The production of electricity from coal combustion started in Ontario in 1951; by 2010 most of Ontario Hydro's existing coal-fired power plants could be largely retired. The legacy of this 60 year period of coal combustion will be a few fly ash-cement buildings, a few fly ash-filled bridge abutments and several large megatonne fly ash disposal sites. In-house research studies into ash leaching characteristics began 20 years after fly ash disposal commenced - current environmental awareness, coupled with advances in chemical analytical technology dictate that laboratory studies and disposal site monitoring will continue for years to come. Some of the variables - coal source, ash characteristics, disposal site location and design, leachate monitoring, collection and treatment plans - are discussed in relation to the Ontario situation and the anticipated time frame for continued study. Future areas for research and future prospects for large scale fly ash disposal projects are identified. The current findings indicate that properly engineered ash disposal projects are an asset, not a burden, to the people of Ontario.
Mosses accumulate heavy metals from the substrata of coal ash
