Approach to Analysis of the Environmental Effects of Spent Oil Shale Disposal

摘要

This report describes a systematic approach to define the problems and mitigate potential environmental impacts associated with the disposal and reclamation of spent shale. A basic understanding of the hydrology and geochemistry of the land forms created from disposal of spent shales is needed for a quantitative description of water and solute flux for different scenarios and conditions. The approach described includes: developing an understanding of the relationship between retorting conditions and the geochemical and geotechnical properties of spent oil shale; developing conceptual models of waste piles which incorporate engineering design, construction and operational scenarios incorporating the data base into existing models of environmental processes such as those which depict water relationships, geochemical reactions, and solute transport refining the submodels through experimentation based on scientific methods; and selectively validating the submodels as the first full scale waste piles become available for observation. Initially the models would be used to set priorities for research. When validated, the models would be used to describe the long range consequences of different operational scenarios and to develop and optimize design strategies. 13 refs., 2 figs. (ERA citation 10:046100)