Methodological approach in rehabilitating coal ash disposal sites from thermoelectric power plants and mitigation of environmental risks
The amount of the ash and cinder that is generated from thermoelectric energy production in Bosnia and Herzegovina exceeded 2.784 Mg for 2015 according to annual report of “Elektroprivreda BiH”. Electricity production is the greatest environmental ballast for the city of Tuzla. Excavation of coal and deposition of coal combustion products influence drastic and many times terminate degradation of natural landscapes and soil habitat. There are five coal ash disposal sites in the city covering an area of approximately 170 hectares. It is known that this artificial substrate is the main cause of soil contamination; water/groundwater contamination due to leaching toxins (effluents and process waters); dust dispersion; and toxins entering the food chain. The objective of our research study was to explore the adequate practices of stand remediation through compiling the data on properties of ash from five disposal sites in Tuzla area. Long term study determined that the major characteristics of coal ash and effluents at the disposals sites are high alkaline reaction (pH >10) and presence of metals with high potential for toxicity (Ni, Cr, As and B), which concentrations exceeded permitted limits. Based on study results, how model of site rehabilitation would work and how it can be incorporated by applying green infrastructure approach in spatial planning is discussed.