310 Coal Geology
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Environmental Dangers of Coal Fires in Kentucky and Alabama
Paper number: 310-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Authors
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Glenn B. Stracher Presenting AuthorEast Georgia College, University System of Georgia, Swainsboro, GA
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Stephen D. Emsbo-MattinglyNewFields Environmental Forensics Pratice, LLC, Rockland, MD
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James C. HowerCenter for Applied Energy Research, Lexington, KY
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Paul SchroederUniversity of Georgia, Athens, GA
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Chris FleisherUniversity of Georgia, Athens, GA
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Jimmy KitsonWalker County Soil and Water Conservation District Reclamation Department, Jasper, AL
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Larry H. BarwickState of Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Birmingham, AL
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John HiettCenter for Applied Energy Research, Frankfort, KY
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Sarah M. MardonKentucky Division of Water, Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Cabinet, Frankfort, KY
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Richard E. CarrollGeological Survey of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Abstract
In Kentucky, the Pennsylvanian Breathitt Formation, Hazard No. 7 coal seam was exposed in drift mouths, mine benches, and auger holes drilled during pre-reclamation-law underground and contour mining. Vapor from the LC fire reported in 2006, presumably started by spontaneous combustion, was visible and smelled at a nearby shopping center and environs, while burning threatened the stability of a public-water-supply tank. Ignited in 2006 by a forest fire, the RM fire is thought to currently be burning in abandoned-mining tunnels beneath Kentucky Route 80, a scenario for dangerous subsidence.
In Mulga, gob piles contain waste rock and coal from mining the Pennsylvanian Pottsville Formation underground. The gob has repeatedly ignited since the 1980s as a consequence of lightening strikes and people burning refuse on the piles. Cut-off trenches encircling the gob and burial beneath 0.5-1 m of compacted soil has extinguished some of the fires.
The Mulga Gob Fire can be smelled for several miles and has resulted in respiratory complaints, streams with a pH of 2-3, and an increase in the number of automobile accidents due to early-morning smoke combining with fog to reduce driving visibility.
Gas analyses revealed 47 compounds including the toxins toluene and xylene; greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide; and the potential ozone-forming gases ethene, ethane, propene, and propane, all emitted from gas vents (165-385oC) into the atmosphere. Surficial deposits include creosote, sulfur, and ammonia compounds, all potential soil and water pollutants.