Publishable final activity report - RECOAL Reintegration of Coal Ash Disposal Sites and Mitigation of Pollution in the West Balkan Area

The deposition of coal combustion residues consumed large areas in the West Balkans. The release of effluent water from coal ash deposits contaminates ground and surface waters. Toxic trace elements entering the food chain and dust dispersion by wind erosion may negatively affect the health of local people and wild life. The aim of the RECOAL project was to assess the actual risk associated with the abundant coal ash disposal sites in the West Balkan area and to develop and test innovative low-cost methods for remediation of coal ash deposit surfaces and treatment of effluent waters. The initial project phase was devoted to risk assessment and socio-economic problem analysis. Low cost technologies were developed in bench scale experiments. Thereafter potentially feasible technical solutions were tested in the field. This included the application of amendments and cover soils to reduce transfer of toxic elements and installation of a passive aeration cascade and filter systems to reduce the pollutant load and pH of alkaline ash disposal leachate. Moreover, pollutant low-uptake crops and cultivars were identified for minimising the risk of food chain contamination. Special emphasis was put on socio-economic aspects related to the problem and its remediation. Local people were involved throughout the whole project duration. The information gathered was used to compile decision tools for a handbook which shall be accessible to local authorities, stakeholders and problem holders.