Case Studies, Coal-Ash, Coal-Ash Leachate, News

Pumping Coal-Ash Leachate to Stay in Compliance

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A solar panel is mounted on a metal frame in an open field with tall grass, connected to an electrical box and a cylindrical pipe below, resembling a top-head drive pump. A flag is attached to the top of the frame. The sky is partly cloudy with bright sunlight illuminating the scene.
01
Jul

Apollo Solar Pumps Operate at
Remote Sites, Without Trenched Power

Near coal-fired electric power plants across the U.S. lies the residue of burned bituminous. The EPA calls it Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs) — a combination of powdery light ash, heavy bottom ash, boiler slag and flue-gas desulfurization material.

The residue is commonly known as coal ash. It is often buried at sites officially classified as solid-waste landfills.

As with all landfills, rainwater can infiltrate a site to create liquid leachate. Coal-ash fluid is clear but can contain salts, heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Fugitive coal-ash leachate can threaten public health.

When Pumping Matters

Modern solid-waste landfills are usually lined with tightly compacted clay and high-density plastic and typically rely on a liner-bottom gravity-feed system to allow leachate to drain.

At coal-ash sites, burned particulates and CCR minerals can clog the drains. Federal law requires landfills to dewater if leachate levels exceed one foot at liner bottom or perched on top, or if leachate escapes beyond the liner.

Blackhawks On Site Since 2016

Blackhawk solar-powered top-head-drive piston pumps have been on site at coal-ash landfills since 2016 to pump excess leachate, with the goal of returning those operations to compliance and keeping them there.

Blackhawk zero-emission, low-maintenance solar models were chosen because they pump any liquid, of any chemical composition or viscosity, at angles to horizonal, with indifference to pressure.

Pumping Success

The solars are installed at two coal-ash sites not served by trenched pneumatic or electric power.

One large Eastern U.S. site is currently running seven Apollo Solar pumps and reports success in lowering and maintaining leachate at compliance levels, with plans to install another three.

A Midwestern site has been operating five Apollo Solar pumps for several years with equally successful results.

In addition to solar, Apollo top-head-drive models are available with battery and AC-electric power options. Apollos can be customized with specialty materials of construction appropriate for site-specific requirements.

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