria may exist outside of applicable permits that may apply to harvesting.
6.2.1.2 Unpermitted facilities may use general standard operating procedures, existing requirements for permitted facilities or
other arbitrary guidelines, or both that may apply to harvesting.
6.2.2 Step 2: Determine if Harvesting CCPs Will Meet End Use Criteria—A general review of the potential end use specifications,
technologies and performance standards should be completed. In their absence, development of new specifications or changes to
existing standards should be considered. If CCPs do not meet current end use specifications and performance standards for a
specific application, consider what amendments or processing could be made to the raw CCPs to meet the end use specifications
and performance standards, or whether changes to the specifications and standards could be made to allow harvesting of CCPs to
be feasible, or both.
6.2.2.1 Review existing chemical, physical and geotechnical information for the CCPs relative to the requirements of the intended
end use.
6.2.2.2 Review estimated volume of CCPs that may be obtained during harvesting activities to assess feasibility of project.
6.2.2.3 Review transportation considerations and distance between the source and the end use.
6.2.3 Step 3: Establish Baseline Conditions of CCP Storage Areas—A review of available data related to the CCP storage areas’
attributes should be completed to establish baseline conditions. Such attributes include, but are not limited to: facility layout and
infrastructure; storage area configuration, design, and fill sequencing/phasing; types, homogeneity, age, liquid content,
TABLE 1 Harvesting Phase Information
NOTE 1—Process assumes the storage areas have already been chosen. Site selection is not included in this Guide.
Phases Description Location within this guide
I Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 1 and Section 6
II Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 2 and Section 7
III Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 3 and Section 8
IV Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval (if required) of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 4 and Section 9
V Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas Fig. 5 and Section 10
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FIG. 1 Phase I – Site Background Review of CCP Storage Areas
physical/chemical characteristics, and volume of CCPs; geologic, hydrogeologic and hydrologic conditions; and roadways/
transportation hubs and surrounding environs.
7. Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas, Phase II (see Fig. 2)
7.1 A Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas should be initiated after completion of the Site Background Review of CCP
Storage Areas, including the determination of the applicability of approval authority involvement, feasibility of the harvesting of
the CCP storage areas, and establishing baseline conditions for management of the harvesting unit.
7.2 Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas Steps—The Detailed Characterization of CCP Storage Areas process follows
the following five steps: Step 1 – Develop CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan; Step 2 – Perform Appropriate CCP
Sampling; Step 3 – Perform Appropriate Laboratory Analyses; Step 4 – Evaluate Results of Characterization; Step 5 – Determine
Suitability of CCPs for Harvesting. The five steps are summarized below and shown on Fig. 2.
7.2.1 Step 1: Develop CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan—A CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan
should be prepared to augment the baseline information.
7.2.1.1 The plan should establish the data quality objectives and sampling protocols needed to obtain adequate datasets appropriate
to maintain approval compliance and meet end use specifications and performance standards. A description of the assessment of
the representativeness of the samples or a pre-determined level of uncertainty, or both, determined to be acceptable for the project
needs to be included.
7.2.1.2 The number of samples to be collected, sample locations, and sample volumes for the applicable test methods should be
included. The plan should establish methods for collecting representative samples and should establish mineralogical, geochemical,
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FIG. 2 Phase II – Detailed Characterization of Storage Areas
and geotechnical test methods for characterization of the CCPs. Consideration may be given to sampling the CCPs directly from
the CCP storage area, or analyses may be conducted on samples that have been processed or amended, or both to achieve end
use specifications and performance standards. Sample locations should consider the non-homogenous nature of the deposited CCPs
within the dry or wet storage areas, as either a result of natural deposition differences or physical or chemical, or both changes
that CCPs can undergo from within a storage area (10).
7.2.1.3 Quality assurance and quality control protocols should be outlined within the Plan.
7.2.2 Step 2: Perform Appropriate CCP Sampling—Implement the CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan and
document sample collection activities. Follow standard operating procedures for surface and subsurface sample collection of the
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FIG. 3 Phase III – Harvesting Planning and Scoping of CCP Storage Areas
CCPs for the appropriate tests to ensure representative samples are collected and the location of the samples are documented.
Subsurface conditions should be documented to identify observations on the physical and chemical characteristics, liquid content,
and other applicable attributes.
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FIG. 4 Phase IV – Harvesting Detailed Design and Approval of CCP Storage Areas
7.2.3 Step 3: Perform Appropriate Laboratory Analyses—The samples should be tested according to test methods and
specifications applicable for the intended beneficial use. For example, if harvesting fly ash for the beneficial use in concrete, the
test methods given in Test Methods C311 should be used to determine if the material complies with Specification C618, or the
necessary amendments or processing that would be needed for the material to meet the specification. Alternatively, if the material
does not meet the specification but is proven to provide a functional benefit for the intended beneficial use, the user may identify
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FIG. 5 Phase V – Harvesting Implementation of CCP Storage Areas
the amendments to the specification necessary for the material to be in compliance, or whether a new specification is needed. The
samples should be transferred following the proper chain-of-custody and preservation requirements established in the CCP
Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan. Testing laboratories or vendors processing and completing the analyses should
follow accepted test methods. Results should be presented in a final report, and any deviations from the prescribed protocols
established in the CCP Characterization Sampling and Analysis Plan should be noted.
7.2.4 Step 4: Evaluate Results of Characterization—A review of the data should be completed to determine if data quality
objectives are met. Apply best professional judgement to determine if the dataset is representative and adequate for use in the
planning and development process.
7.2.5 Step 5: Determine Suitability of CCPs for Harvesting—Comparisons should
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