EPA approves use of flyash in concrete

Last month, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report detailing its findings in regard to whether or not it should support the beneficial use of coal flyash in concrete and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in wallboard. The report’s conclusions are summarised below and the full report can be found here.

• Environmental releases of constituents of potential concern (COPCs) from coal combustion residue  (CCR) flyash concrete and FGD gypsum wallboard are found to be comparable to or lower than those from analogous non-CCR products, or are at or below relevant regulatory and health-based benchmarks for human and ecological receptors.
• When used in an environmentally sound manner, CCRs can contribute significant environmental and economic benefits, including reducing waste to landfill, reduced greenhouse gases, reduced utilisation of virgin resources and job creation, reduced costs and increased revenues.

The report states: ‘Based on the conclusion of the analysis in this document stated above, and the available environmental and economic benefits, EPA supports the beneficial use of coal fly ash in concrete and FGD gypsum in wallboard. The Agency believes that these beneficial uses provide significant opportunities to advance Sustainable Materials Management (SMM)’.

Adapted from EPA Report by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/07032014/epa_approves_use_of_flyash_in_concrete_868/