Next-Generation High-Resolution Methods for Site Characterization Authors Dr. PJ Nolan - United States - WSP USA Mr. Cole Mayer - United States - WSP USA Ms. Dawn Prell - United States - WSP USA Dr. Rens Verburg - United States - WSP USA Abstract The requirements from regulatory agencies and other stakeholders to provide more robust site characterization when entering remedial action or developing alternative source demonstrations (ASDs) at Coal Combustion Product (CCP) sites have increased in recent years. In many cases, the current mainstream site characterization methods used for these efforts fail to meet those requirements. Here, we demonstrate that next-generation high-resolution methods commonly used in the mining industry and academic research are valuable tools for site characterization at CCP sites. X-Ray Adsorption Spectroscopy (XAS), utilizing a synchrotron, was applied to determine elemental valence state and speciation/mineral phase association, conclusively proving the provenance and natural occurrence of multiple CCP constituents at a site. Another method, Tescan Integrated Mineral Analysis (TIMA) coupled to Laser-Ablation Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS), maps a geological thin section before targeted laser ablation determines the elements associated with specific mineral phases. Using this method, we demonstrated the natural presence of elevated lithium within the structure of specific clay minerals, which is not possible using traditional analytical methods. Thus, the advantage of adopting high-resolution, next-generation methods for use in the CCP industry is clear. These methods enable power utilities to have greater clarity moving into remedial action and provide the site characterization information necessary to meet the increasing stakeholder expectations
