CPCB Guidelines on Coal Ash Ponds

Introduction

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued new guidelines concerning the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and annual certification of coal ash ponds. These guidelines address the management of Coal Combustion Residues (CCRs) generated by Thermal Power Plants (TPPs), which include fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and fluidized bed combustion ash.

Coal Ash Composition

Coal combustion in TPPs produces CCRs, which are categorized into different solid fractions. Fly ash, or precipitated fly ash (PFA), constitutes approximately 80% of the total coal combustion residues and results from fine dust collected by fabric filters or electrostatic precipitators. Bottom ash (BA), making up the remaining 20%, settles at the bottom of the boiler and includes unburned carbon. For economic reasons, power stations typically dispose of both fly ash and bottom ash together as a slurry in ponds for extended storage. However, as the reuse potential of ash increases, segregated storage is gaining popularity due to the better economic returns from selling fly ash.

Guidelines and Regulations

According to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), “ash” encompasses all coal or lignite ash generated at TPPs, including Electro Static Precipitator (ESP) ash, dry fly ash, bottom ash, pond ash, and mound ash. Environmental pollution from coal-based TPPs is a significant concern, impacting land use, health, and the quality of air, soil, and water.

Conclusion

These guidelines are designed to benefit thermal power plants in India by ensuring safe disposal and beneficial utilization of coal ash. The CPCB does not accept liability for the use of these guidelines beyond their intended application. This disclaimer remains in effect even if other parties use these guidelines.

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Download – CPCB issued Guidelines On the Design Construction and Annual Certification of Coal Ash Ponds