Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR)
Minnesota Power uses coal as part of a diversified portfolio for energy production to ensure its customers access to reliable and affordable energy. On April 17, 2015 EPA published the Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) Rule. The rule directly impacts coal burning facilities by establishing nationwide criteria for the disposal of coal ash in landfills and surface impoundments. The rule became effective October 19, 2015.
What is CCR?
Coal Combustion Residual (CCR), commonly referred to as coal ash, is the byproduct of coal that remains after it is burned to produce electricity. CCR can also be identified in more specific terms by physical characteristics. Common types of coal ash are fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, or flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials. Coal ash can be handled and stored in wet or dry form. Dry ash is stored in dry ash landfills while ash mixed with water is stored in surface impoundments often referred to as ash ponds.
Existing State Regulatory Framework
All Minnesota Power facilities that generate and receive coal ash are operated safely and are in full compliance with State of Minnesota permits. Permits issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are designed to be fully protective of human health and the environment.
Minnesota Power facilities regulated by the federal CCR Rule are Laskin Energy Center and Boswell Energy Center, and Taconite Harbor Energy Center.
Laskin
In 2015, Laskin Energy Center converted its coal burning boilers to natural gas, eliminating the generation of CCR at this facility. The legacy ash pond at Laskin has been decommissioned.
Boswell
Boswell Energy Center continues to generate and safely handle, dispose, and beneficially re-use coal ash. The ash ponds and dry ash landfill are in compliance with all state regulations. Changes will be made to the ash basin as needed to continue to operate in full compliance with all federal CCR Rule requirements.
Taconite Harbor
In 2016, Taconite Harbor Energy Center idled its two remaining units and ceased disposal of CCR in the dry ash landfill. The Taconite Harbor Energy Center landfill has received final cover and is in full compliance with all state and federal requirements.
Beneficial Use
Recycling of coal ash is referred to as beneficial use, a common practice encouraged by the EPA and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Coal ash is used to enhance manufactured products such as grout, concrete, and roofing materials. At Boswell Energy Center, as much of the coal ash as possible is recycled or reused to reduce the need for new materials in manufacturing products as well as reduce the costs associated with coal ash disposal. To learn more about beneficial use visit EPA's and/or MPCA's websites:
To learn more about Minnesota Power's strategy to help change the way energy is produced and used in the U.S., visit our EnergyForward home page at: http://www.mnpower.com/EnergyForward
