Institutional Barriers to Increased Utilization of Power Plant Ash in Maryland: Analysis and Recommendations

摘要

This report is directed at the problems of disposal and utilization of coal fired power plant solid wastes in Maryland. Each year, Maryland and D.C. power plants produce over 0.8 million tons of fly ash, bottom ash, and boiler slag (collectively, 'ash') and this quantity is expected to increase to 1.5 million tons by 1990. While only a small fraction of these wastes is presently used as a resource, increased utilization is possible, thus decreasing the quantities landfilled. Given the potential for increased use, a question is whether the state can aid utilities in finding markets for their solid wastes, so that use can be maximized and disposal minimized. For example, if existing state and local regulations present unreasonable barriers which delay use, or make use impractical or expensive, such barriers should be removed. Positive actions might also be taken to increase utilization of the ash resource. Based on surveys of eight states and detailed analysis of the Maryland situation, this report presents the existing institutional barriers to increased ash use in Maryland. 'Institutional barriers' as used in this report refer to legal, regulatory, and administrative activities of government agents which impact utilization efforts. Along with the list of barriers, this report includes a detailed survey of the regulatory treatment of ash and standards for highway construction use of ash. The report also provides comparisons with other states and presents a set of potential remedies for consideration.