Spent Shale Disposal Study for NOSR 1. Naval Oil Shale Reserves Management Support and Systems Engineering Project

摘要

The objective of this study was to develop a disposal system concept for up to four leases operating simultaneously on the NOSR 1 property. Each lease would have a plant operating at a shale oil production rate of 50,000 BPD. Additional objectives included the development of capital costs, operating costs, and the necessary environmental controls for spent shale disposal. The study considered only surface disposal of the spent shale, although disposal back into the mine could be an attractive alternative. The cycle of operation for spent shale disposal developed in this study is comprised of: conveyor belt delivery of the spent shale to an unloading station near the disposal area; loading and hauling of the spent shale to the disposal site; compaction of spent shale; and maintenance of a drainage system for water to a catchment basin. Environmental concerns relating to air quality, water quality, and pile stability are addressed. Potential control measures emphasizing proper compaction, shaping of the pile, revegetation, and leachate/runoff management are suggested. Environmental siting considerations including physical and chemical contexts of the surroundings, biological setting, and regulatory attitudes are addressed for each site. From an environmental standpoint, the NOSR 3 and Ben Good sites are the most favorable for disposal. Unfortunately, slope steepness and inaccessibility make disposal pile operation at the NOSR 3 site virtually impossible. Consequently, this site is not included in the proposed disposal system. Designs are based on a nonhazardous waste classification for the spent shale. Capital and operating costs for preparation, disposal system operation, and environmental controls total $1.20/ton of spent shale or about $1.31/bbl of shale oil produced. 4 references, 7 figures, 13 tables. (ERA citation 10:001932)