Bench-Scale to Bulldozers Mark Teshima, P.Chem September 13, 2016 Semiamhoo, WA
Outline The origins of biosolids in mine reclamation (70s and 80s) Surf: PNW evolution in aggregate mine reclamation (mid 90s present) Turf: A proven model for coal mine reclamation development in the prairies (2010 present) Looking forward
Objectives By the end you will: Receive a brief but important history lesson Understand the evolution of biosolids mine reclamation Learn why biosolids are a good fit for mine reclamation and what to look forward to in this space Learn an effective approach for mine reclamation development that can be applied to other opportunities
The Happy Confluence Two important Federal policies taking shape in the 1970s Reclamation standards Banning ocean discharge of biosolids (increasing volumes) Pennsylvania bituminous coal mines and >100,000 acres of disturbed land Philadelphia Water Department significant biosolids management challenge
Knew Little, Learned A Lot Two decades of research 4,500 acres; 750,000 tons of biosolids Dozens of tree, grass and legume species Culminating in a book summarizing efforts (Sopper et al. 1993) and several presentations, trade publications etc.
Biosolids Reclamation 1970-89 Logistics Transport, storage and application techniques Benefit and environmental protection indicators Erosion control Ground cover Wildlife response Water quality protection Within context of reclamation goals / regulations Biosolids Control
Takeaways and Opportunities Even at this early stage, critical recommendations flagged that we still utilize today Regulator engagement Demonstrations as a method to gain support, interest Control Biosolids
Trials to Operational Scale Pioneering work in PA opened doors to other regions Generators, regulators and landowners see evidence of success Still regionally novel Collaborative model still critical Underpinned by monitoring and research So what did we do with this knowledge?
Aggregate Mine Reclamation
Aggregate Mine Reclamation
Coal Mine Reclamation in Alberta
Coal Mine Reclamation Renaissance in Alberta Coal Exposure vegetation clearing and de-stumping; topsoil salvage / subsoil salvage mining Reclamation subsoil placement; subsoil conditioning (reduce compaction / improve drainage); topsoil placement; and seeding / revegetation to achieve land end use objective
Reclamation Challenges Mining processes present challenges to reclamation Salvage and stockpiling has not always been required Stripping, transport and stockpiling of soil resources can result in substantial volume loss and degraded quality There may be significant gaps in subsoil/topsoil placement, but a desire to establish vegetation
Do You See an Opportunity? The City of Edmonton did Prioritized coal mine reclamation through evaluation, but actual proof of concept required. Several steps undertaken to develop and implement an operational demonstration trial First step: find a partner
Genesee n Is Believe n Genesee Mine Identified during the assessment of options Joint venture between CPC and Westmoreland Coal (previously Sherritt Coal) Located approximately 60 miles southwest of the CoE lagoons Spans >15,000 acre and expanding
Demonstration Development Consultation with regulators Project-specific authorization under current guidelines Solicit input on demonstration design Site assessment to determine suitability for biosolids applications Stakeholder consultation (including mine) Submit proposal to regulator for approval
Site Selection Reclamation challenges as described previously Specifically the mine experienced gaps (i.e. years) between subsoil and topsoil placement Subsoiled areas marginally productive and the most challenging to reclaim Intended land end-use objective is return to agricultural land
Demonstration Objectives City of Edmonton Is this an economically and logistically feasible option? Does this align with internal core values? Genesee Mine Can biosolids improve site productivity / reclamation success and support our regulatory needs? Regulators Is biosolids use in coal mine reclamation protective of the environment?
Establishing the Demonstration SYLVIS Activities Coordinate and deliver biosolids Operational management Coordinate research Environmental monitoring (two growing seasons) Stakeholder consultation as required (minimal following project set-up)
Trial Design
Environmental Monitoring Conducted over two growing season Pre-application soil sampling to establish baselines Post-application soil sampling bookending growing seasons Nutrients and trace elements Crop sampling (wheat and canola) Yield and crop quality
Demonstration Highlights Soils Beneficial increases in macronutrients correlated with application rates Minimal increases in trace element concentrations All trace element concentrations well below regulatory limits
Demonstration Highlights Crop Substantial increases in crop yield (47-89% increases) correlated with biosolids applications Crop quality increases (42-48% crude protein content increases) Benefits corroborated by parallel studies in AB and BC
Program Successes City of Edmonton Logistically and economically feasible Potential for market development based on promotion of demonstration outcomes Genesee Mine / Farmers Biosolids could be incorporated into reclamation toolkit Improvement of subsoiled land productivity can improve lease rates (no plans to divest) Higher quality crops: increased revenue from sales or reduction in input costs
Program Successes Regulators Proof-of-concept for provincially novel reclamation approaches Linking to intended land end-use is critical for regulator support Information derived from demonstration used to support future applications at other mines
Program Evolution Successful demonstration has opened more opportunities Larger-scale, longer-term Consultation aided by local / regional examples of success Supported by research and monitoring
Program Evolution Further research and demonstration directions Biosolids supporting achievement of other land end use goals Carbon angles (of specific importance in Alberta)
Opportunities Abound
Questions? Mark Teshima, P.Chem mteshima@sylvis.com www.sylvis.com 1.800.778.1377