ASTM E3355-23

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: E3355 − 23
Standard Guide for
Characterization of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) in
Storage Area(s) for Beneficial Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3355; 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 1.7 Laws and approval requirements governing the use of
CCPs vary by locality, state, province, and country and
1.1 This guide provides a framework to characterize coal
generally do not yet include provisions for CCP characteriza-
combustion products (CCPs) situated in active or inactive
tion as described herein. The user of this guide is responsible
storage units for potential harvesting and beneficial use and
for determining and complying with the applicable approval
E3183.
may be considered a companion standard to Guide
requirements, which may extend beyond characterization to
1.2 A framework is provided in this guide to address critical
include approval requirements or guidance on issues such as
aspects related to the characterization of CCPs placed in active
disturbance, storage, transportation, end use, and other con-
(operational) and inactive storage of (closed or no longer
cepts. This guide may complement approval programs in
receiving CCPs) storage area(s). These storage area(s) may be
which guidance on characterization is unavailable or
used for wet or dry CCPs.
insufficient, thereby improving the chance that such storage
1.3 This guide does not include information on how to
area(s) may be repurposed for public or private benefit or both.
determine what storage area(s) or facilities should be selected
It may be important to engage and educate the approval
for potential characterization of CCPs as each entity may
authority early and often throughout the planning, design, and
approach a characterization program in accordance with their
implementation of the characterization activities. The project
own intent and regulatory requirements. In addition, it does not
team may also consider affording an opportunity to solicit input
include information on how the user should evaluate invento-
from other stakeholders.
ries to determine the order of their storage area(s) for potential
1.8 This guide should not be used to characterize (that is,
characterization including consideration of risk, performance,
and cost. This guide for potential harvesting for beneficial use environmentally assess) wet or dry CCP storage area(s) for
is intended to be used to evaluate the storage area(s) once the ownership transfer, although portions of such information
storage area(s) are selected for evaluation. resulting from characterizing CCPs using this guide may
supplement other environmental assessments that are used in
1.4 This guide does not include information on the permit-
such a transfer.
ting that may be required to implement CCP characterization
activities or may be associated with the processing or end
1.9 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
use(s). Therefore, additional approvals not discussed within
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
this guide may be needed.
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
1.5 This guide is intended to help characterize CCPs that therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
may be harvested while gaining understanding of their homo-
geneity within a given wet or dry storage area. formance with the standard.
1.6 The CCPs that may be characterized include fly ash, 1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
bottom ash, and economizer ash; boiler slag; flue gas desulfu-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rization material; fluidized bed combustion products as defined
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in Terminology E2201; cenospheres; or other materials suitable
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
for beneficial use.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action and is the direct responsibil-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ity of Subcommittee E50.03 on Beneficial Use.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published July 2023. DOI: 10.1520/
E3355–23 Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3355 − 23
2. Referenced Documents D6044 Guide for Representative Sampling for Management
2 of Waste and Contaminated Media
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D6103 Test Method for Flow Consistency of Controlled
C22/C22M Specification for Gypsum
Low Strength Material (CLSM)
C128 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
D6155 Specification for Nontraditional Coarse Aggregates
and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
for Asphalt Paving Mixtures
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
D7393 Practice for Indicating Oil in Abrasives
Aggregates
E105 Guide for Probability Sampling of Materials
C311/C311M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly
E1527 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I
Ash or Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement
Environmental Site Assessment Process
Concrete
E2060 Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products for
C330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregates for Struc-
Solidification/Stabilization of Inorganic Wastes
tural Concrete
E2201 Terminology for Coal Combustion Products
C471M Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Gypsum and
E2278 Guide for Use of Coal Combustion Products (CCPs)
Gypsum Products (Metric)
for Surface Mine Reclamation: Revegetation and Mitiga-
C472 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum, Gyp-
tion of Acid Mine Drainage
sum Plasters, and Gypsum Concrete
E3183 Guide for Harvesting Coal Combustion Products
C476 Specification for Grout for Masonry
Stored in Active and Inactive Storage Areas for Beneficial
C566 Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of
Use
Aggregate by Drying
C593 Specification for Fly Ash and Other Pozzolans for Use 2.2 ACI Standards:
ACI 214-14 Guide for Structural Lightweight-Aggregate
With Lime for Soil Stabilization
C595 Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cements Concrete
ACI 325.9R-15 Guide for Construction of Concrete Pave-
C618 Specification for Coal Ash and Raw or Calcined
Natural Pozzolan for Use in Concrete ments
ACI PRC-211.7-15 Guide for Proportioning Concrete Mix-
C1325 Specification for Fiber-Mat Reinforced Cementitious
Backer Units tures with Ground Limestone and Other Mineral Fillers
ACI PRC 213-14 Guide for Structural Lightweight-
C1761 Specification for Lightweight Aggregate for Internal
Curing of Concrete Aggregate Concrete
ACI PRC-229-13 Report on Controlled Low-Strength Ma-
C1797 Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and
Aggregate Mineral Fillers for use in Hydraulic Cement terials
ACI PRC 230.1-09 Report on Soil Cement
Concrete
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained ACI PRC 232.2-18 Report on the Use of Fly Ash in Concrete
ACI PRC-232.3-14 Report on High-Volume Fly Ash Con-
Fluids
crete for Structural Applications
D2940 Specification for Graded Aggregate Material for
Bases or Subbases for Highways or Airports
2.3 Other Standards:
D3018 Specification for Class A Asphalt Shingles Surfaced
40 CFR 260.10 Definitions
with Mineral Granules
40 CFR 312.10 Definitions
D3462 Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass
AASHTO M295 Standard Specification for Coal Fly Ash
Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules
and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan for Use in Con-
D4417 Test Methods for Field Measurement of Surface
crete
Profile of Blast Cleaned Steel
EPA 530-R-16-011 Methodology for Evaluating Beneficial
D4832 Test Method for Preparation and Testing of Con-
Uses of Industrial Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials
trolled Low Strength Material (CLSM) Cylindrical Test
NIOSH Method 7500 Crystalline Silica Content
Specimens
PennDoT MS-0450-0001 Anti-Skid for Municipal Use
D4940 Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water
Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast Cleaning Abrasives
D5971 Practice for Sampling Freshly Mixed Controlled
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr.,
Low-Strength Material
Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
D6023 Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, Ce-
Available from www.ecfr.gov.
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
ment Content, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Con-
Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
trolled Low-Strength Material (CLSM)
http://www.transportation.org.
D6024 Test Method for Ball Drop on Controlled Low 6
Available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Resource
Strength Material (CLSM) to Determine Suitability for Conservation and Recovery 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW (5306T), Washington DC
20460, www.epa.gov.
Load Application
Available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2003- 154/pdfs/7500.pdf.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Department of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Transportation Bureau of Planning & Research, 400 North St., 6th Fl., Harrisburg,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on PA 17120, https://www.dot.state.pa.us/public/PubsForms/Publications/
the ASTM website. Pub%20447.pdf.
E3355 − 23
3. Terminology 3.1.13 coal ash, n—fly ash and bottom ash resulting from
the process of combustion of ground or powdered coal (for
3.1 Definitions:
example, fly ash, bottom ash, or boiler slag).
3.1.1 For additional definitions related to coal combustion
3.1.14 coal combustion products, CCPs, n—solid materials
products (CCPs), see Terminology E2201. For definitions
that result from the process of combustion of ground or
related to geotechnical properties, see Terminology D653.
powdered coal.
3.1.2 active storage area(s), n—storage area(s) containing
3.1.14.1 Discussion—Examples of coal combustion prod-
CCPs that has not completed closure in accordance with the
ucts include fly ash, bottom ash, flue gas desulfurization
approval authority requirements.
residue, and boiler slag. This definition of coal combustion
3.1.3 approval authority, n—entity that is authorized to
products does not include, among other things, the residue
establish and enforce compliance with environmental protec-
resulting from: (1) fluidized bed combustion, (2) the burning of
tion and public/worker safety laws and directives concerning
municipal solid waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the
the management of CCP storage area(s) and this includes
burning of industrial or municipal solid waste in incinerators.
governments of cities, counties, states, countries, provinces,
3.1.15 coal refuse and mine fire abatement, n—application
and tribal organizations.
of CCP slurry to abate smoldering coal refuse piles and
3.1.4 beneficial use of CCPs, n—recycling CCPs in lieu of
deep-mine fires.
disposal.
3.1.16 controlled low-strength material, CLSM, n—mixture
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The beneficial use of CCPs, when
of soil or aggregates (sand or gravel or both), cementitious
appropriate, may result in the conservation of natural resources
materials, water, and sometimes, admixtures, that hardens into
and energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
a material with a higher strength than the soil but less than
while protecting human health and the environment. For the
8400 kPa [1200 psi].
purpose of this guide, examples of beneficial uses include, but
3.1.16.1 Discussion—Used as a replacement for compacted
are not limited to, raw feed for cement clinker, concrete, grout,
backfill, CLSM can be placed as a slurry, a mortar, or a
flowable fill, and controlled low-strength material; controlled
compacted material and typically has strengths of 350-700 kPa
or structural fill; road base/sub-base; soil modification; mineral
[50-100 psi] for most applications.
filler; snow and ice traction control; blasting grit and abrasives;
3.1.17 dry CCP storage area(s), n—area of land or excava-
roofing granules; mining applications; gypsum panel; waste
tion used to manage and store coal combustion products that is
stabilization/solidification; soil amendment; and agriculture.
not a wet CCP storage area.
3.1.5 beneficiation, n—improvement of the chemical or
3.1.18 economizer ash, n—coal ash that exits the combus-
physical properties of a raw material or intermediate product
tion chamber carried in the flue gases used by the economizer,
by the removal or modification of undesirable components or
which is typically captured by hoppers.
impurities.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Economizer ash is heavier and coarser
3.1.6 blasting/abrasive grit, n—material used to clean or
than fly ash but lighter and less coarse than bottom ash.
texturize a material such as metal or masonry.
3.1.19 end use(s), n—material or product in which raw or
3.1.7 boiler slag, n—molten ash collected at the base of slag
harvested CCP will be used, for example, an end use of fly ash
tap and cyclone boilers that is quenched with water and
can be concrete.
shattered into black, angular particles having a smooth, glassy
3.1.20 engineering controls, n—constructed containment
appearance.
barriers or systems that control the downward migration,
3.1.8 bottom ash, n—ash that results from the process of
infiltration, or seepage of surface runoff and rain; control the
combustion of ground or powdered coal that is not transported
natural leaching/migration of contaminants through the subsur-
by flue gases.
face over time; control fugitive emissions; and measures that
3.1.8.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in-
minimize the flow of liquids and fugitive emissions into or out
formation.
of a regulated storage area(s).
3.1.20.1 Discussion—Examples of engineering controls are
3.1.9 cement, hydraulic, n—cement that sets and hardens by
engineered soil liners or caps, leachate collection and removal
chemical reaction with water and is capable of doing so under
systems, dewatering systems, surface water management
water.
systems, and dust control systems.
3.1.10 cenosphere, n—type of fly ash particle consisting of
3.1.21 environmental professional, n—person trained and
lightweight, hollow sphere.
experienced in the management of materials and storage
3.1.11 clinker, n—partially fused product of a kiln that is
area(s).
ground to make cement.
3.1.21.1 Discussion—An environmental professional has
3.1.12 concrete, n—composite material that consists essen- the credentials to make professional judgments about the
tially of a binding medium within which are embedded acceptability of how land is used; potential impacts to safety,
particles or fragments of aggregate; in hydraulic-cement human health, and the environment; and the effectiveness of
concrete, the binder is formed from a mixture of hydraulic engineering, institutional, and regulatory controls. The defini-
cement and water. tion of environmental professional in this guide is different and
E3355 − 23
mutually exclusive of the definition of environmental profes- approval authority requirements or has not placed CCPs within
sional as defined in the Environmental Protection Agency’s a period specified by the approval authority (as applicable).
(EPA’s) All Appropriate Inquiries rule (40 CFR 312.10) and
3.1.34 institutional controls, n—measures established and
Practice E1527.
enforced by an approval authority that directs users of CCP
3.1.22 facility, n—as used in this guide, a coal-fired power storage area(s) on appropriate or prohibited activities and
plant including all contiguous land, structures, other deliverable documents concerning the control of leachate,
appurtenances, and improvements on the land used for treating, stormwater runoff, and water infiltration.
storing, disposing, or otherwise conducting solid waste man-
3.1.34.1 Discussion—These measures may include what
agement of CCPs.
activities are allowed or permitted, what is to be measured
3.1.22.1 Discussion—A facility may consist of several during inspections, and required responses or corrective action
treatment, storage, or disposal operational units [for example, are to be implemented if conditions exceed what is considered
one or more active or inactive storage area(s)]. A facility as acceptable.
defined in this guide is not necessarily a permitted Resource
3.1.35 level of confidence for beneficial use, n—acceptable,
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment, storage, or
self-selected level of confidence the user of this guide is
disposal facility as defined in 40 CFR 260.10.
comfortable with regarding characterization of CCP storage
3.1.23 flowable fill, n—material that flows as a liquid, is area(s) to support their understanding of site conditions related
self-leveling, requires no compaction or vibration to achieve to a harvesting project.
maximum density, hardens to a predetermined strength, and is
3.1.35.1 Discussion—Level of confidences range across
sometimes a CLSM.
three tiers with Tier I representing the lowest level of confi-
dence and Tier III representing the highest.
3.1.24 flue gas desulfurization, FGD, n—removal of gas-
eous sulfur dioxide from boiler exhaust gas. 3.1.36 lightweight aggregate, n—aggregate with bulk den-
3 3
3.1.24.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in- sity less than 1120 kg/m [70 lb/ft ] such as, pumice, scoria,
volcanic cinders, tuff, and diatomite; expanded or sintered clay,
formation.
shale, slate, diatomaceous shale, perlite, vermiculite, or slag;
3.1.25 flue gas desulfurization (FGD) material, n—product
and end products of coal or coke combustion.
of an FGD process typically using a high-calcium sorbent such
as lime or limestone. 3.1.37 mine subsidence and acid mine drainage mitigation,
n—application of CCP to stop or prevent surface subsidence
3.1.25.1 Discussion—See Terminology E2201 for more in-
above mined areas and the use of alkaline CCP to control acid
formation.
mine drainage from deep mines.
3.1.26 fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) ash, n—fly ash and
3.1.38 mineral filler, n—finely divided mineral product at
bed ash produced by an FBC boiler.
least 65 % of which passes the 75 mm (No. 200) sieve.
3.1.27 fly ash, n—finely divided residue that results from the
3.1.39 mining applications, n—applications that include: (1)
process of combustion of ground or powdered coal and is
coal refuse and mine fire abatement, (2) mine subsidence and
transported by flue gases.
acid mine drainage mitigation, and (3) surface mine reclama-
3.1.27.1 Discussion—This definition of fly ash does not
tion.
include, among other things, the residue resulting from: (1)
fluidized bed combustion, (2) the burning of municipal solid
3.1.40 permitted storage area(s), n—storage area(s) where
waste or any other refuse with coal, or (3) the burning of
the placement of CCPs was governed by approval from an
industrial or municipal solid waste in incinerators.
approval authority [that is, governing documents regulate the
construction, operations, and closure of the storage area(s)].
3.1.28 grout, n—cementitious mixture, with or without ag-
gregate or admixtures, that is used primarily to fill voids.
3.1.41 processing, v—activities that the CCP undergoes,
such as dewatering, dredging, drying, and/or milling of CCPs
3.1.29 gypsum panel, n—sheet product that has a noncom-
before storage or transportation or both of the materials to end
bustible core made primarily of gypsum.
use.
3.1.30 harvesting, v—removal, or reclamation, of CCPs
3.1.42 project team, n—two or more professionals (includ-
from an active or inactive storage area(s) for the purpose of
ing the environmental professional) who collaborate on the
beneficial use.
evaluation and selection of a CCP storage area(s) to be
3.1.31 historic CCP fill material, n—CCPs typically that
harvested.
were placed before effective regulatory requirement governed
3.1.42.1 Discussion—The team may include the user; envi-
material placement, and therefore, they were stored without a
ronmental professionals; the local, state, and country approval
permit or an approval obtained by an approval authority.
authority; ash management/marketing partner; and the storage
3.1.32 historic (or unpermitted) storage area(s), n—location area(s) owner or his or her representatives or both. For some
where historic CCPs were placed before effective environmen-
storage area(s), the project team may also include community
tal regulatory requirements governed material placement. stakeholders.
3.1.33 inactive storage area(s), n—storage area(s) contain- 3.1.43 runoff, n—any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid that
ing CCPs that has completed closure in accordance with the drains over land from any part of a CCP storage area(s).
E3355 − 23
3.1.44 reserve deposition model, RDM, n—written or picto- regarding an understanding of CCP storage area(s) conditions
rial depiction of a CCP storage area(s) that is developed based when planning characterization activities to support harvesting
upon site-specific review of the available or new technical activities.
information from various sources for the operational history, 3.1.56.1 Discussion—This usually is associated with reli-
CCP storage area(s) design and applicable status, CCP charac- ance upon available site-specific CCP storage area(s) informa-
teristics (physical/chemical), and other attributes that may be tion and may consider a collection of a limited amount of
used when planning a CCP characterization for harvesting additional site information following a CCP characterization
activities. plan.
3.1.57 Tier III (comprehensive) level of confidence,
3.1.45 roofing granules, n—graded, mineral material used
as surfacing in asphalt shingles. n—designation is the higher end of confidence selected along a
spectrum regarding an understanding of CCP storage area(s)
3.1.46 run-on, n—any rainwater, leachate, or other liquid
conditions when planning characterization activities to support
that drains over land onto any part of the CCP storage area(s).
harvesting activities.
3.1.47 sample, n—representative part or a single item from
3.1.57.1 Discussion—This usually is associated with reli-
a larger whole or group especially when presented for inspec-
ance upon available site-specific CCP storage area(s) informa-
tion or shown as evidence of quality.
tion and requires the collection of a limited or extensive
3.1.47.1 Discussion—See Guides D6044 and E105 for more
amount of additional site information following a CCP char-
information.
acterization plan.
3.1.48 site characterization, n—process to evaluate site-
3.1.58 unpermitted storage area(s), n—storage area(s)
specific attributes to be considered for developing and imple-
where the placement of CCPs was not governed by approval
menting the CCP characterization plan that will be used to
from an approval authority.
evaluate the suitability of CCP harvested from wet or dry CCP
3.1.58.1 Discussion—Current governing requirements that
storage area(s) CCP for potential end use(s).
regulate construction, operations, and closure of the storage
area(s) are not applicable to unpermitted storage area(s).
3.1.49 soil amendment, n—material applied to the land
primarily to enhance soil characteristics (rather than as plant
3.1.59 waste stabilization/solidification, n—treatment pro-
food).
cess designed to accomplish one or more of the following
results: (1) improve the handling and physical characteristics of
3.1.50 storage area(s), n—area where wet CCPs [see wet
the waste, as in the sorption of free liquids; (2) decrease the
storage area(s)] or dry CCPs [see dry storage area(s)] are stored
surface area of the waste mass across which transfer of loss of
within a facility.
contaminants can occur; and/or (3) limit the solubility of any
3.1.51 structural fill, n—engineered fill with a projected
hazardous constituents of the waste such as by pH adjustment
beneficial end use that is typically constructed in layers of
or sorption phenomena.
uniform thickness and compacted to a desired unit weight in a
3.1.60 wet CCPs, n—CCPs that were hydraulically placed
manner to control the compressibility, strength, and hydraulic
in a storage area(s).
conductivity.
3.1.61 wet storage area(s), n—topographic depression,
3.1.52 subbase, n—layer in a pavement system between the
man-made excavation, impoundment, or diked area, which is
subgrade and the base course or between the subgrade and the
designed to hold an accumulation of CCPs and liquids.
pavement.
3.1.61.1 Discussion—Wet storage area(s) contain wet CCPs.
3.1.53 subgrade, n—soil prepared and compacted to support
a structure or a pavement system.
4. Significance and Use
3.1.54 surface mine reclamation, n—application of CCP to
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for character-
surface mines to improve the physical characteristics of the
ization of existing CCPs placed in active and inactive storage
soil, create better-graded soil texture, improve the water-
area(s) to assist in potential harvesting strategies. In this guide,
holding capacity of the soil, and serve as a medium for
information on the following activities required for the safe and
supporting vegetation, especially in the case of alkaline CCP.
effective characterization of CCPs from storage area(s) is
3.1.55 Tier I (initial) level of confidence, n—designation is included: (1) available site characterization information
the lower end of confidence selected along a spectrum regard- inventory/review, (2) available end use(s) information
ing an understanding of CCP storage area(s) conditions when inventory/review, (3) end use(s) and level of confidence (Tiers
planning characterization activities to support harvesting ac- I, II, and III) related to the CCP characterization selected and
tivities. RDM; (4)CCP characterization plan development; and (5) CCP
storage area(s) characterization report. More detailed descrip-
3.1.55.1 Discussion—This usually is associated with reli-
ance upon available, site-specific CCP storage area(s) informa- tions of these activities are in Sections 6 – 10.
tion and may consider a collection of a very limited amount of
4.2 Potential Beneficial Use(s) of CCPs—There are many
additional site information following a CCP characterization
CCP storage area(s) that are potentially harvestable and can
plan.
provide a functional benefit. The beneficial use of CCPs
3.1.56 Tier II (moderate) level of confidence, n—designation contained in these storage area(s) can have significant environ-
is the moderate level of confidence selected along a spectrum mental and economic benefits for the user and can significantly
E3355 − 23
reduce disposal operations (1-4). Beneficial use of CCPs can 4.3.1 For characterizing CCPs from storage area(s) for
provide industry with a safe and responsible way to manage the potential harvesting within an approval authority program,
CCPs economically, while promoting conservation and governing documents should be carefully reviewed and fol-
recycling, meeting sustainability goals, and addressing the lowed to establish that all requirements relative to harvesting
shortage of CCPs in some building product market areas (1, 2, design, operations, monitoring, closure, and post closure are
5). CCPs consist of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, FBC ash, followed or that agreements are established for compliance and
economizer ash, and FGD material. End use(s) may include allow for characterization activities.
cement/concrete, light aggregate, flowable fill, controlled or 4.3.2 For characterizing CCPs from historic (or unpermit-
structural fill, road base/subbase, soil amendment, waste ted) storage area(s) for potential harvesting, the project team
stabilization/solidification, agriculture, grout, mineral filler, may engage with the appropriate local, state, province, country
snow/ice traction control, blasting grit/abrasives, roofing approval, or combination thereof, authorities to determine the
granules, mining application, gypsum panel, and others (see appropriate requirements and should establish that the appro-
Terminology E2201 for definitions of CCPs) (Sections 6 and priate engineering controls and institutional controls are incor-
7). porated into the characterization project.
4.3.3 In addition to approvals related to the CCP storage
4.2.1 Fly ash is the most abundant CCP in existing storage
area and harvesting activities, some jurisdictions may have a
area(s). Its beneficial uses include, but are not limited to, partial
separate approval process for beneficial uses of materials. This
replacement for cement in concrete and concrete products—
approval process, often referred to as a beneficial use
once in concrete, fly ash reacts with Portland cement to create
additional reaction products that improve the strength and determination, may require characterization of the material and
the beneficial use. Jurisdictions that require approval of ben-
durability of concrete; raw feed for the production of clinker
—fly ash can be calcined along with other minerals to produce eficial use may also maintain exemptions or predeterminations
for certain materials or beneficial uses.
clinker; blended cements—fly ash can be an important com-
ponent in the production of blended cement, especially when
4.4 Use of Guide—Approval authorities may incorporate
pozzolanic properties are desired; filler in plastics—fly ash
this guide, in whole or part, into general guidance documents
typically increases the stiffness and compressive strength when
or site-specific approval documents.
used as a filler in plastics; CLSM—CLSM that include fly ash
4.5 Professional Judgment—This guide presumes the active
typically have improved flowability and strength as well as
involvement of an environmental professional who is knowl-
reduced bleeding and shrinkage; as a soil stabilization material;
edgeable in how to characterize CCP, design and construct
as an aggregate/soil replacement construction material in
storage area(s), and identify acceptable site conditions or, when
structural fill and mine reclamation projects; fillers in carpet
appropriate, satisfy applicable statutory or approval authority
backing—fly ash is a high-performance mineral filler; and as a
limitations on the use of an operating, closed, or historic
solidification agent within landfills and remediation projects
(unpermitted) storage area(s).
(Sections 6 – 9).
4.6 Inherent Uncertainty—Professional judgment,
4.2.2 Bottom ash can be beneficially used as raw feed to
interpretation, and some uncertainties are inherent in the
produce clinker, as a component of structural fills, and as
processes described herein even when decisions are based on
aggregate in the manufacturing of masonry products (Sections
objective scientific principles and accepted industry practices.
6, 7, and 9).
4.2.3 Boiler slag can be used as blasting grits and roofing
5. Project Planning and Scoping
granules. Other applications include, but are not limited to, as
5.1 Before applying this guide, the user should perform the
a component of structural fills and mineral filler in asphalt
following project planning and scoping activities: (1) select an
(Sections 7 and 9).
environmental professional, (2) select a project team, (3)
4.2.4 FBC ash can be used in various mixtures as a
identify CCP storage area(s) of interest and approval authority,
low-strength concrete material and soil stabilization agent
(4) complete preliminary review of storage area(s), and (5)
(Section 7).
review of potential CCP end use(s).
4.2.5 FGD gypsum, in its majority, is typically beneficially
5.1.1 The user should identify an environmental
used in gypsum panel products. Other uses include in agricul-
professional, who for the purposes of this guide, is a person
tural applications to improve soil, as a component in structural
who possesses sufficient education, training, experience, and
fills, and as an important component in the production of
certifications (as applicable) and exercises sound professional
cement (Sections 6, 7, and 9).
judgment regarding the components of this guide.
4.3 Approval Context—This guide does not supersede local,
5.1.2 The user should assemble a project team that considers
state, or country requirements, if applicable. This guide is
attributes such as historical site knowledge; technical expertise
intended to be used for storage area(s) that are both within an
relevant to the components of this guide, including the
approval authority program and historic (or unpermitted)
investigation, assessment, design, approval process (as
storage area(s).
applicable), harvesting, construction, operation, monitoring,
and maintenance of active/inactive storage area(s) that are
protective to human health, public safety, and welfare; ap-
proval authority requirements; and stakeholder interests and
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard. concerns, if known.
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5.1.3 Before using this guide, the user should determine and other attributes that may be used when planning a CCP
which storage area(s) could provide useful CCPs for beneficial characterization for harvesting activities. The level of detail in
use and should be evaluated for potential harvesting. This an RDM can vary based on the user(s) needs and range from an
guide is to be used to evaluate the potential harvesting of initial RDM using readily available information versus a more
active/inactive storage area(s) once the storage area(s) are detailed RDM. Either can be used to establish an understanding
selected for evaluation. When an approval authority program of information and a decision tool for determining if additional
governs characterization of CCPs, the user should evaluate characterization data may be required to assist in evaluating
whether the applicable approval authority program and the CCP storage area(s) potential for harvesting. An understanding
goals and requirements of this guide complement each other of operational history is also useful in developing a CCP
and are protective to human health, public safety, and welfare. characterization plan for potential harvesting activities. A CCP
5.1.4 The user should complete preliminary review of characterization plan outlines the approach to develop and
storage area(s) including: site history, active/inactive status, implement a characterization study to attain additional data
ownership, general property attributes, CCP storage area(s) required to establish an understanding of CCP characteristics
information, permits associated with CCP storage area(s) and with a level of confidence for the selected end use(s) if
surrounding environs, and regulatory status. adequate data are not available. These data may provide
5.1.5 The user should review and identify potential end information on the types of CCP and placement of materials in
use(s) of interest and relevant information including identify- the CCP storage area(s). Historical photographs may provide
ing potential end use(s), desired CCP characteristics for ben- evidence of the progression of CCP deposits. During inter-
eficial use and beneficiation, geography/proximity to market, views conducted by the environmental professional, opera-
approval/regulatory authority, and end-use(s) performance tional staff may recall details of CCP storage area operations
standards. that are not included in paper documentation.
6.2.1.1 Ownership—Documentation regarding a coal fire
5.2 Process—The six phases of the characterizing CCPs
energy plant or facility ownership and/or operators may in-
stored in active and inactive storage area(s) for harvesting
clude the deed or property transfer history available from the
guide are presented in Table 1. Detailed information on the six
local or regional authority or site-specific records.
phases is presented on Figs. 1-5 and Sections 5 – 10.
6.2.1.2 Age—The age of the CCP storage area(s) may be
6. Available Site Characterization Information Inventory/
determined using site-specific permits, operational records,
Review: Phase II
and/or site mapping or aerial photography.
6.2.1.3 Plant processes—Site-specific permits and opera-
6.1 A site characterization information inventory/review
tional records provide information on plant processes and
should be initiated after the project planning and scoping
resulting types of CCP and production volumes over the life of
activities are completed (see Section 5), including selection of
the facility.
an environmental professional and project team, determination
of which storage area(s) should be evaluated for potential 6.2.1.4 CCP management plan—A plan outlining how the
harvesting, initial determination of potential beneficial uses of types and volumes of CCP were managed and tracked over
CCPs, and compilation of relevant storage area(s) information. time, including placement in wet or dry CCP storage area(s).
6.2.1.5 CCP storage area(s)—Permits and operational re-
6.2 Available Site Characterization Information Inventory/
cords may contain information on the location, active/inactive
Review—The available site characterization information
status, design, and operational history for CCP storage area(s).
inventory/review process follows four steps. The four steps are
The user(s) should attempt to identify the placement of any
summarized in 6.2.1 – 6.2.4 and shown in Fig. 2a.
non-CCP materials in the unit.
6.2.1 Step 1: Determine the Operational History of the CCP
6.2.1.6 Permits and correspondence—Site-specific permits,
Storage Area(s)—An understanding of the operational history
operational records, and correspondence typically are available
of wet or dry CCP storage area(s) is useful when developing an
that include information on CCP storage area(s).
RDM. An RDM is a written or pictorial depiction of a CCP
storage area(s) that is developed based on a site-specific review 6.2.1.7 Regulatory status—Documentation may be available
of the available or new technical information from various regarding the regulatory status of permitted and unpermitted
sources for the operational history, CCP storage area(s) design CCP storage area(s) that may yield information on the location,
and applicable status, CCP characteristics (physical/chemical), design, and operational history for CCP storage area(s).
TABLE 1 Characterization Phase Information
NOTE 1—Process assumes the storage area(s) have already been chosen. Site selection is not included in this guide.
Phases Description Location Within This Guide
I Project Planning and Scoping Fig. 1 and Section 5
II Available Site Characterization Inventory/Review Fig. 2a and Section 6
III Available End Use(s) Information Inventory/Review Fig. 2b and Section 7
IV End Use(s) and Level of Confidence Related to the CCP Fig. 3 and Section 8
Characterization Selected and RDM
V CCP Characterization Plan Development Fig. 4 and Section 9
VI CCP Storage area(s) Characterization Report Fig. 5 and Section 10
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FIG. 1 Phase I—Project Planning and Scoping
6.2.2 Step 2: Determine CCP Storage Area(s) Design and CCP storage area(s) should be documented in operational and
Applicable Status—An understanding of the wet or dry CCP compliance records. This information may provide details on
storage area(s) design is important and its integration into the anticipated surficial or subsurface conditions or both, design
RDM key to a workable characterization plan for harvesting. components of the containment system, and subsequent place-
The design may be detailed in site operational records or ment of CCP in the storage area(s) that need to be considered
permits. The permit status of the operation and closure of the before initiating harvesting activities.
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FIG. 2 a Phase II—Available Site Characterization Information Inventory/Review
6.2.2.1 Storage area(s) type—The CCP storage areas may to obtain or verify available data before implementing harvest-
be a wet or dry system with their own unique design with each ing activities. Characterization data may be available in a
having different design and operational and closure criteria. site-specific technical report, previous characterization studies,
6.2.2.2 Engineering design plans—Engineering design operational records, and/or compliance records. These data
plans or operational records should be available for CCP may provide direction on areas that may be targeted for
storage area(s) that may include detailed design information, potential harvesting activities and data need to support the level
calculations, and drawings. of certainty selected by the user.
6.2.2.3 CCP homogeneity—CCP placement within storage 6.2.3.1 Age—The age of the CCP material may be identified
area(s) may be homogeneous or comingled, and the character- in the permits and site operational records.
istics and properties of materials placed in these storage areas 6.2.3.2 CCP type/class—The type of material and associ-
may be defined in permits. ated source and processes that dictate CCP characteristics and
6.2.2.4 Management systems—Permits or design evalua- classification may be available.
tions may contain detailed documentation for management 6.2.3.3 CCP chemistry—CCP chemical characteristics may
systems that are integrated into CCP storage area(s). be available in site-specific technical reports, permits, opera-
6.2.2.5 Wastewater management—The management of wa- tional records, and/or compliance reports.
ter that has contacted CCP in the storage area(s) may be 6.2.3.4 CCP physical characteristics—CCP physical char-
documented in permits or operational records. acteristics may be available in site-specific technical reports,
6.2.3 Step 3: Determine CCP Characteristics—An under- permits, operational records, and/or compliance reports.
standing of the CCP characteristics within the storage area(s) is 6.2.3.5 Homogeneity—Information regarding the homoge-
important as you develop the RDM and a characterization plan neity of the CCPs placed within a storage area(s) over time and
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FIG. 2 b Phase III—Available End Use(s) Information Inventory/Review (continued)
documentation if the CCPs may have been comingled may be 6.2.4 Step 4: Determine Other Applicable Information—An
available in site operational and compliance reports. The understanding of site conditions, information, and available
user(s) should attempt to identify the placement of any data needs to consider any additional agreements, permits,
non-CCP materials in the unit. compliance conditions, and so forth that may yield information
E3355 − 23
FIG. 3 Phase IV—End Use(s) and Level of Confidence Related to the CCP Characterization Selected and Reserve Deposition Model
useful in developing the RDM or CCP or both characterization design and applicable status, CCP characteristics, and other
plan. Examples may include public documents, special agree- applicable information.
ments or orders, site-specific studies, and financial assurance
7.2 Available End Use(s) Information Inventory/Review
documents.
Steps—The available end use(s) information inventory/review
follows these three steps.
7. Available End Use(s) Information Inventory/Review
7.2.1 Step 1: Determine the Inventory Available and Appli-
7.1 An available end use(s) information inventory/review cable Information Regarding the Quality Specification and
should be initiated after completion of the available site Perfo
...