Environmental Evaluation of the University of Minnesota-Duluth Coal Gasifier

摘要

Final results are reported for the environmental evaluation portion of a comprehensive monitoring and testing program focused on a small Foster-Wheeler/Stoic coal gasifier at the University of Minnesota-Duluth (UMD). Leachates of solid wastes (bottom ash and cyclone separator char) from three heating seasons of operation of the UMD gasifier were tested chemically and toxicologically. These tests indicate that the solids would not be considered toxic-hazardous according to the current interpretation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976. This determination does not, however, ensure that the solids would be environmentally benign in all respects. In terms of leachate trace element composition, solid wastes from the UMD gasifier are generally similar to those from other low-Btu gasifiers. Leachates from a variety of industrial and municipal solid wastes generally equal or exceed the UMD solid waste leachates in trace element concentrations and toxicity. Atmospheric monitoring indicated that air quality is good in the vicinity of the UMD steam plant and is not greatly affected by gasifier operation. (ERA citation 08:028874)