ABSTRACT

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR
POLLUTION CONTROL FROM MINING AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID FUELS

John F, Martin
Eugene F, Harris
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio

Mining operations of one form or another impact every part of the United States.
The environmental problems associated with extraction of the resources of this
Nation are likewise of national concern. The Environmental Protection Agency has
active research and demonstration programs to deal with the problems associated
with both energy and nonenergy resource recovery. This paper deals only with the
programs for mining and transporting fuel (coal and uranium) materials.

Various cooperative efforts involving EPA, ERDA, USDA, USGS, TVA, and the
Bureau of Mines are currently underway. These are to assess mine sites, study
groundwater, demonstrate haul road design, document reclamation, etc, Final
reports published by EPA, such as the manual for "Erosion and Sediment Control" are
impacting environmental design and control techniques of both industry and government.
Even given the huge strides already accomplished in the field of controlling mining
pollution, there are still many problems to be overcome, The results of present
R&D efforts will point out the direction of continuing research,



ABSTRACT

AEROSOL FORMATION/TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES
IN PLUMES OF COAL-FIRED POWERPLANTS

Rudolf F. Pueschel
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Environmental Research Laboratories
Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry Laboratory
Boulder, Colorado

Cloud nuclei within a supersaturation range 0.3 percent to 1,5 percent were
measured in coal-fixed powerplant plumes. Two mechanisms of formation have been
identified. First, submicron flyash particles show a preferential surface
concentration of sulfur and chlorine in comparison to their matrix elements, e.g.,
aluminum and silicon. The relationship between concentration of surface deposited
matter and inverse particle diameter suggests that S and Cl are absorbed and oxidized
on flyash particles after volatilization in the high-temperature zone of the boiler.
This leads to the formation of cloud nuclei even before a sulfur gas-to-particle
conversion takes place. Second, a gas-to-particle conversion process takes place
after the effluents leave the stacks. Rates of formation are of the order of 10!"
to 1026 nuclei per second at distances from the stacks between 10 and 100 kilometers.
The measured rate of decrease of SO) with time, corrected for diffusional losses
based on empirical plume profiling, results in a conversion rate of S02 to SO, of
less than one percent per hour.

Ice nuclei were measured upwind and within the effluent plume of coal-fired
powerplants. Results indicate that plume particles do not act as ice nuclei
between the temperatures of -10 and -20° C in the deposition and/or condensation-
followed-by-freezing mode, nor do combustion gases in the plume deactivate natural
ice nuclei.

Radiometric measurements in the spectral window (8-14 um) region resulted in a

transmissivity of 0.82+0.01, an extinction coefficient of 0.99+0.04 per kilometer,
and a cooling rate of 0.64+0.1 centigrade per hour.

27


ABSTRACT
CLINICAL AND EPIDEMLOLOGICAL RESEARCH RELATED TO ENERGY

John H. Knelson, M.D.
Health Effects Research Laboratory
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Since 1974, EPA's Health Effects Research Laboratory (HERL) in Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina, has pursued a broad based, multidisciplinary research
program to identify and quantify potential health consequences of modified and
alternate energy production technology. The program has been designed to determine
the specific effects of pollutants emitted from fossil fuel fired sources, served as
a vehicle suitable for gathering health intelligence as the basis for regulatory
standards, and help identify emerging energy technology having the fewest threats to
public health.

Although animal and cellular oriented studies are a major part of the energy
related research effort, the main health contribution of HERL's energy program are
from clinical and epidemiological studies. Both clinical and epidemiological work
conducted at HERL can be subdivided. The first aspect of clinical studies is the
establishment of a research facility specifically designed to generate and access
the effects of hazardous substances. The second part of the clinical program is the
use of the facility to determine if an effect will occur when humans are exposed to
a specific agent.

With regard to epidemiological research, the first aspect of the HERL program
is the development of good statistical and data collection techniques. The second
and most important part of the effort is the planned application of these techniques
on specific populations exposed to potentially harmful substances emitted from
energy sources.

24


ABSTRACT

AIR QUALITY DATA INTEGRATION IN THE WESTERN ENERGY
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AREA (WERDA)

David N. McNelis
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada

The vast energy reserves in the Western United States coupled with the
projected demands through the end of the twentieth century have raised concern
regarding the potential impact on the environmental quality of that area. In
addition to low-sulfur coal, other major resources such as oil shale, uranium
and geotherms are in abundance in the West. The Federal Government in meeting
its responsibility for providing for energy resources and in environmental
planning must have available an air quality baseline from which trends can be
assessed and impacts associated with energy development activities identified.

In response to this need for information, a major interagency program has been
initiated to develop and integrate air quality data throughout the western
region. A network of existing monitoring stations located in rural areas has been
selected to provide the necessary air quality baseline and trend data, Most
widely monitored is TSP although recently an effort to obtain sulfate and nitrate
data from many of the stations has been initiated. The concept of a western
energy-related network is enhanced through the uniform application of a quality
assurance program on each of the participating laboratories, now numbering 17.
Also, the current and pending legislation restricting the deterioration of visibility
in the nation and particularly in pristine areas has resulted in the initiation of
programs to develop methodology and monitor visibility and visibility-related
parameters in the West.

The data developed during these studies will assist Federal planners in

assessing the environmental acceptability of the various types, patterns and
magnitudes of energy resource development and production activities.

31


CHAPTER II: UTILITY AND INDUSTRIAL POWER

RAPPORTEUR

Mr. Frank T. Princiotta

Director of Energy Processes

ORD/Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
EPA - Washington, D.C.


ABSTRACT
ASSESSMENT OF INSTREAM FLOW NEEDS

Robert P. Hayden
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Biological Services
Department of the Interior
Washington, D. C.

Energy development decisions have been forecast to make extensive demands on
water supplies which currently furnish habitat for fish, wildlife, and endangered
species. Improving the capability to predict the quantity of water which must remain
in streams to maintain their dependent natural systems is a complex and difficult
task recently undertaken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with support from EPA
and others.

The initial assessment of the state-of-the-art of methodologies for determining
instream flow needs has been completed, Methodological, research, and data gaps
have been identified. A multi-year effort has been initiated to close the meth-
odological gaps. Supporting research projects to establish critical biological
relationships and the necessary bibliographic and factual information systems are
also underway. The framework for a data base of identified water quantity needs for
the highest priority streams in the 17 Western States has been developed and 6 states
have already completed the first phase of the project.

To provide a focus for the many divergent activities on-going in this area, a
Cooperative Instream Flow Services Group has been established, This group is furnish-
ing support and assistance to Federal and state agencies developing, testing, and
applying methodologies for determining instream flow needs.

A simulation model that predicts the effects of altered stream flows has
recently been developed, and will likely be tested as part of the Water for Energy
Assessment Program being conducted by the Water Resources Council, If successful,
the model will be a useful tool for alternative site selection and trade-off

ao :



ABSTRACT

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FOUND IN
WASTES FROM COAL CONVERSION
AND OIL SHALE PROCESSING

Ann L. Alford and William T. Donaldson
Environmental Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Athens, Georgia

To determine composition of energy-related industrial wastes for planning
and developing monitoring methods, Research Triangle Institute, under an EPA contract,
analyzed wastes from coal and oil shale gasification projects. Pertinent literature
and current project plans were reviewed to avoid work duplication. After information
gaps were identified, waste samples from coal conversion and oil shale processing
activities were collected and analyzed. Except for mercury, chemical elements
present at concentrations of >1 mg/kg in solids and >10 ug/l in liquids were detected
and measured with spark source mass spectrometry; mercury was determined by the cold-
vapor atomic absorption technique. Specific organic components at concentrations
of >1 ug/l were identified and quantitated with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The 45 analyzed samples were obtained from a low BTU coal gasification pilot
plant from in-situ coal and oil shale gasification projects in the United States.
Approximately 70 chemical elements were detected frequently, and in some samples,
more than 200 organic compounds were identified.

Under another EPA contract, work underway at Gulf South Research Institute will
provide analogous information about effluents from these and other types of energy
activities. The review of literature reports and related current projects will be
updated periodically.

41


ABSTRACT

ENERGY RELATED RESEARCH IN
AIR MONITORING METHODS

Paul A. Baron, Ph.D. and Laurence J. Doemeny, Ph.D.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
Health, Education and Welfare
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Measurements Research Program at the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health involves development of methods and instrumentation for sampling
and detection of air contaminants in the worker's environment. In areas related to
energy technology, the Measurements Research Program presently entails work on six
projects:
(1) Evaluation of Personal Sampling Devices in Cold Environments
(2) Development of a Fibrous Aerosol Survey Monitor
(3) Development of a Miniature Gas Chromatograph
(4) Development of a Portable Microwave Spectrometric Analyzer

(5) Development of a Personal Filter Sampler Fiber Counter; and

(6) Development of a Personal Sampling and Ana]ytical Method for HS.

39


ABSTRACT

STANDARDIZATION AND INTERCALIBRATION TECHNIQUES
FOR MARINE MONITORING

Michael A, Basileo
National Ocean Survey
Office of Marine Technology
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Rockville, Maryland

This program is directed at developing appropriate mechanisms whereby the
measurement uncertainties associated with environmental data can be defined and
controlled within prescribed limits, These data quality provisions applied to
environmental monitoring programs result in "qualified data" -- data with known
error bands and a defined relation to accepted standards.

The various standards under development can be categorized by area of use; i-e.,
laboratory, interlaboratory or transfer, and field. In each case, the development
is directed towards providing a product needed to define or reduce the uncertainty
levels in a particular portion of the overall environmental measurement process. A
laboratory standard for dissolved oxygen and laboratory methods for the simulation
of the dynamic environment encountered by current sensors are currently nearing
completion. Techniques and transfer standards for conductivity/temperature/depth
and precision pressure sensor intercalibrations are also nearing completion.

Several investigations are in progress which seek to define the comparability
of results obtained between different approaches to the measurement of chemical
properties of marine waters. The trend has been to develop direct measurement (in-
situ) systems to replace analytical laboratory methods in water analysis. The
in-situ approach has several advantages; the most significant is probably cost per
measurement, The accepted standards, however, are still defined in terms of
analytical methods. To enjoy the benefits of in-situ monitoring without the loss
of data quality, it is necessary to demonstrate the traceability of the newer
methods to the existing standards. The results of such demonstration then serve
as a basis for defining the quality of data obtained from the in-situ measurements
in terms of recognized standards.

45


ABSTRACT
AIRBORNE ACTIVE REMOTE SENSING OF POLLUTANTS

John A, Eckert and Michael Bristow
Office of Research and Development
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agancy

Las Vegas, Nevada

Active remote sensing systems interrogate a pollutant remotely and then infer
characteristics of the pollutant based on the interaction of the interrogating
signal and the pollutant. Systems to be discussed in this paper all utilize lasers
to produce the interrogating signal and all operate in a downward mode from air-
borne platforms. These systems offer distinct advantages in cost per measurement
considerations and in obtaining the often necessary synoptic view.

The first system discussed is the downward looking LIDAR, a device which
ranges aerosol scattering in the atmosphere below the plane. The device has par-
ticular utility in determining the dimensions of point source plumes for model
input. An operational downlooking LIDAR has been tested which features a real time
display of the LIDAR return signals.

Ground and flight testing of a prototype earth reflected differential absorp-
tion system for ozone monitoring suggests great utility in studying long range
oxidant transport problems. A modification to the current system would enable use
in mapping selected tracer gases simulating point source plumes. A system for
monitoring $0) is being designed and a computer simulation model has been created
to optimize component selection, system response, and display options.

Laserfluorosensing techniques are presently being evaluated for use in moni-
toring the presence or effects of environmental pollutants. The concentration of
surface water chlorophyll a in algae is presently being monitored using a heli-
copter-borne laserfluorosensor. A completed study has indicated that the use of
laserfluorosensing techniques to detect pollutant induced stress in leaf tissue
of commercial crops is not feasible. Lastly, laboratory feasibility studies are
nearing completion on correlations between induced fluorescence emissions from
organics in surface waters and total organic carbon. An airborne system is being
designed which will map and quantify surface water total organic carbon based on
such a correlation.

49


ABSTRACT

POLLUTANT MEASUREMENT METHODS DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORTED BY ENERGY FUNDS

Andrew E. O'Keeffe
Senior Science Advisor
Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Comparative measurement of pollutants in ambient air comprises the most direct
index of the effectiveness of control measures. As the production of energy pre~
dominates among pollution sources, EPA's Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory,
as an important part of its contribution to Energy research and development, has
undertaken an intramural program designed to provide new and improved measurement
techniques judged relevant to the nation's effort to overcome its energy deficit.

Principal pollutant targets of this program include sulfur dioxide, sulfate,
sulfuric acid, organic vapors, and fine particles. A rational approach was devel~
oped for each target pollutant, leading in each case to the evolution of a tangible
product which offers a markedly improved capability for meaningful measurement.
These products and their developmental histories will be described.

37


AL

cote yon

c

r—

ABSTRACT

PROTECTION~OF SOIL AND WATER RESOURCES ON
LAND DISTURBED BY MINING

J. F. Power and 0. L. Bennett
North Central and Northeast Regions
Agricultural Research Service
U. S. Department of Agriculture
Mandan, North Dakota and Morgantown, West Virginia

With partial support from EPA, the Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, is conducting research to develop technology that will enhance
vegetative growth and thereby greatly reduce runoff, erosion, sedimentation, and
pollution problems. This approach is particularly pertinent since almost all land
disturbed by mining will be returned to some type of vegetative cover.

Physical and chemical properties of spoils which are most restrictive to plant
growth have been identified. In Appalachia these include acidity and related
problems, plant-nutrient deficiencies, coarse texture, and steep slopes, In the
West, factors which reduce the efficiency of conservation and use of the limited
precipitation received were most restrictive ~ high exchangeable sodium, salinity,
nutrient deficiencies, and steep slopes.

Environmental degradation resulting from mining is best reduced by careful

control of grades on reshaped spoils and by establishment of vegetative cover, Several

studies have indicated relative adaptability of various plant species to different
types of spoils and climates, and their nutritional and water requirements have
been assessed. It is often practical to enhance vegetative cover by saving and
spreading the original soil material over spoils after shaping. Runoff, erosion,
and sedimentation problems on mined land are similar to those on unmined land,
except freshly spread topsoil is more erosive, The K-factor in the Universal Soil
Loss Equation often underestimates erosion on mined land. Various amendments and
waste materials can be used in reclaiming mined land, but all have certain limita-
tions and restrictions.

on

13


ABSTRACT

TRANSPORT AND TRANSFORMATION OF SULFUR OXIDES
IN THE TENNESSEE VALLY REGION

James F, Meagher and Vinaya Sharma
Air Quality Research Section
Air Quality Branch
Tennessee Valley Authority
Muscle Shoals, Alabama

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is conducting a study under the Federal
Interagency Energy/Environment Research and Development Program administered by the
Environmental Protection Agency, to evaluate the contribution of the TVA power
system to ambient concentrations of sulfate in the air. Experiments are being
conducted (1) to determine the rate at which sulfur dioxide (S09) is converted to
sulfate aerosol (S0z) within the plume of one power plant isolated from other
sources of atmospheric pollutants and (2) to determine the sulfur loading imposed by
the entire power system on airmasses that traverse the Tennessee Valley region.

As part of this study, concentrations of S02 and SO; were measured in the plume
of a 2600-MW coal-fired power plant. The ratio of SO) to SOq was determined at the
stack and at distances from 10 to 105 km downwind from the plant. No correlation was
found between values for this ratio and the time of plume travel. The average
values for the ratio were 0.014 for samples from the plume and 0.0025 for samples
from the base of the stack. Little (about 1 percent) atmospheric oxidation of SO,
was observed, and apparently most of this oxidation occurred in the immediate
vicinity of the power plant.

An instrumented air craft and ground-based aerometric and meteorological
networks were used to measure SO? and 80; fluxes. Several airmasses were sampled on
nine days in February and March of 1976 as they entered the 300- x 300-km study
region from the directions of the prevailing winds (south through west) and again as
they left the region, High volume samplers at eight ground sites collected samples
for 9-hour average concentrations.

In preliminary results, the sulfate flux in air entering the area averaged 31
ug m2 sec-l, and the sulfate flux in air leaving the area averaged 47 ug m2 sec-+,
However, additional studies, planned for the summer of 1977, must be completed before
any general conclusions can be drawn from these results, The rate at which SQ) is
converted to SO; will be determined for a wider variety of meteorological and
plant-operated conditions, and two aircraft will be used to measure simultansously
the sulfate flux in airmasses entering and leaving the region.

28


ABSTRACT

ECOSYSTEM CHARACTERIZATION - AN APPROACH TO
COASTAL NATURAL RESOURCE PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
|
A. W. Palmisano
Office of Biological Services
Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Washington, D.C.

Man is at the threshold of the era of integration: Problems we face today are
so complex and wideranging that solutions require a "holistic" approach. The
principal strands of the new web of understanding are supported by the three
disciplines of technology, scociology and bio/ecology; together they comprise our
environment. Bio/ecological components can range in scope from systems as large as
the biosphere or as small as the gene. This paper suggests a midlevel, ecosystem
approach to developing information which will benefit planners, decision makers and
researchers. The concept of ecosystem characterization is not very profound or
complicated and can be defined as a description of the important components and
processes comprising an ecosystem and an understanding of their important functional
relationships. Strong emphasis is placed on systems understanding through structured
integration of information from the diverse physical and biological sciences.

The approach involves the delineation of the physical boundary of the system,
preparation of a functional conceptual ecosystem model, information synthesis and
analysis using the model as the "blueprint," preparation of a pilot characterization
report and a final ecosystem characterization report which stresses functional
understanding. The process brings together in an information appendix, most of the
relevant information about the system.

The Fish and Wildlife Service presently has four coastal ecosystem characterizg-
pice Studies underway using EPA Interagency Energy/Environment R&D Program funds.
fo are located on the Atlantic coast, one on the Gu oas nd one on the Pacific
coast. The earliest_is scheduled for conpletioy{a July of 1977

57


CHAPTER V: HEALTH EFFECTS (Cont.)

Clinical and Epidemiological Research Related to Energy
John H. Knelson, M.D., EPA 2... we we ee ee ee ee

Current Status of Extrapolation Research
Dr. Michael D. Hogan, NIEHS, and Dr. William C. Nelson, EPA....

CHAPTER VI: ATMOSPHERIC TRANSPORT AND FATE

Midwest Interstate Sulfur Transformation and Transport
Dr. William E. Wilson, EPA 2. ee ee eee eee ee ee eee

Aerosol Formation/Transformation Processes in Plumes of Coal-fired
Power Plants and their Climatic Effects
Dr. Rudolf F. Pueschel, NOAA 2... ee ee ee eee ee

Atmospheric Transport and Transformation of Emissions from
Coal-Fired Power Plants
Dr. James F. Meagher and Dr. Vinaya Sharma, TVA. .......660-

Sulfate Regional Experiment
Dr. Ralph M. Perhac, EPRI... ew eee eee eee ee eee

Multi-State Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Program
Dr. Michael C. MacCracken, ERDA. . 1... ee eee eee ee wwe

CHAPTER VII: MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING

Western Air Quality Monitoring
Dr. David N. McNelis, EPA. 1 1 ee ee ee eee ee eh ee

Western Water Quality Data Integration
Dr. David N. McNelis, EPA. 1 1 wwe we ee eee ee ee ee

Water Monitoring in Energy Developing Areas
Mr. Frederick A, Kilpatrick, USGS . 6. 1 1. wee eee te ee

Western Coal and Oil Shale-Ground Water Quality Monitoring R&D
Mr. Leslie G. McMillion, EPA ..... oe oe se eee

Western Energy Related Overhead Monitoring Project
Mr. Edward Lee Tilton, III, NASA and Mr. Robert W. Landers, EPA. .

Remote Sensing of Sulfur Dioxide Effects on Vegetation
Mr. C. Daniel Sapp and Dr. Herbert C. Jones, TVA ..... +.

Pollutant Measurement Method Development Supported by Energy Funds
Mr. Andrew E. O'Keeffe, EPA... 1 ee ee ee ee ee ee

iv

24

25

« 26

27

28

29

30

31

« 32

33

34

35

36

37


ABSTRACT
INTERAGENCY REPORT ON ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY

David L. Coffin, V.M.D., Environmental Protection Agency
Robert L. Dixon, Ph.D., National Institute of Environmental Health Services
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

The interagency program for in vivo toxicology was established for the purpose
of evaluating the toxicological hazards of effluents, waste streams and products of
extraction, processing conversion and utilization of the various energy technologies
by acute and chronic exposure of whole animal models by appropriate exposure
regimens.

Progress during the past year has been accomplished by improvement of the
biological models for more precise dose response determination, and development of
greater sensitivity.

Interaction studies are under way which will determine the influence of the
combined effect of pollutants and of interaction of pollutants and biological
disease factors.

Closer integration between the toxicological program and the technologies
involved is evolving for the purpose of selection of test material from relevant
effluents, waste streams, etc. from the processes according to their priority
ranking and for getting the toxicological input back to the technologies.

A more systematized biological plan is being evolved which will furnish

relevant data for evaluating the utility of in vitro test systems in energy programs
as a whole and correlation with available clinical and epidemiological data.

22


ABSTRACT

AL CLEANING PROGRAM STATUS

James D. Kilgroe
fustrial Environmental Research Laboratory

Owns WM - Environmental Protection Agency
laos . Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
“0g”

Physical and chemical coal cleaning are capable of removing major quantities of
pollutant elements from coal prior to combustion. Pollutants of concern include
sulfur and a number of potentially hazardous accessory elements. Sulfur exists in
two principal forms: organic sulfur which is bonded to the coal structure and
inorganic sulfur, generally in the form of pyrite. Similarly, potentially hazardous
accessory elements are associated with the mineral and organic constituents of coal.

EPA sponsored programs have identified the degree to which a number of physical
and chemical cleaning techniques can be used to remove sulfur and accessory elements
from coal. Physical cleaning techniques are only effective in removing elements
associated with mineral matter. Chemical treatment is capable of removing the
accessory elements associated with mineral matter and coal organic structure.

The IERL-RTP coal cleaning program includes a wide range of activities from
basic coal research to the demonstration of commercial coal preparation processes.
This coal cleaning program contains three subprograms for (1) the assessment of
pollution from coal cleaning, coal transportation and coal storage, (2) the develop-
ment of physical and chemical processes for removing contaminants from coal and
(3) the development of pollution control technology for coal preparation processes.
In addition to contract R&D directed by IERL-RIP, cooperative projects are conducted
with the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Energy Research and
Development Administration, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Electric Power
Research Institute.

Basic studies on coal and coal wastes from the Illinois Basin have been
established: the relative organic and inorganic affinities of major accessory elements;
the mineralogy and associations between the major minerals and accessory elements;
and the effects of coal properties and environmental factors in the leaching of
accessory elements from coal residues. An overview study on pollution from coal
preparation processes is nearing completion and plans are being made for environmental
tests at commercial coal preparation plants.

Physical coal cleaning is widely used to remove ash from coal. It has not been
previously as an SO2 emission control technique. Chemical coal cleaning processes are
all in the development stage. Projects sponsored by EPA have identified the
gravimetric sulfur reduction potential of over 500 U.S. coals. The use of froth
flotation, oil agglomeration, microwave treatment, high intensity magnetic separation,
aqueous ferric salt leaching and Ca(OH)2/NaOH leaching for desulfurization have also
been evaluated. Projects to develop and demonstrate these desulfurization techniques
are being supported. Major projects are in progress to develop performance and cost
data on commercially available coal and mineral beneficiation equipment which can be
used for desulfurization. Finally, a demonstration test program to evaluate the use
of physical coal cleaning as a SO2 emission control strategy has been started at the
1600 MW Homer City Power Complex operated by the Pennsylvania Electric Co.

The subprogram to develop coal cleaning pollution control technology is in its
assessment phase. Projects to evaluate and develop improved pollution control
technology will be initiated as the need for improved pollution control methods are
identify

10


ABSTRACT
ELECTRIC UTILITY ENERGY SYSTEMS ITA

Lowell Smith
ORD/Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D. C.

Environmental and financial models of the development, operation and associated
air quality impact of the U.S. electric utility system through the year 2000 have
been developed and applied in the first year of this multi-year program. These
models reflect the financial decision-making processes which occur within utility
firms aggregated to the state level. Scenarios which consist of selected environmental
constraints, national energy policies and economic climates are utilized in the
models to modify utilities’ planning and operating behavior. The financial and
environmental consequences of these scenarios are described and analyzed in some
depth.

Potential problem areas which are either currently experiencing high concentration

of aerosol sulfates or are likely to experience high future sulfate concentrations

due to power plant emissions are identified. This is accomplished by combining the
prediction of high emission counties or air quality control regions for sulfur and
nitrogen oxides with specialized meteorological analysis. Extreme persistence wind
conditions, air parcel trajectories and average tracks of synoptic-scale stagnating
anticyclones are utilized to develop simple source-receptor relationships for
connecting emission sources with probable impacted areas.

Lastly, a discussion of efforts to apply these models to current analysis

requirements is given, along with an indication of what directions future expansions
of the model will take.

15


ABSTRACT
FOREST SERVICE MINING RECLAMATION RESEARCH

Grant Davis
Surface Environment and Mining Program
Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Billings, Montana

The Forest Service is attempting to develop a revegetation technique on a regular
basis. Experimental plots have been established in Appalachia, the Midwest,
Southwest, and Northern Great Plains. Non-mining water products are also being
tested as amendments to improve coal and oil shale spoils for plant establishment.
Application of municipal sewage sludge to a large strip mine in Illinois is being
evaluated. Although industry is beginning to use the revegetation technique
developed, there is some resistance to using sewage.

The effect of mining on water quality is a major concern. Water quality in
mining water shed is being investigated in Appalachia, and the suitability of ponds
as aquatic habitat for wildlife is being studied in the Northern Great Plains.

Much of the impact of mining is associated with transporation systems. Models
are being developed to predict the amount of run-off and sediment, yields for the
mine roads, and their effect on water quality.

Information about quality of overburden is essential for planning proper spoil
placement for subsequent reclamation. Effective core drilling designs for laboratory
techniques to evaluate overburden are being demonstrated in Wyoming.

Successful reclamation depends on the chemical and physical characteristics of
overburden and proper redisposition of spoils. Information on physical transformation
of overburden materials, design of mine waste dumps, erodability, of spoils by
wind and water, and a computer program to integrate environment constraints with
engineering components are being developed.

A computer system to store and retrieve bibliographic references on mining
and reclamation have been established at the University of Arizona. §$ isa
computer produced liféxature citation bulletin published as part of this effort.

12


ABSTRACT

CONTRIBUTIONS OF INTERAGENCY
ENERGY /ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM
TO UNDERSTANDING METABOLISMS AND MECHANISMS IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Murray Schulman
George E. Stapleton
U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
Washington, D.C.

The major objectives of this segment of the Health Effects Program are three-fold.
First, to improve the capabilities of extrapolated dose-effect experimentally derived
information to predict critical results of health for man. Second to provide
mechanically, data that can transcend species variation by establishment of
generalized mechanism of damage and repair at the cellular and molecular level.

Third, to develop the biological and biochemical methods and systems to accomplish
these objectives. Underlying these objectives is the need to define the pattern of
deposition, distribution, and metabolism which determine chemical dose at the cellular
level of critical organic and biological and physical factors influencing toxicity.

Effects involve all of the major classes of fossil energy-related pollutants
(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatics, and alicyclics), gases, particulates,
and trace and heavy metals.

Since the thrust of this portion of the program is developmental in nature and
highly diversified in terms of methodology, it is difficult at present to summarize
in terms of the ultimate objective, namely, improvement of capability to predict
health risk to man.

Nevertheless, some highlights can be reported: 1) it is clear that carcinogenic
hydrocarbons (polynuclear aromatic) bind to DNA and cells that have produced repair
enzymes can partially counteract the damage, 2) it is possible to evaluate repair
in vivo in critical organs as well as in vitro cell cultures, 3) data is becoming
available that suggest that similar types of molecular damage and repair are involved
that lead to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, 4) chelating agents that are effective
for therapy against deposition of trans uranic elements are also effective against
heavy metals such as Mercury and lead,

Other interesting studies are under way and will be summarized.

23


ABSTRACT

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT OF EFFLUENTS AND SOLID WASTES
FROM STEAM ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANTS

J. W. Jones and T. G. Brna
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

J. L. Crowe, H. B, Flora, II and S. S. Ray
Tennessee Valley Authority
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Since 1975 the Federal program for the environmental management of effluents
and solid wastes from fossil-fueled power plants has focused on: flue gas
desulfurization (FGD) waste disposal and utilization; quantitative characterization
of effluents including ash; water concervation and treatment; conditioning of
effluents to meet guidelines; impacts of intake structures; advanced cooling system
technology; and waste heat utilization. Numerous projects under the EPA/TVA
Interagency Agreement contribute to this program.

Progress in the program has been significant. Many characteristics of FGD
wastes have been quantified, Prolonged ponding of FGD wastes poses potential
water pollution and land-use hazards; stabilization processes can reduce these by
lessening the permeability and solubility of major coonstituents. Waste disposal
costs, which can reach 20 percent of the FGD system cost, can be reduced with more
efficient and economical dewatering equipment and reduction of water volumes by
oxidation of wastes to gypsum. A preliminary technical document, potentially useful
for setting FGD waste disposal standards, has been prepared. Coal ash character-
istics have been detailed in a comprehensive report. Water recycle/reuse studies
have shown more efficient water use methods than conventional ones, often without
significant added expense. Alternatives to chlorination for bio-fouling control in
cooling systems, while in some cases favorable ecologically, tend to cost more. A
system for treating blowdown operates with better heat transfer performance and less
energy input than corresponding conventional systems. A state-of-the-art report on
intake technologies has been prepared. The program to evaluate performance of a
series flow, wet/dry cooling tower has resumed after a landmark decision permitting
governmental acquisiton of the tower which is on non-governmental land. The
optimized design of dry cooling towers and water consumption control in arid regions
and vapor plume emission control in humid regions with wet/dry towers are described
in recent reports. Soil heating to extend the crop growing season and enhanced
biological recycling of nutrients in manure for accelerated algae and fish produc-
tion are promising uses of waste heat.


ABSTRACT

LIDAR TECHNIQUES FOR ANALYZING AND TRACING PARTICULATE POLLUTANTS
FROM ENERGY PRODUCTION

Vernon E, Derr
Wave Propagation Laboratory
Environmental Research Laboratories
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Boulder, Colorado

Particulate pollutants from energy-related sources disperse and mix with
natural aerosols, Both remote sensing and in-situ identification, measurement and
tracing techniques are required for impact assessment, prediction of climate variation
and estimation of the character, concentration and dispersion of particulate pol-
lutants arising from man's activities. In-situ sampling may provide specific
identification, concentration estimates and size-distributions, but ground and air-
craft vehicles cannot economically establish correct average measurements over large
periods of time, are impractical for the study of drift, and unfeasible for the
measurements of fluctuations. Lidar remote sensors, on the other hand, may be
developed, with somewhat diminished accuracy, to identify, measure concentrations
and size distributions, and are the economical instrument of choice to measure these
quantities and their fluctuations over large volumes and extended time periods,
Improvement of lidar techniques is required to increase accuracy of identification,
and measurement of size distribution, shape factors and concentration. Theoretical
and experimental investigations of depolarization effects, multi-spectral back-
scatter and absorption, and inelastic scatter are the most promising technique to
achieve the required improvement for measurements from ground and aircraft. The
first phase of depolarization field studies and the expansion of the lidar capa~
bililities to two wavelengths have been completed. The depolarization technique
has been used in the impact assessment program at Colstrip, Montana to distinguish
stack emission from dust newly risen from strip coal mines.

47


ABSTRACT
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE FLUIDIZED-BED COMBUSTION PROCESS

D. B. Henschel
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

In parallel with efforts by the U. S. Energy Research and Development Administra-
tion (ERDA) to develop coal-fired fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) systems for heat,
steam and power generation, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
conducting a contract research and development program aimed at complete environmental
characterization of the process. The goal of the EPA program is early identification
of any potential environmental problems associated with the FBC process, and timely
and cost-effective development of any necessary control technology.

To accomplish this goal, the EPA program is divided into two major areas:
environmental assessment and control technology development. Environmental
assessment--which is the primary subject of this paper--consists of six key steps,
including: (1) identification of current process/environmental background;

(2) development of environmental emissions objectives for the process, based
ultimately on health and ecological effects of possible pollutants; (3) comprehensive
analysis of emissions from operating FBC units, to enable comparison of actual
emissions with the goals; (4) assessment of the suitability of available/envisioned
control technology to reduce observed emissions to the goal levels, where necessary;
(5) analysis of environmental alternatives; i.e., the environmental and cost impact
of alternative combinations of control technologies on an FBC system; and (6)
identification of control technology R&D needs, based upon the previous steps. One
key output of this effort will be Standards of Practice Manuals, and the data base
to support New Source Performance Standards, effluent guidelines and hazardous
waste standards.

Much effort is being devoted to development of the methodology for conducting
environmental assessments. The status of the methodology development, and some
initial results of the FBC assessment, are discussed. The major outputs of the
control technology development part of the EPA FBC program are also outlined.


CHAPTER V: HEALTH EFFECTS

RAPPORTEUR:

John F. Finklea, M.D.

Director, National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health

HEW - Rockville, MD


ABSTRACT

THE MARINE ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH LABORATORY: A FACILITY FOR THE
INVESTIGATION OF EFFECTS AND FATES OF POLLUTANTS

Michael E. Q. Pilson
Graduate School of Oceanography
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island

A full and quantitative understanding of the fate and effects of pollutants in
real ecosystems requires the ability to carry out controlled experiments. At the
Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory, University of Rhode Island, a series of 12
meso-scale microcosms has been set up. These are outdoors in fiberglass tanks 5.5 m
high and 1.8 m in diameter.

The ecosystems maintained in these tanks are intended to be typical of the
N. E. coast of the United States, and are therefore coupled benthic~planktonic
systems. Each tank contains about one ton of sediment and about 13 cubic meters
of seawater from Narragansett Bay. The tanks can be run either flow through or as
batches. The normal flow through rate results in a turnover time of 30 days. The
tanks are stirred; the stirring rate is adjusted to provide a level of turbulence
similar to that in the Bay. The tanks can be heated or cooled, and can be operated
all year.

Results of the first six months of operation indicate that the biological and
chemical behaviour of the systems, while showing some anomalies, was generally
quite similar to that in Narragansett Bay. In particular, the phytoplankton abun-
dance and species composition were similar to the Bay, with the peaks and crashes
of phytoplankton abundance in the Bay having their counterparts in the tanks.

Experiments using oil as a pollutant are now underway. We are obtaining
quantitative information on the effects of relatively low chronic levels of oil on
the phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos. In addition we are obtaining quanti-
tative information on the fate of the oil in these systems.

Microcosm research provides an essential intermediate scale of observation
between the beaker and the natural systems.

53


ABSTRACT

EFFECTS OF PRUDHOE CRUDE OIL SPILLS ON
COASTAL TUNDRA PONDS
rd
Michael C. Miller, J. Robie Vestal
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Cincinnati

Samuel Mozley, Malcolm Butler
Great Lakes Research Division
University of Michigan

John E. Hobbie
Ecosystems Center
Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Detailed and long-term studies on the ecological effects of and recovery from
controlled crude oil spills have shown marked changes in species composition and
slow recovery to pre-spill conditions. The rate_of oil degradation is slow near
the frozen arctic ocean, which may increase the exposure time of soluble compounds
to pond organisms. Initially, the smaller volatile compounds go into solution
(less than 2 percent of the oil by weight, max. 14-17 mg/l without agitation) inhibit-
ing algal photosynthesis and killing zooplankton. Changes in algal composition occur
and remain changed for years so long as the zooplankton grazing is reduced. Zoo-
plankton colonization occurred every year and yet densities remained low and Daphnia
did not live through the summer for five years following a whole pond spill.

Invertebrates living on the surface or on emergent vegetation were caught
mechanically in the floating oil scum. Little direct mortality caused by soluble
compounds could be shown experimentally or observed in situ. However, those chiro-
nomids (Diptera) which mate on the pond surface and egg masses attached to vegeta-—
tion were vulnerable to entrapment in the floating oil scum. Since the chironomids
had long life cycles, up to seven years, loss of one or two annual cohorts may be
evident in the ponds for may years. Metamorphosis of fourth instar chironomids
was seriously reduced in the year following the spill. Chironomid species compo-
sition in an oil treated pond remained markedly different from control ponds after
seven years.

Long-term changes in phytoplankton, zooplankton, chironomids and other aquatic
invertebrate species composition would not be expected in warmer climates where
similar organisms have many generations per year. However, the multi-year or
univoltine life cycles in the artic macroorganisms near Barrow, Alaska mean that
potential accidents with crude oil will leave long-lasting effects. Few visual
effects and the lack of change of rates of metabolism of the whole system, suggest
that removal of the floating, black scum of oil by suction or a boom might be the
best treatment to minimize damage during the ice-free period.

55


ABSTRACT

MECHANISMS OF RESISTANCE TO
SULFUR DIOXIDE IN GREEN PLANTS

Philip Filner
Energy Research and Development Administration
Plant Research Laboratory
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan

Although inheritable differences in susceptibility of plants to S09 toxicity
have long been known, the mechanisms responsible for these differences are still
being sought. In this study, two cultivars of Cucurbita Pepo (squash and pumpkin)
and two of Cucumis Sativus (cucumbers) were exposed to S02 at various concentrations.
Absorption of S09 and degree of injury were measured. The four cultivars differed
as much as five-fold in being susceptible to injury to SO2 when compared on the basis
of the external concentration of S07 to which they were exposed.

However, they all had equivalent susceptibility when compared on the basis
of S02 absorbed. It is concluded that the principal factor responsible for varietal
differences in resistance to SO) is the rate of S02 absorbed.

Young leaves of all four cultivars sustained much less injury than did mature
leaves, when compared on the basis of either external S02 concentration or S09
absorbed.

It is concluded that the resistance mechanism characteristic of young leaves
operates after SO2 has been absorbed and therefore, reflects a biochemical difference
between young and mature leaves.

56


ABSTRACT

STATUS OF AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
OF COAL DEVELOPMENT

Joseph R. Barse and John W. Green
Economic Research Service, USDA
Washington, D. C. and Fort Collins, Colorado

The project "Economic and Social Consequences of Coal and Oil Shale Development"
assesses the effects of alternative public policies toward coal on the future loca-
tional patterns of coal mining, transportation, and usage throughout the U.S. and
the specific flows of coal involved. Also assessed are the use of land and water
and economic activity such as agriculture. Impacts on rural people and communities
and State revenue flows can be assessed by companion research in ERS, once a loca-
tional pattern of coal activity is projected.

A large linear programming model using about 90,000 bits of data is the inte-
grating mechanism. Although it is an optimizing model, seeking a least-cost solu-
tion to combining all coal system resources, the project does not seek some
theoretical "best" pattern of coal development. Rather, the objective is to compare
many public policy alternatives toward coal development and usage, given physical
and economic constraints. These alternatives are to be compared under common ground
rules that the economy is as efficient as possible in carrying out each hypothetical
alternative; hence the optimizing model.

Each run of the model will yield a distinctive pattern and level of coal
activity by location in some future year for each alternative policy scenario and
set of constraints, given some projected level of total demand for coal. Successive
model runs under alternative scenarios will yield other patterns. Then, by compar-
ing these different patterns, certain effects can be attributed to a policy alter-
native. Tradeoffs among effects on large and small regions--interregional trade-
offs--can be identified, Policymakers would then be better informed in choosing
among alternative policies toward coal.

The model is being developed region by region, and will then be assembled as
an interregional model, The Western States regional model will be running early
this fall, with Interior, Appalachian, and Gulf regional models to follow before
the national model is put together.

Alternative policies to be assessed will concern such variables as sulfur
dioxide emission standards, reclamation requirements, and natural gas pricing, as
well as others, Through consultation with EPA and other agencies, as well as
within USDA, we will assure that alternative policy scenarios to be assessed are
as realistic as possible.

18


CHAPTER VIII: ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

Xenobiotic Metabolism in Marine Species Exposed to Hydrocarbons
Dr. Margaret 0. James and Dr. John R. Bend, NIEHS .........

Chemical Characterization and Aquatic Bioassays of Energy
Development Process Effluents

Dr. Rodney Skogerboe and Dr. David F. S. Natusch, Colorado State
University and Dr. Rosemary C. Russo and Dr. Robert V, Thurston,
Montana State University . . 1... 1 ee ee eee ee .
Effects of Chemicals Used in Offshore Well-Drilling Operations
Dr. Norman L. Richards, EPA. . 1. 1 eee ee ee ee ee ee

Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory: A Facility for the
Investigation of Effects and Fates of Pollutants
Dr. Michael E. Q. Pilson, University of Rhode Island .......

Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plant Emissions of Terrestrial Ecosystems
Dr. James M. Kelly, Dr. Norman L, LaCasse, Dr. JC Noggle and
Dr. Herbert C. Jones, TVA... 1. ee ae Pe er ee ee

Effects of Prudhoe Crude Oi1 Spills on Coastal Tundra Ponds
Dr. Michael C. Miller and Dr. J. Robie Vestal, University of
Cincinnati, Dr. Samuel Mozley and Mr. Malcolm Butler, University
of Michigan, Dr. John E. Hobbie, Woods Hole... . see. eee

Mechanisms of Resistance to Sulfur Dioxide in Green Plants
Dr. Philip Filner, ERDA - Michigan State University . .

Ecosystem Characterization - An Approach to Coastal Natural
Resource Planning and Management
Dr. A. William Palmisano, FWS . . . 1. eee ee ee ee wee

Assessment of Instream Flow Needs
Mr. Robert P. Hayden, FWS 2. 66 ee ee ee ee ee ee ee

vi


CHAPTER VII: MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING (Cont.)
Measurement Standards for Air Pollution Monitoring and Control
Associated with Energy Production and Use
Dr. William H. Kirchhoff, NBS... 1 ee ee ee ee ee eee

Energy Related Research in Air Monitoring Methods
Dr. Paul A. Baron and Dr. Laurence J. Doemeny, NIOSH ........

Development and Evaluation of Improved Radiological Assessment

Capabilities
Dr. Larry G. Kanipe, Dr. Phillip H. Jenkins, Dr. Dale W. Nix,
and Dr. Richard L. Doty, TVA . 1 ee eee ee ee ee ee ee ee

Chemical Constituents Found in Wastes from Coal Conversions
and Oil-Shale Processing
Dr. Ann L. Alford and Mr. William T. Donaldson, EPA. ........,

ERDA Characterization Measurement and Monitoring Program
Dr. Robert W. Wood, ERDA . ww ee ee ee ee ee ee he

Measurement Standards for Water Monitoring Associated with Energy
Production and Use
Dr. William H. Kirchhoff, NBS. 6 6 6 ee ee eee ee ee ee

Development of Water Related Techniques and Instrumentation:
U. S. Geological Survey
Mr. Philip E. Greeson, USGS . 6. 6 6 ee ee ee ee ee ee

Standardization and Intercalibration Techniques for Marine Monitoring
Mr. Michael A. Basileo, NOAA «ww ww ee ee ee ee et et

EPA/NASA Energy Related Remote and In Situ Sensing Instrument
Development
Mr. John P. Mugler, Jr., NASA. 6 ee eee ee eee ee ee

Lidar Techniques for Analyzing and Tracing Particulate Pollutants
from Energy Production
Dr. Vernon E. Derr, NOAA . ww ww ee ee eee ee ee

Doppler Lidar for Measurement of Pollutant Transport
Dr. Ronald L. Schwiesow and Mr. Madison J. Post, NOAA... 2... ee

Airborne Active Remote Sensing of Pollutants
Dr. Michael P. F. Bristow and Mr. John A. Eckert, EPA... .. see

38

39

40

41

42

43

« 44

45

46

~ 47

- 48

- 49


CHAPTER III: EXTRACTION AND BENEFICIATION

RAPPORTEUR:

Dr. David G. Stephan

Director Of Industrial Environmental
Research Laboratory

EPA - Cincinnati, OH


CHAPTER I: FUEL PROCESSING

RAPPORTEUR

Mr. Marvin I, Singer

Director of the Division of Environmental
and Socioeconomic Programs ,

Office of Fossil Energy

ERDA - Washington, D.C.


CHAPTER IV: INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

RAPPORTEUR:

Dr. Steven R. Reznek

Associate Deputy Assistant Administrator
ORD/Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
EPA ~ Washington, D.C.


10178.6 TD1786N281

@ .N281 —_—?
1977

pio NATIONAL CONFERENCE
__— ON THE INTERAGENCY
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT |
R&D PROGRAM

JUNE 6 & 7, 1977
SHERATON PARK HOTEL
WASHINGTON, D.C.

I Mis

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL FROTECTION AGENCY

=
A


ABSTRACT
WATER MONITORING IN ENERGY DEVELOPING AREAS

Frederick A. Kilpatrick
U.S. Geological Survey
Reston, Virginia

Presently the Water Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey operates
a network of 6200 water monitoring stations nationwide of which 590 are in the
energy developing Rocky Mountain and Northern Great Plains States. Of these, 73
are funded entirely or partially via EPA funds. These water monitoring stations
are establishing the baseline water quality, sediment and flow conditions against
which future assessments of impacts can be made. This paper will report on three of
the 22 projects involved in the Interagency Energy/Environment R&D Program with the
USGS: initial water quality data for the Chaco River basin, New Mexico; oil shale
areas of Colorado and the southeastern area of Ohio where both surface and under-
ground mining are active.

33


ABSTRACT
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS OF SYNTHETIC FUELS

William J. Rhodes
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Synthetic fuels, while offering solutions to problems associated with the
utilization of coal, present some new environmental problems. Within the Federal
government, these are primarily the responsibility of the Environmental Protection
Agency. EPA's past efforts concerned with coal utilization and conversion (including
those under its predecessor's name) have spanned over a decade. These earlier
programs were involved with historical surveys, pollution control problem definitions,
isolated research studies, and pioneering efforts.

EPA's present synthetic fuels program comprises a much more comprehensive
approach which addresses the broad scope of high- and low-Btu gasification and
liquefaction. The associated longer-term environmental assessment and control
technology development contractual arrangements emphasize data acquisition and are
supported by research grants to do fundamental studies.

Interagency agreements (e.g. with ERDA) are now providing a more complimentary
mesh of environmental and energy concerns. Multi-agency data acquisition and
analysis coordination will greatly enhance optimization: best controls at lowest
costs and with greatest expediency to meet our Nation's energy requirements.

Past EPA accomplishments included coal characterizations, projections of pol-
lutants, reports on numerous processes, field trips to overseas industrial sites,
annual symposia, and reports in such related areas as combined cycles and fuel
contaminant removal.

Ongoing activities have produced:

1) Methodologies for accomplishing objectives such as multi-media environmental
goals establishment and control approach categoriztion.

2) Initiation of test plans, especially field data acquisition, and analysis
by prime contractors.

3) Design and construction of reactor and acid-gas cleanup experimental
facilities.

4) An approach to data acquisition, from plant sampling through chemical and
biological analyses.

The future will include continued agreements with the public and private sector
and establishment of a research data base needed for responsible evaluation of
processes and setting of standards.


ABSTRACT

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR POLLUTION
CONTROL FROM OIL SHALE EXPLOITATION

Eugene F. Harris and Thomas J. Powers
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio

There are many areas of oil shale research and development in which the EPA
plays an active role. In many cases the EPA shares funding responsibilities with
other agencies, a few examples of which are discussed in the paper.

The EPA takes interest in other projects not funded by the EPA, projects whose
results can be used for environmental assessment and control technology development.
Duplication of effort is thus avoided.

Present EPA research is discussed, and examples are given in the areas of
(1) Characterization, Measurement, and Monitoring; (2) Environment Transport
Process; (3) Health Effects; and (4) Ecological Effects.

Planned EPA oil shale research and expected outputs are noted,


ABSTRACT

EPA/NASA ENERGY-RELATED REMOTE AND IN SITU SENSING
INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT

John P. Mugler, Jr.
Environmental Quality Program Office
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Hampton, Virginia

This project was established under the Energy Memorandum of Understanding
between EPA and NASA dated May 2, 1975, to develop advanced and improved instrument
techniques for measuring environmental parameters associated with powerplants and
other pollution sources. The project contains five tasks which were mutually devel-
oped to assist with the timely development of instruments and technology needed for
energy-related environmental problems. The objectives of the five tasks are as
follows: Task 1. - Raman Lidar ~ To evaluate Raman lidar for remote measurement of
the concentration of S02 at a powerplant stack exit. Task 2, - Plume Dispersion
Studies - To apply aerosol scattering lidar techniques to the study of plume
dispersion under various atmospheric conditions. Task 3, - IR DIAL - To develop
and apply the tunable infrared (IR) differential absorption lidar (DIAL) technique
to the remote measurement of molecular plume effluents. Task 4, - Laser Heterodyne
Detector ~ To evaluate the use of the laser heterodyne detector technique as a
means to increase the sensitivity of long-path continuous wave absorption measure-
ments using diffuse reflectors. Task 5. - HCl Monitor ~- To develop and deliver to
EPA an improved in situ HCl chemiluminescent monitor evaluated at concentrations
as low as 5 ppb HCl in ambient and polluted air. This paper discusses the progress
to date and plans for these five tasks.

46


ABSTRACT

THE MULTI-STATE ATMOSPHERIC POWER
PRODUCTION POLLUTION PROGRAM*

Michael C. MacCracken
MAP3S Project Director
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
Livermore, California

The Multi-State Atmospheric Power Production Pollution Study (MAP3S) is a
major atmospheric research program of ERDA's Division of Biomedical and Environmental
Research (DBER). The goal of the MAP3S program is to develop and demonstrate an
improved, verified capability to simulate the present and potential future changes in
pollutant concentration, atmospheric behavior and precipitation chemistry as a
result of pollutant releases to the atmosphere from large-scale power production
processes, primarily coal combustion. A major motivation of this program is to be
able to provide those agencies charged with the task of meeting the nation's energy
needs with the knowledge required to assess alternative strategies for generating
power while ensuring ample protection of human health and adequate preservation of
the natural environment. Since coal is the most abundant domestic fossil energy
resource and since electric power production is a major and growing sector of our
energy economy, this study focuses on the effects of emissions from coal fired
electric power plants, particularly in the high population, energy intensive
northeastern quadrant of the United States. Research projects are underway to
measure present sulfur oxide concentrations and composition to assess the potential
for long range transport, to investigate transformation processes in plumes from
point and urban sources, to sample precipitation chemistry and understand scavenging
mechanisms, and to develop numerical models that can simulate future air quality on
sub-continental scales given patterns of anticipated combustion emissions.

*Work performed under the auspices of the U. S. Energy Research and Development
Administration under Contract No, W-7405-Eng-48.

30


ABSTRACT

METHODOLOGY FOR THE ANALYSIS
OF THE IMPACTS OF ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTION IN THE WEST

Andrew Ford and H. W. Lorber
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
Energy Research and Development Administration
Los Almos, New Mexico

This report describes the progress achieved in the first year of a project to
develop methodologies for analyzing the impacts of electric power production in the
West. The project objective is to design a computer-based tool to help decision
makers analyze some of the crucial environmental, social, and economic impacts --
particularly the following impacts which involve conditions that are unique to the

West:

1) The boom town impacts that result from the construction and operation of
power plants near small, isolated towns in the sparsely populated West;

2) The reduction in visibility caused by the fossil fuel emissions from power
plants operating in the pristine West.

Additional impacts that have been addressed include public health effects from
fossil fuel pollutants, occupational health and safety, and the risk of accidental
release of radioactive pollutants from nuclear power plants. The scale along which
most of these varied impacts are compared is dollars.

As an example, the report includes a demonstration showing how the methodologies
can be used to calculate impacts associated with the 1985 expansion plan of the
electric utilities belonging to the Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC). The
report concludes with a discussion of the usefulness of the results and a descrip-
tion of the work to be undertaken later in the project.

This work supported by the Environmental Protection Agency, LASL Project R260.

20


ABSTRACT

WESTERN COAL AND OIL SHALE - GROUNDWATER
QUALITY MONITORING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Leslie G. McMillion
Environmental Monitoring Support Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada

An important concern of the Environmental Protection Agency is the impact of
Western coal and oil shale developments on groundwater quality and the manner in
which these impacts should be monitored. A project to provide the answers is being
conducted under a research contract. Two field areas, one relating to each resource,
are being intensively studied. Results are to be presented in documented form
suitable for adaption to other Western areas.

The project has been underway about six months. Significant progress has been
made on the first task, which relates to collection and evaluation of data on
hydrology, geology, and potential pollutant sources.

An additional research need which concerns the oil shale aspect of the project
has been identified. At the time of contract execution, it appeared oil shale would
be developed by conventional mining methods followed by surface retorting; therefore,
the study area was selected on this basis. Since that time, however, interest in
that development will be by modified in situ methods. The problem of including a
study of the in situ developments in this project is twofold. First, the planned
in situ developments are in northwest Colorado instead of in Utah where the study
area is established by contract terms. Secondly, the cost for studying groundwater
effects and monitoring methods related to in situ processes will be higher than the
amounts provided in the project for study of oil shale developments by surface
retorting. A proposal for expanding the effort has been prepared and is awaiting
approval and funding by the Environmental Protection Agency.

34


ABSTRACT

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS SIMULATION OF
LOCAL COMMUNITY IMPACTS IN THE
NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Lloyd D. Bender
Economic Development Division
Economic Research Service, USDA

George Temple
Montana State University

The research is conducted by the Economic Development Division of the Economic
Research Service, USDA. The focus is on application and evaluation of analytical
methods of estimating local economic impacts. Of special interest are rapid growth
rural communities in the Northern Great Plains. The final goal is the estimation
of elements affecting the net fiscal impacts on local government services in an
integrated simulation system.

Computer models of the tax systems of Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South
Dakota are of immediate interest. For a given project, these models calculate the
direct revenues and intergovernmental transfers flowing to schools, cities, counties,
and the State. The practical applications of the tax models are for (a) prepara-
tion of environmental impact statements, (b) evaluation of the effect of each tax,
and (c) revision of laws by each State.

The other part of the project is the estimation of employment, population,
and income. Statistical techniques are applied to secondary data. Results confirm
two important conclusions regarding rapid development. First, local multipliers
for employment and income are different for each county. The multipliers depend
upon (a) the type of basic activity, (b) the location in economic space, and (c)
the level of activity in adjacent counties. The second major conclusion is that
wage levels must increase in order to attract and retain a larger labor force.
Local wage inflation can occur. If it does, then the costs of local government
services increase. Thus the two most important impact elements at the local level
deserving analytical study are the population change and the degree of local wage
inflation which accompany rapid development.

19


ABSTRACT

EFFECTS OF CHEMICALS USED IN OFFSHORE
WELL-DRILLING OPERATIONS

Norman L. Richards
Environmental Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gulf Breeze, Florida

Literature on the effects of chemical use in offshore well-drilling operations
on marine organisms is very limited. Policy decisions are currently baset-or
static, 96-hour LC50 determinations, observations of divers, and theoretical models
of pollutant dispersion. A limited research program on drilling-fluid constituents
has been initiated at the Gulf Breeze Laboratory to provide a better data base as
one component in the prediction of the relative hazard of using alternative drilling
mud constituents and to develop more relevant laboratory methods for xenobiotic
evaluation,

This paper discusses the hierarchically arranged methodology used for testing
the effects of selected chemicals. Tiered screening processes were used for
sequential testing of compounds. From the initial set of compounds, two were
selected for further study; barium sulfate and pentachlorophenol. Static toxicity
tests were conducted with larval stages of three marine/estuarine species, eastern
oyster, grass shrimp and pinfish in a laboratory environment. Bioconcentration
effects up to 80 times that measured in the exposure water were observed.

This project is designed to provide research results for some areas in which
an understanding of the effects of drilling muds in the Gulf of Mexico is lacking,
including:

1) estimates of the distance that active rigs need to be from coral reefs in
order to minimize potential effects from emissions;

2) effects of mud on resident rig marine life;
3) advisability of aquaculture near platforms;

4) recommended distance from rigs for seafood harvesting.

52


INTRODUCTION

The abstracts included in this publication were written by the participating
authors for EPA's Second National Conference on the Interagency Energy/Environment
R&D Program.

Each abstract has been provided to assist conference participants and guests
in following the context of material presented by the rapporteurs. The full text
of each paper, as well as speeches and question/answer sessions, will be printed
in the Conference Proceedings.

The abstracts are organized by chapters, which correspond to the conference

sessions. In addition, the placement of authors corresponds to the author sequence
in your brochure.

vii


wv
LY ABSTRACT

EPA SPONSORED RESEARCH AT THE U. S. BUREAU OF MINES

ey

Richard E. Hucko and Albert W. Deurbrouck
Bureau of Mines
Coal Preparation and Analysis Laboratory
U. S. Department of the Interior
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Much of the coal preparation research conducted by the U. S. Bureau of Mines
has been, and continues to be, sponsored by the EPA, Today, the EPA funds the
sulfur reduction potential studies which have been ongoing since 1965, Also, much
of the cost of the design of a new coal preparation process development facility
has been borne by the EPA,

In addition to these Bureau in~house activities, many EPA funded contracts are
let through, and monitored by, the Bureau of Mines. There are presently nine such
outside contracts covering a wide spectrum of coal preparation research activities.
Included in this paper is a discussion of the current status of the Bureau's in-

house EPA funded research, and a brief description of the outside contracts along,
with the most recent developments in each. ‘

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11


ABSTRACT

DEVELOPMENT OF WATER-RELATED TECHNIQUES AND
INSTRUMENTATION: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Phillip E. Greeson
U.S. Geological Survey
Reston, Virginia

The U.S. Geological Survey has been active in environmental monitoring for
many years and assistance to numerous Federal, State, and local agencies is common-
place. As part of its monitoring activities, the Survey has taken a leading role
in the development, testing, and application of methods, techniques, and instru-
ments for measuring water-related constituents and characteristics. Geological
Survey activities under the Interagency Energy/Environment R&D Program have been
concentrated in four project elements including (1) development of methods for
characterizing and monitoring levels of chronic toxicity, (2) development of instru-
mentation for high-volume analysis of petrochemicals and associated compounds,

(3) development of bedload samplers for measuring stream sediment, and (4) develop-
ment of flumes and weirs and other devices and techniques for measuring sediment—
laden stream flows.

While emphasis has been placed on the arid and semi-arid regions of the west,
the developed methodologies will have application in all energy-important areas.
Due to the nature of the continuing research, final results still are inconclusive
but advances in the state-of-the-technology are increasing and improved definitive
methodologies will be available in the near future,

44


ABSTRACT
XENOBLOTIC METABOLISM IN MARINE SPECIES EXPOSED TO HYDROCARBONS

Margaret 0, James and John R. Bend
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Health Education and Welfare
St. Augustine, Florida and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Several investigators (e.g. Lee et al 1972, Korn et al 1976, Statham et al
e demonstrated that most fish species bioconcentrate pollutants, including

Capaereani es, from their aqueous environments. Hydrocarbons are slowly metabolized

by fish, and excreted in urine and bile. The initial metabolic product is an alkene
or arene oxide which is usually more toxic than the parent hydrocarbon. The alkene
or arene oxide may be further metabolized by epoxide hydrase or glutathione S-
transferase, or rearranged nonenzymatically to an alcohol or phenol which is usually
conjugated before being excreted. We have studied the effect of hydrocarbon
pretreatment of some fish species on the enzymes involved in hydrocarbon metabolism,
paying particular attention to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Our studies showed that repeated injection of a 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) or
dibenzanthracene (DBA) into flounder, skates, or sheepshead, but not stingrays,
caused a 10- to 35- fold increase of aromatic hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity
in hepatic microsomes. No induction of epoxide hydrase or glutathione S-trans—
ferase was observed in these studies. Hepatic AHH activity in sheepshead remained
elevated for at least four months after a single dose of 3-MC, but epoxide-metab-
olizing enzymes were not induced at any of the time points or doses studied.

Studies in progress include the in vivo metabolism of selected components of

crude oil in representative marine species, and further elucidation of the role of
induction in the metabolism and toxicity of xenobiotics,

REFERENCES
Korn, S., Hirsch, N. and Struhsaker, J.W. (1976) Fish. Bull. 74, 545 - 551

Lee, R.F., Sauerheber, R. and Dobbs, G.H. (1972) Mar. Biol. 17, 201-208
Statham, C.N., Melancon, M.J. and Lech, J.J. (1976) Science 193, 680-681

50


CHAPTER VI: ATMOSPHERIC TRANSPORT AND FATE

RAPPORTEUR:

Dr. William E. Wilson
Environmental Science

Research Laboratory

EPA - Research Triangle Park, NC


ABSTRACT

PROJECT MISTIT
MIDWEST INTERSTATE SULFUR TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSPORT

W. E. Wilson
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Increasing energy needs will require additional combustion of coal with the
resulting release of S02 into the atmosphere and subsequent conversion to sulfate.
Because of the adverse environmental effects of sulfates, information is needed
relating anthropogenic emissions of S02 to atmospheric sulfate levels. Reduction
in urban S02 emissions have been accompanied by an increase in rural S02 emissions,
mostly from power plants with tall stacks located outside cities. The Transforma-
tion-Transport Hypothesis holds that S0j emissions from these rural power plants
are transformed into sulfates in the atmosphere and transported over long distances
to urban areas. Project MISTT was designed to test this hypothesis.

The MISTT technical approach is to measure the transformation of S09 to
sulfates in polluted air masses undergoing transport~power plant plumes, urban
plumes, and stagnating anticyclones. This is done mainly with aircraft. The
experimental measurements are used to guide the development of models of the trans-
formation, transport, and removal processes and to test the Transformation-Transport
Hypothesis.

The results of Project MISTT have confirmed the Transformation~Transport Hypo-
thesis for power plant and urban plumes which have been followed for 300 km. Limits
have been set on the transformation rates and the critical parameters which control
the conversion rates identified.

The rate of conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfate aerosol in the plume is
low near the point of emission, but increases to several percent per hour as ambient
air mixes with the plume. Tall stacks reduce ground-level concentrations of sulfur
dioxide, resulting in a reduction of the amount removed by dry deposition, Thus,
tall stacks increase the atmospheric residence time of sulfur dioxide, which leads
to an increase in atmospheric sulfate formation. In urban plumes, which are well-
mixed to the ground near the source, sulfur dioxide is removed more rapidly by dry
deposition, These sulfate aerosols may be transported over distances of several
hundred kilometers and produce air pollution episodes far from the pollution source.

26


ABSTRACT

DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF IMPROVED
RADIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT CAPABILITIES

Larry G. Kanipe, Phillip H. Jenkins, Dale W. Nix, and Richard L. Doty
Division of Environmental Planning
Tennessee Valley Authority
Muscle Shoals, Alabama

A project has been initiated which is designed to improve radiological
surveillance procedures regarding both sampling and radiochemical analyses
on samples, Further, models used to calculate radiological impact are being
evaluated and refined, A "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Radio~
analytical Laboratories" has been issued for use within TVA and is being revised
for nationwide distribution, A report titled "Least-Squares Resolution of Gamma-
Ray Spectra in Environmental Monitoring," in which the use of sodium iodide
detection systems is discussed, has been prepared and the results of the study are
in routine use. The study of germanium detector systems is nearing completion,
with a report to be issued this year. Preliminary studies on environmental moni-
toring schemes are underway. Finally, data are being collected for use in analytical
model ‘refinement, with the collection proceeding according to plume detection
methodologies developed as part of this project. As a result of conducting this
project, a cost--effective means of monitoring the environmental transport of nuclear
power plant releases and of realistically assessing the impact of electric power
generation from nuclear units will be proposed.

40


ABSTRACT
OHIO RIVER BASIN ENERGY STUDY

Lowell Smith
ORD/Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D. C.

EPA has been directed to conduct “an assessment of the potential environmental,
social and economic impacts of the proposed concentration of power plants in the
lower Ohio River Basin. The study should be comprehensive in scope, investigating
the impacts from air, water and solid residues on the natural environment and
residents of the region." The ORBES study is being performed through a unique
arrangement with six universities located in the four states of the lower basin.
Planning for the construction of power plants is proceeding at a rapid pace within
the basin with the result that interest in this study has been high since its
inception.

Scenarios of alternative demand levels and technological responses have been
constructed. The environmental, social and economic consequences, which fulfillment
of these hypothesized alternative futures might bring to the region, have been
identified and categorized regarding intensity of impact. Breadth of analysis has
been emphasized over depth of analysis in the first year.

Early results of these scoping studies are presented. A selection of results
is discussed in terms of possible mitigation measures or other policy options which
may be necessary to avoid significant adverse consequences to specified localities
or the region as a whole. Preliminary findings suggest that severe constraints on
power plant developments might be reached within the next twenty years if moderately
high growth rates are experienced over this time interval and a concentrated pattern
of development continues.

A brief discussion is given of the challenges and opportunities that are
presented by the ORBES organizational structure. Also included is a description of
the EPA/ORBES efforts to encourage a broad range of interest groups to interact with
the researchers throughout the project. These experiences have been valuable in the
planning for ORBES-Phase II, which will continue for another two years.

16


ABSTRACT

MEASUREMENT STANDARDS FOR WATER MONITORING ASSOCIATED
WITH ENERGY PRODUCTION AND USE

William H. Kirchhoff
Office of Air and Water Measurement
National Bureau of Standards
U. S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D. C.

In accord with the overall mission of the National Bureau of Standards to
provide standards of measurement and means for making measurements consistent with
those standards, NBS scientists are participating in the EPA administered program on
environmental aspects of energy production and use by developing measurement methods
and Standard Reference Materials (SRM's) for water pollution monitoring. Projects
currently underway include the development of an SRM consisting of eighteen trace
elements in water, the development of methods for the measurement of trace elements in
sea water, the development of SRM's for the measurement of organic compounds in water
and sediment and the development of methods for measuring polar organic compounds
in water and for coupling liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy for the
identification of organic compounds in water, Methods for determining the chemical
form (speciation) of trace elements in water are being investigated as are methods
for determining the depth profile of trace elements in individual sediment particles

using ion microprobe analysis.

43


ABSTRACT

CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND AQUATIC
BIOASSAYS OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS EFFLUENTS

R. K, Skogerboe and D.F,S. Natusch
Department of Chemistry
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado

R. C. Russo and R. V. Thurston
Fisheries Bioassay Laboratory
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana

Process effluents from energy development programs are very frequently complex
mixtures of numerous chemical constituents which may individually or collectively
be toxic to the aquatic biota. Thus, the assessment of these effluents in terms of
toxicity, the identification of the toxic principals, the delineation of the
environmental stability characteristics of these entities, and the ultimate develop-

ment of quantitative impact predictions are complicated research problems of major
importance.

To characterize the potential impact of energy development processes on the
biophysical environment, the present program has utilized chemical and biological
assessment methods in a coordinated, feedback mode of operation. Bioassays run on
effluents, and nondestructively separated fractions thereof, have been used as
means of focusing the chemical analysis efforts on those of most consequence.
Chemical characterization of the toxic effluent fractions has subsequently permitted
the design of further bioassay experiments indicative of which constituents are the
primary toxicants. As the chemical and biological assessments of each effluent are
completed, the results are used in combination with field evaluation data to develop
impact predictions and/or appropriate control strategies.

The approaches described above will be discussed with emphasis on the unique

aspects of the characterization and interpretation methods and techniques used.
r

Sw yy.

51


=

aap ae

CHAPTER IIT: EXTRACTION AND BENEFICIATION (Cont.)

Forest Service Mining Reclamation Research
Mr. Grant Davis, USDA. 2. 1 1 we ewe ew ee ee eh ee

Protection of Soil and Water Resources on Land Disturbed by Mining
Dr. James F. Power and Dr. Orus L. Bennett, USDA ........

CHAPTER IV: INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT

Integrated Assessment of Energy Development in the Western U.S.
Mr. Steven Plotkin, EPA... 6 ee we ew eee ee ee ee

Electric Utility Energy Systems ITA
Mr. Lowell Smith, EPA. 2. 1 1 1 ee ee ee ee

Ohio River Basin Energy Study
Mr. Lowell Smith, EPA... 6 6 eee ee ee ee ee

Integrated Assessment
Dr. H. Russell Hickey and Mr. Malcolm C. Babb, TVA .......

Status of Integrated Assessment of Coal Development
Mr. Joseph R. Barse and Dr. John W. Green, USDA... .....

Integrated Systems Simulation of Local Community Impacts in the
Northern Great Plains

Dr. Lloyd D. Bender, USDA and Mr. George S. Temple, Montana State
University 6 6 6 eee ee ee ee et

Methodology for the Analysis of the Impacts of Electric Power
Production in the West ~ A Summary Report
Dr. Andrew Ford and Dr. H. W. Lorber, ERDA .. 1... eee eee

CHAPTER V: HEALTH EFFECTS

Detection and Evaluation of Potential Health Effects Associated
with Hazardous Agents from Alternate Sources of Energy

Dr. Stephen Nesnow, Dr. Michael D. Waters, EPA and

Dr. Heinrich V. Malling, NIEHS .. 1 1. ee ee eee we eens

Interagency Report on Animal Toxicology
David L. Coffin, V.M.D., EPA, and Dr. Robert Dixon, NIEHS ....

Contributions of Interagency Energy/Environment Program to

Understanding Metabolisms and Mechanisms in Biological Systems
Dr. Murray Schulman and Dr. George E. Stapleton, ERDA.. .

iii

12

. 13

14

25

. 16

v7

18

- 19

20

~ 21

» 22

. 23


ABSTRACT

WATER QAULITY DATA INTEGRATION IN THE WESTERN ENERGY
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AREA (WERDA)

David N. McNelis
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada

The objective of the water quality data integration program is to provide
uniformly validated environmental quality baseline and trend data in those
geographical areas of the West potentially to be impacted by energy resource develop-
ment and production activities. Participating with the U.S. Environmental Protec—
tion Agency in this effort are elements of the U.S. Geological Survey. Several
other agencies of the Federal Government are cooperating in the study.

Water quality over the entire WERDA is being assessed and intensive studies
of major basins and water systems where energy-related impacts are likely have
commenced, A network of strategically located stations reporting to the Environ-
mental Protection Agency's national water quality data base (STORET) has been
identified. A quality assurance program specifically designed for this energy
program has been initiated and includes each of the laboratories participating in
the study.

These data will serve as a reference point from which future energy-related

(or any other) environmental degradation can be measured and upon which national
policy decisions and planning can be based,

32


CHAPTER VII: MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING

RAPPORTEUR:

Mr. George B. Morgan

Acting Director of Environmental Monitoring
and Support Laboratory

EPA - Las Vegas, NV


els—
ABSTRACT

EFFECTS OF COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EMISSIONS ON vansesnb ECOSYSTEMS

J. M. Kelly, N. L. Lacasse, J. C. Noggle, and Herbert C. Jones
Air Quality Research Section
Division of Environmental Planning
Tennessee Valley Authority
Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Anthropogenic emissions of substances to and subsequent deposition from the
atmosphere has increased greatly during recent decades, Atmospheric pollutants
are imported, transported, exported, accumulated, and often changed before they
are deposited. Pollutant effects may be beneficial or detrimental; acute or
chronic, Both general and specific information about the state, structure, and
function of the terrestrial environment is essential for determining the extent
of changes that are induced by man's activities. Efforts to prevent or solve en-
vironmental problems are more likely to succeed if they are based upon a thorough
knowledge of the processes that occur in the ecosystem and if this knowledge can
be integrated with other factors that affect the environment, including economic,
technological, and sociological considerations.

The research needed to provide this required knowledge of ecological effects
and impacts of atmospheric emissions should be approached on three levels--the
species, the community, and the ecosystem--and the results of studies on these
levels synthesized into an integrated approach, Studies conducted at the species
level generally deal with one or two species and are conducted under highly con-
trolled conditions; while research at the community or ecosystem level involves
increasing complexities and reduced control of many variables. Present research
efforts at the species level include controlled exposure studies to determine the
impact of simulated ground-line concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dio-
xide on the productivity of plants. Studies at the community level are conducted
under field conditions to duplicate communal relationships among plant species.
An air exclusion system has been developed which allows plants to grow under ambient
conditions and only operates under exposure conditions. A radioisotope technique
using labeled soil sulfur is being evaluated as a method to determine plant accu-
mulation of atmospheric sulfur. A third effort underway at the community level
utilizes a specially developed microcosm system to evaluate the effects of acid
precipitation on plants and soils. A forested watershed provides an excellent
means of evaluating the integrated response of the ecosystem level. Two forested
watersheds one located near a power plant and the other located in a background
setting are being compared in order to quantify the integrated response at the
ecosystem level.

The synthesis level carries environmental research to a final level of com-
plexity, which integrates ecological considerations with economic and sociological
data to evaluate the total environmental complex. To provide relevant information
on the complexities of ecosystems and the observed or anticipated responses of eco-
systems to environmental perturbations, balanced approach must be taken to the
research hierarchy discussed previously



ABSTRACT
THE FEDERAL INTERAGENCY FLUE GAS DESULFURIZATION PROGRAM

Gerald G, McGlamery
Office of Agricultural and Chemical Development
Tennessee Valley Authority
Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Richard D. Stern and Michael A, Maxwell
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

One of our major energy-related environmental problems concerns the need to
control SO, emissions from stationary fuel combustion sources. Application of flue
gas desulfurization (FGD) processes appears to present the major near-term control
strategy which will permit the environmentally acceptable use of our coal resources.

For the past seven years, EPA and TVA have conducted a coordinated
comprehensive program directed toward the development and demonstration of
reliable, cost effective, and environmentally acceptable FGD technology. In the
area of non-regenerable processes producing a throw away sludge, the advanced lime/
limestone prototype test program funded by EPA at TVA's Shawnee Steam Plant is
particularly important. Supporting efforts by the pilot plant at EPA's Industrial
Environmental Research Laboratory in RTP have made important contributions to the
program. In addition to these efforts, extensive programs are underway for the
near-term commercialization of double alkali processes and to evaluate environmentally
sound alternatives for sludge disposal. Regenerable FGD has been a major component
of this Interagency Program to develop S02 control technology for stationary
combustion sources. These processes regenerate the sorbent and produce a marketable
by-product. The program has focused primarily on large scale development/demonstation
of processes such as magnesium oxide scrubbing to produce sulfuric acid and Wellman-
Lord/Allied technology to produce elemental sulfur, in order to accelerate com-
mercialization of the technology. Other activities include laboratory, bench, pilot,
and prototype scale evaluations. The overall program has been supported by technical
evaluation studies, process and by-product marketing economic studies, monitoring
and analysis, and other related work,

Significant non-regenerable and regenerable FGD activities related to utility
and industrial combustion source applications are described and status and results
are presented.


ABSTRACT

ERDA: DIVISION OF BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
CHARACTERIZATION, MEASUREMENT AND MONITORING PROGRAM

Robert W. Wood
Physical and Technological Programs
Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research
U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
Germantown, Maryland

A brief discussion of the total ERDA, BER program in characterization measure-
ment and monitoring research will be presented. Current and planned activities
aimed at the analytical characterization of effluents and emissions from various
energy technology processes will be addressed,

A description of the scope, content and objectives of the measurement and
monitoring research program will also be provided.

The remainder of the paper will include brief summary statements of the specific
projects supported through the interagency energy/environment program.

42


ABSTRACT

DOPPLER LIDAR FOR MEASUREMENT
OF POLLUTANT TRANSPORT

R. L. Schwiesow and M. J. Post
Wave Propagation Laboratory
Environmental Research Laboratories
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Boulder, Colorado

Doppler lidar measures the small-scale boundary layer wind field by frequency
analyzing the signal backscattered from aerosols. The purpose of this joint research
program is to develop and test operational techniques for the high-resolution
measurement of atmospheric wind, turbulence and aerosol backscatter aspects of
pollutant transport.

Four environmentally-relevant measurement problems provide the focus for
our research. In atmospheric diffusion the lidar can serve as a mobile, high tower
to determine wind profiles for various meteorological and terrain conditions. To
determine urban ventilation factors, both a wind profile above the urban area and
the thickness of the mixed layer must be measured. If properly measured and
interpreted, backscatter from a stack effluent can indicate the effluent flow rate.
Knowledge of the wind speeds associated with localized atmospheric vortices such
as dust devils and waterspouts can help in designing secure energy-related
structures such as power facilities.

Results to date include both technique refinement and field measurements such
as wind profiles to a range of 1 km and height of 200 m, velocity spectra of
vortices, FM-CW lidar ranging, three-component velocity measurements, and plume
backscatter, Planned research includes aerosol profiling, range extension, and more
efficient data processing.

48


ABSTRACT
STATIONARY SOURCE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY FOR NO,

J. S. Bowen, G. B. Martin, R. D. Stern and J. D. Mobley
Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-RIP
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been identified among the atmospheric pollutants
having the greatest potential for adverse effects on human health and welfare. Since
passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970 the EPA has placed high priority on controlling
NOx emissions from both stationary and mobile sources to meet prescribed National
Ambient Air Quality Standards. Estimates indicate that 11.6 million tons or about
50.4 percent of NOx emissions in the U. S. in 1974 came from a wide variety of fossil
fuel burning stationary combustion sources. Therefore, as part of EPA's overall
plan to control this pollutant, a research and development program was established
in the Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-RTP to develop and assess
improved control techniques for the abatement of NOx emissions from stationary
sources. The objectives are to develop information to support regulatory groups
in preparing NO, standards and to develop control technology to assist equipment
operators and manufacturers in meeting future standards.

Two main approaches for NO, control making up the program are:

1) Combustion modification (CM), which is based on alteration of
combustion conditions to minimize formation of NOx, and

2) Flue gas treatment (FGT), which involves processes to remove NOx
from the flue gas.

Combustion modification has received primary emphasis in the program as the
most cost effective approach to achieving substantial NO, control for a wide variety
of sources. Flue gas treatment is currently seen as a method to supplement combus-—
tion modification where a high degree of control is required.

This paper discusses the status of these program areas, updating technical
highlights of the past year's effort. The primary conclusions are: (1) that,
based on recent studies, a large potential exists for significant reductions of
NOx emissions in the post-1980 period because of improved CM technology which will
become available for a wide variety of sources, and (2) flue gas treatment
technology, based to a large extent on developments in Japan, is being extensively
characterized and should be available by 1985.


CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION © 6 ww ee ee ee ee ee ee VhE
CHAPTER I: FUEL PROCESSING

Environmental Assessment of the Fluidized-Bed Combustion Process
Mr. D. Bruce Henschel, EPA . 1. we we ee ee ee ee eee ee

Research and Development Programs for Pollution Control from Oil
Shale Exploitation
Mr. Eugene F. Harris and Mr. Thomas J. Powers, EPA ....... 2.2... 2

Environmental Considerations of Synthetic Fuels
Mr. William J. Rhodes, EPA. 1 6 we ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee B

Pollution Abatement for Wastes-As-Fuel Processes
Mr. Robert A. Olexsey and Mr. George L. Huffman, EPA ....... 2... 4

CHAPTER II: UTILITY AND INDUSTRIAL POWER

Federal Interagency Flue Gas Desulfurization Program
Mr. Richard D. Stern, Mr. Michael A. Maxwell, EPA and
Mr. Gerald G. McGlamery, TVA 2 ww ew wee ee ee ee ee ee ee

Control of Fine Particulate Emissions from Stationary Sources
Mr. James H. Abbott, Mr. Dale L. Harmon, Mr. Richard D. Stern
and Mr. J. David Mobley, EPA 2. 1. 1 ee ee ee ee ee te ee ee ee

Stationary Source Control Technology for NO,
Dr. Joshua S. Bowen, Jr., and Mr. George Blair Martin, EPA ......./7

Environmental Management of Effluents and Solid Wastes from Steam

Electric Generating Plants

Mr. Julian W. Jones, Mr. Theodore G. Brna, EPA and Mr. James L. Crowe,

Dr. Hollis B. Flora, II, Ms. Shirley S. Ray, TVA ........2....8

CHAPTER III: EXTRACTION AND BENEFICIATION
Research and Development Programs for Pollution Control from Mining
and Transportation of Solid Fuels

Mr. John F. Martin and Mr. Eugene F. Harris, EPA... e+ ee eee ees Y

Coal Cleaning Program Status
Mr. James D, Kilgroe, EPA. 2. 1. ee ee ee ee ee ee eee we ee 10

EPA Sponsored Research at the USBM
Mr. Albert W. Deurbrouck and Mr. Richard E. Hucko, USBM......... 211

ii



ABSTRACT
CURRENT STATUS OF EXTRAPOLATION RESEARCH

Michael D. Hogan
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

William C. Nelson
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

Two major problems are encountered whenever human risk resulting from exposure
to environmental carcinogens is estimated using data generated in a laboratory
setting. The first problem involves risk extrapolation to low, environmental dose
levels that lie well outside the experimental (observable) range. The second arises
because of the need to extrapolate from various animal species to man.

Guess and Crump have developed a new statistical model for extrapolating risk
estimates associated with high dose level animal experiments to the low environ-
mental levels likely to be encountered by the general population. They have used
their model to analyze data on known carcinogens as well as data from simulation
studies, and their research has provided new insight into the linear-nonlinear
debate about the shape of dose~response curves in the environmental exposure region.
Practical aspects of their studies have a direct bearing on the regulatory decision
making process.

Research into the question of species-to-species extrapolation is also being
promoted under the inner agency agreement. A review of the carcinogenesis litera-
ture has been initiated for the purpose of quantifying species differences in re-
sponse to exposure to carcinogenic compounds and for deciding how these differences
might best be taken into account in the extrapolation process.

Support has also been given to the establishment of a computerized catalogue
of published teratology studies (ETIC). To date over 7500 references have been
entered into the system. In addition, preliminary steps have been taken to develop
a Teratology Data Bank,

25


ABSTRACT

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE
WESTERN U.S.

Steve Plotkin
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D. C.

Large scale energy development in the Western U.S., while an integral part of
most plans for boosting this Nation's domestic energy production, will cause
significant environmental, economic and social problems in the development areas.
Prevention or reduction of these problems is hampered by an intricate, overlapping
and ill-coordinated policy system for dealing with development and its impact.

The Office of Energy, Minerals and Industry, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency is sponsoring a three year Technology Assessment of Western Energy Resource
Development to identify and evaluate the adverse impacts of large scale development
and policies for mitigating them. The Assessment has substantially completed its
first phase, the impact evaluation, and has confirmed many previously held beliefs
and cast doubt on some others. For instance, it has tended to confirm the belief
that development would create severe air pollution problems in many areas, while
casting doubt on some of the previous high estimates of water usage associated with
synfuel development.

The study will now concentrate on policy analysis. A significant portion of
this work will involve parametric analysis to identify variables that control impacts,
and identification and evaluation of alternative means of controlling these
variables. In addition, an ongoing effort at thoroughly understanding the policy
system - the political/institutional/economic system that dictates the rate and
pattern of development - will be continued.

14


The Second National Conference
On The Interagency

Energy/Environment R&D Program

June 6 and 7, 1977

Sponsored by EPA with: e@ DOC e@ HEW

NBS NIEHS
NOAA NIOSH
e DOI e NASA
BOM
FWS e TVA
USGS
@ USDA
@ ERDA ARS
ERS
FS
(\ ff


ABSTRACT
MONITORING PROJECT

Edward Tilton, III
Earth Resources Laboratory
National Aeronuatics and Space Administration
Slidell, Louisiana

Robert W. Landers, Jr.
Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada

During the summer of 1975, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) entered into a five-year
project for the purposes of transferring hardware and software techniques for proces-
sing remotely sensed digital data which would enable EPA to establish and maintain
a fully operational energy-related overhead monitoring system. The NASA's Earth
Resources Laboratory (NASA/ERL) at Slidell, Louisiana, and the EPA's Environmental
Monitoring and Support Laboratory at Las Vegas, Nevada (EPA/EMSL-LV), were designated
to implement the five-year plan.

The project has been divided into three phases. Phase I was an 18-month segment,
during which existing remote sensing data acquisition, analysis, and information
producing capabilities of NASA were applied to digital data acquired by both LANDSAT
and aircraft over coal strip mines in the Western United States. A data processing
system was defined, assembled, and transferred to the EPA/EMSL~LV in January 1977.
Key EPA personnel also received training in the use of a similar data processing
system during November and December 1976.

Suggested analytical procedures and multispectral data applications were
documented in the NASA/ERL report "Western Energy Related Overhead Monitoring Project —
Phase I Summary (July 1, 1975 - December 31, 1976)." The report is being reviewed
at the EPA/EMSL-LV to determine the usefulness and quality of the suggested procedures.

During Phase Il, the procedures recommended to the EPA will be applied,
verified, and evaluated using current data sets as well as future data sets made
available through an intensive field program now underway at the EPA/EMSL-LV.
Research and development activities continue, in parallel, with objectives to inves-~
tigate new procedures for solving complexities associated with processing data on
strip-mining activities. General descriptions of the Phase II research and development
tasks call for developing 1) a rectification/registration system for multispectral
scanner classified data, 2) a classification system for determining rehabilitation
potential of surface-mined lands, and 3) a signature bank of vegetation species
associated with various ecosystems found in the Western Urfited States.

NASA/ERL and EPA/EMSL-LV development activities tested by pilot studies will
result in state-of-the-art procedures converging into a final set of recommendations
and future requirements. Ultimately the EPA/EMSL-LV will transfer this technology to
interested EPA Regional Offices and other potential users.

35


ABSTRACT

DETECTION AND EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS ASSOCIATED
WITH HAZARDOUS AGENTS FROM ALTERNATE SOURCES OF ENERGY

Stephen Nesnow and Michael D. Waters
Health Effects Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

H. V. Malling
Laboratory of Environmental Mutagenesis
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

An integral part of energy-related health effects research is the development
and utilization of methods which facilitate the detection and evaluation of the
potential health effects associated with exposure to hazardous agents. These
methods encompass the following King-Muir objective areas: 1. To identify hazar-
dous agents associated with energy technologies; 2. To develop more sensitive and
rapid biological methods to evaluate dose and damage to man; and 3. To determine the
processes of damage, repair, recovery, protection and amelioration in biological
systems exposed to hazardous agents.

The human population exposed to energy effluents can be divided into two
classes: those exposed to high concentrations of effluents due to their close pro-
ximity to energy production facilities and those exposed to low concentrations or
background levels of these effluents. In the case of high exposure, both man and
environment must be closely monitored for changes in concentrations of pollutants
and the potential for inducing toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. In the
case of low level exposure to pollutants the environment must also be constantly
monitored for chronic toxic and genotoxic effects, and then risk assessments made.

The monitoring of both the human population and the environment requires the
use of sensitive and rapid test systems both in vitro and in vivo which can detect:
alterations in concentrations of pollutants; alterations in normally occurring bio-
logical and biochemical processes; and the appearance of genotoxic effects.

This report will summarize health effects related research funded through OEMI
for FY 76 in terms of the program described above and make recommendations for future
emphasis.

21


ABSTRACT
SULFATE REGIONAL EXPERIMENT

Ralph M. Perhac
Electric Power Research Institute
Palo Alto, California

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is supporting a research program
to define the relation between emitted primary pollutants (e.g., S0y) and regional,
ambient concentrations of secondary products (e.g. sulfates). Emphasis will be
particularly on identifying the contribution of the electric power industry to
ambient sulfate levels in the northeastern United States. This project, the Sulfate
Regional Experiment (SURE) will be conducted over three years at a cost of about
$5.5 million.

Part of the stimulus for SURE is the concern that utilities may be required
to reduce S02 emissions in order to meet an ambient sulfate standard. The relation-
ship, however, between S02 emissions and ambient sulfate concentrations is obscure,
at best. Present studies seem to indicate that the formation of sulfates is a
regional problem, tied not just to S07, hence no simple relation exists between S02
emissions and regional sulfate levels. If so, a control on S02 emissions may not be
a realistic means of effecting sulfate reduction.

The SURE program comprises four main elements: (1) a ground monitoring network
of 54 randomly distributed stations throughout the Northeast; (2) a program of
Measurements of air quality using airplanes; (3) a detailed emissions inventory;
and (4) a modeling program. Nine ground stations will operate continuously over a
2-year period. The remaining 45 will operate continuously for one month out of each
of the four seasons of the year. At all ground stations, a wide range of chemical
and meteorological parameters will be measured. Emphasis is on sulfur compounds;
however, measurements will also include nitrogen species, ozone, and trace metals
in suspended particles. The airborne work will serve as a limited supplement to the
ground network in an attempt to give a 3-dimensional validity to any conclusions
drawn from the measurements made on the ground. The emissions inventory will include
SOx, NOx, suspended particles, and hydrocarbons from power plants, other industry,
homes, and surface transportation. Emissions will be reported as daily averages
for each season. The modeling effort is designed to yield a relation which predicts
ambient concentrations of pollutants in terms of local emissions. Data for the
model will be drawn from SURE and also from other studies.

29


ABSTRACT
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

H. R. Hickey and M. C. Babb
Tennessee Valley Authority
Chattanooga, Tennessee

TVA's Integrated Assessment research program is designed to develop metho-
dologies to improve and accelerate the analysis processes for forecasting energy
needs, planning and designing energy systems and evaluating environmental and
socioeconomic impacts, Three specific research tasks are underway.

These include:

a. Development of a method for predicting how much, when and where electric
power will be needed;

b. Given alternative systems implied by the above projections, develop

improved models for expressing the residuals produced from each alterna-
tive;

ec. Given the residuals, develop better methods for impact analysis and rei-
terative cost analysis -- in particular explore the use of interactive
computer graphics as a vehicle for expediting analysis procedures.

A computer simulation model has been developed to make long range forecasts
of economic and demographic factors including population, labor force, households
and employment. Recent improvements in the basic model consist of expanding the
model's ability to predict manufacturing conditions at the two-digit SIC level of
detail and to account for changes in migration patterns. The model has been
applied successfully to TVA power service area covering all or part of seven states.

Potential difficulties arising from an attempt to predict residual production
using the output from TVA's Integrated Power Systems Planning Model have been
reviewed. Transformation relationships for sulfur dioxide and gross particulates
have been developed which can be used to estimate residual production from specific
generating facilities based on fuel and equipment characteristics and the level of
power production.

Several types of applications have been developed which demonstrate that
computer graphics can be used to reduce cost and time of analysis and improve de-
cision making for impact assessment. Applications include the display of environ-
mental data, the analysis of socioeconomic impact indicators, and the interactive
analysis of computer models which predict environmental transport and impact of
residuals.

17


ABSTRACT
POLLUTION ABATEMENT FOR WASTES-AS-FUEL PROCESSES

Robert A. Olexsey and George L. Huffman
Industrial Environmental Protection Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency

Cincinnati, Ohio

Technology development in the wastes-as-fuel area has progressed to the point
that several full-scale systems are operational, under construction, or planned. As
operational experience accumulates, the environmental aspects of waste~to-energy
processes are becoming more clearly defined.

Pollutant sampling from waste co-firing with coal operations at Ames, Iowa,
St. Louis, Missouri, and Columbus, Ohio, have indicated that particulate emissions
from such plants increase while SO, and NO, emissions decrease, Data on other air
emissions such as POM's, hydrocarbons, and” trace metallic contaminants have so far
exhibited no conclusive trends,

Pyrolysis plants, while less numerous than co~firing or mass-burning operations,
emit air pollutants which, even though they are lower in total quantity than those
from combustion plants, can be in forms and concentrations that are less easily
managed,

In addition to air emissions, effluents such as sluice, quench, and condensate
liquid discharges from wastes-to-energy operations are of sufficient magnitude to
merit research attention.

EPA (IERL-Cinn, the Fuels Technology Branch) is conducting a research program
that is addressing the needs for the abatement and control of air and liquid emis-
sions from wastes-as-fuel plants. Pollutants at several federally- and privately-
sponsored plants are being characterized. Through extensive extramural research
efforts, the adequacy of existing pollution control approaches is being investigated.
Finally, field testing of pilot-scale air and water pollution control processes will
be conducted at existing waste-to~energy plant sites to improve the control
efficiecy of existing technologies.


CHAPTER VIII: ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

RAPPORTEUR:

Dr. Allan Hirsch

Chief Officer of Biological Science
Fish and Wildlife Service

DOI - Washington, D.C.


ABSTRACT
REMOTE SENSING OF SULFUR DIOXIDE EFFECTS ON VEGETATION

C. Daniel Sapp and Herbert C. Jones
Division of Environmental Planning
Air Quality Branch
Air Quality Research Section
Tennessee Valley Authority
Muscle Shoals, Alabama

A project is underway to develop and refine remote sensing techniques and
instruments for monitoring the effects of sulfur dioxide (S02) emissions from
large coal-fired power plants on vegetation, The techniques include (1) spectro-
radiometry, with a scanning spectroradiometer owned by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration (NASA); (2) photographic recording of plants exposed to
S02 in a fumigation chamber; and (3) a series of overflights for aerial photography
and multispectral scanning, in cooperation with NASA and the Environmental Protec-—
tion Agency, of areas exposed to SO2 in the vicinity of Widows Creek Steam Plant
in northeastern Alabama and Shawnee Steam Plant in western Kentucky.

Digital and manual techniques for processing images are used in the project.
A system for analyzing color images has been useful for enhancing image detail such
as the boundaries of areas exposed to S02 emissions. Digital processing of imagery
from Landsat will be attempted as soon as improved sensors are orbited by NASA and
suitable coverage of power plant sites is obtained.

36


ABSTRACT

MEASUREMENT STANDARDS FOR AIR POLLUTION MONITORING AND
CONTROL ASSOCIATED WITH ENERGY PRODUCTION AND USE

William H. Kirchhoff
Office of Air and Water Measurement
National Bureau of Standards
U. S. Department of Commerce
Washington, D. C.

In accord with the overall mission of the National Bureau of Standards to
provide standards of measurement and means for making measurements consistent with
those standards, NBS scientists are participating in the EPA administered program on
environmental aspects of energy production and use by developing measurement methods
and Standard Reference Materials (SRM's) for air pollution monitoring, A new
instrument for monitoring atmospheric particulates containing sulfur has been
developed which combines electrostatic precipitation with flame photometric
detection as its principle of operation. Standard Reference Materials (SRM's)
applicable to the measurement of stack concentrations of S02 have been developed
and progress has been made on similar standards for NOg. SRM's for CO in air in the
concentration range of 10 to 50 ppm are also near completion, Methods are being
investigated to develop SRM's for the X-ray fluorescence analysis of particulates
on filter papers. To this end, techniques for fabricating glass microspheres of
known composition have been developed and sputtering techniques for producing thin
films of known composition have been investigated,

38


ABSTRACT

CONTROL OF FINE PARTICULATE EMISSIONS
FROM STATIONARY SOURCES

J. H. Abbott and D. L. Harmon
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory
Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina

The Environmental Protection Agency's R&D program for particulate control is
designed to establish engineering design techniques and performance models, and to
improve the collection capability and economics of control devices for particulate
matter.

EPA is placing increased emphasis on the control of fine particulates which
persist in the atmosphere, comprise a variety of known toxic substances, and are
a major contributor to atmospheric haze and visibility problems. The objective
is the development and demonstration of control technologies capable of effectively
removing large fractions of the under 3 micron diameter particles from effluents,
The technical approach is to identify capabilities of existing equipment (electrostatic
precipitators (ESPs), filters, scrubbers and proprietary devices), to determine
deficiencies in present design and operating procedures, and to pursue remedies for
the deficiencies through research and development. New concepts and novel devices
will be applied as identified and evaluated, and successful advancements in removal
technology will be demonstrated.

Actual source tests have shown that both ESPs and baghouses should be capable
of controlling fine particulate from a limited number of sources emitting fly ash.
It is quite possible that the applicability of ESPs to fine particulate control over
a broad range of sources can be extended by developing dust conditioning techniques
and by modifying the design of charging sections and collecting electrodes, During
1975 a mathematical model for the design of ESPs was completed; this will allow
cost-effective ESP design for specific particulate control technology applications.
Also completed was the total characterization of seven ESPs operating on a number
of sources ranging from power plants to aluminum plants; results show that ESPs can
collect particles of all sizes with high efficiency when dust resistivity is not a
problem.

The baghouse is rapidly becoming an important device for the control of
particulate from utility boilers burning low sulfur coal where ash resistivity is
such that ESPs are difficult and expensive to use. A baghouse on a large utility
boiler will be demonstrated in the near future.

Source and laboratory tests have shown that conventional scrubbers are not
very efficient collectors of fine particles. Current EPA R&D efforts to improve
scrubbers are directed toward more efficient utilization of the energy applied to
a scrubber system, and toward taking increased advantage of condensation and other
physical phenomena. The advantage of the condensation phenomenon has been
successfully demonstrated on the off-gas stream from a secondary metal recovery
furnace.

An actual program of soliciting and testing emerging technology has resulted in
demonstration of five novel devices and one new concept as good collectors of fine
particles. About 40 novel devices and 40 novel concepts have been evaluated,