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Environmental Impacts of Coal Mining & Utilization. A Complete Revision of Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization PDF

353 Pages·1987·5.552 MB·English
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Related Pergamon Titles of Interest Books ASHLEY Energy and the Environment-A Risk Benefit Approach HINDE Coal Science KAPOLYI Coal as an Energy Source LOWE Total Environment Control ICHEME Coal Liquid Mixtures 2 ROYSTON Pollution Prevention Pays SIMEONS Coal (Its role in Tomorrow's Technology) UNECE Environmental Impact Assessment Environment and Energy Oils and Gases from Coal WILLIAMS Carbon Dioxide, Climate and Society Journals Atmospheric Environment Environment International Progress in Energy & Combustion Sciences Full details of all Pergamon publications/free specimen of any Pergamon journal available on request from your nearest Pergamon office. Environmental Impacts of COAL MINING AND UTILIZATION (A complete revision of Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization) A study by The Beijer Institute The United Nations Environment Programme The USSR Academy of Sciences The National Energy Administration, Sweden Editorial Writers: M. J. CHADWICK Ν. Η. HIGHTON and Ν. LINDMAN Published for the Beijer Institute, UNEP. the USSR Academy of Sciences and the National Energy Administration, Sweden PERGAMON PRESS OXFORD ' NEW YORK · BEIJING · FRANKFURT SAO PAULO ' SYDNEY • TOKYO • TORONTO U.K. Pergamon Press, Headington Hill Hall, Oxford 0X3 OBW, England U.S.A. Pergamon Press, Maxwell House, Fairview Park, Elmsford, New York 10523, U.S.A. PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC Pergamon Press, Qianmen Hotel, Beijing, OF CHINA People's Republic of China FEDERAL REPUBLIC Pergamon Press, Hammerweg 6, OF GERMANY D-6242 Kronberg, Federal Republic of Germany BRAZIL Pergamon Editora, Rua Eça de Queiros, 346, CEP 04011, SSo Paulo, Brazil AUSTRALIA Pergamon Press Australia, P.O. Box 544, Potts Point, NSW. 2011, Australia JAPAN Pergamon Press, 8th Floor, Matsuoka Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160, Japan CANADA Pergamon Press Canada, Suite 104, 150 Consumers Road, Willowdale, Ontario M2J 1 P9, Canada Copyright © 1987 The Beijer Institute All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the copyright holders. First edition 1987 Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Environmental impacts of coal mining and utilization. "A complete revision of: Environmental implications of expanded coal utilization." "Published for the Beijer Institute, UNEP, and the USSR Academy of Sciences." Includes bibliographies. 1. Coal—Environmental aspects. I. Chadwick, M. J. (Michael J.) II. Lindman, Nils. III. Highton, Ν. H. IV. Beijer Institute. V. United Nations Environment Programme. VI. Akademiia Nauk SSSR. VII. Environmental implications of expanded coal utilization. TD195.C58E5927 1986 333.8221 86-9464 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Environmental impacts of coal mining and utilization: a study by the Beijer Institute, the United Nations Environmental Programme, the USSR Academy of Sciences. —Rev. 1. Coal—Environmental aspects I. Chadwick, M. J. II. Lindman, Nils III. Highton, Ν. H. IV. Beijerinstitutet V. United Nations. Environmental Programme VI. Akademiia nauk SSSR VII. Environmental implications of expanded coal utilization 662.62 TD195.C58 ISBN 0-08-031427-9 Printed in Great Britain by A. Wheaton & Co. Ltd. Exeter Foreword In 1979, when the Beijer Institute, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the USSR Academy of Sciences embarked upon a joint study of the environmental implications of increasing coal use, the world economy was preoccupied with the pervasive impacts of the rising price of oil. At that time, many countries worldwide were re-examining their energy supply options and a number of them came to believe that coal would become the natural substitute for increasingly expensive oil. Much attention was being focused on modern technologies for the preparation of gaseous and especially of liquid fuels from coal in an attempt to emulate the versatility of oil and overcome the last fundamental barrier to its substitution. All these concerns were reflected in the book that emerged from this joint study—Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization, published by Pergamon Press in 1982. During that period, predictions and forecasts about the future price of oil and, hence, its destiny in the global energy economy were everywhere abundant. But the idea of drastically falling prices as oil suppliers competed for a share in a contracting world market seemed hardly credible when it was mooted at the time. The prevailing mood was much more one of concern as to how the world coal industry could be mobilized to meet the production levels that would most likely be required of it. Now, 7 years on, with oil selling for less than half its 1980 price, forecasters have a much greater respect for uncertainty and realize that arriving at any energy future involving oil will almost certainly produce a very bumpy ride. Questions about the long-term global availability of oil, political volatility and war in the Middle East, the falling demand for oil as energy conservation measures and economic recession began to reduce world consumption, have all contributed to this overall uncertainty. But the important consequence for coal is that, in the short term, they have led to a steady price decline in oil and seriously reduced the urgency and motivation of pushing ahead with wholesale substitution by coal. This does not mean that coal has no important role to play in the future. It is simply that its true role is currently turning out to be different from what was anticipated for it. Only the most robust developments in coal expansion have survived. These have included the rapid deployment of hitherto largely neglected coal resources in several developing countries, especially in South America and Africa. Additionally, several industrialized countries have pushed ahead rapidly with extensive tech- nological advances in coal combustion methods. By contrast, coal gasification and, in particular, liquefaction operations have been scaled down or ν vi Foreword abandoned. In fact, only a very few really promising advanced projects have survived in the new economic climate of cheaper oil. All these considerations have led us to request the authors of Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization to undertake the task of revising the original text in a most fundamental and extensive manner. The whole energy demand and supply scene needed a completely fresh appraisal. New aspects of the resource requirements for coal mine development had to be dealt with. The very interesting new technological advances in coal combustion also required detailed treatment. In addition, the enormous level of activity in the field of acid depositions and their effects on the environment demanded a new assessment of its significance for our understanding of environmental acidification regionally. We have been joined in these endeavours by the National Energy Administration of Sweden which for some years has been deeply involved in studying the potential role of coal in Sweden. The result of this fundamental revision is not a new edition of the old text but rather a completely new volume. The actual work of reappraisal and revision had its origins in an International Workshop held by us in Moscow in January 1984, hosted by our Soviet colleagues. Many scientists participated in the new joint study by contributing to the review procedure at the Workshop and/or by detailed technical correspondence. We should like to thank all those who have given their time and effort to this work. Our especial thanks go to Professor M. J. Chadwick, Dr. Ν. H. Highton and Dr. N. Lindman, who not only edited all the newly collected material but also provided a substantial proportion of it themselves. Finally, one thing is clear from the new joint study. Although it seems that the precise role to be played by coal in the global energy economy will always depend on the prevailing fluctuations in the price of oil, there is no doubt that over the ensuing years, with new ways of exploiting it, coal will without any doubt steadily increase in importance as a major world fuel. For the Beijer Institute For the UN Environment Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences: Programme: GORDON T. GOODMAN M. TOLBA Executive Director, Beijer Institute Executive Director For the USSR Academy For the National Energy of Sciences: Administration of Sweden: SVENELD EVTEEV H. RODE Deputy Chairman Director Earth Sciences Section March 1986 Preface The environmental dimension to energy use is now firmly accepted in energy planning and development. When changes in the spectrum of energy use are proposed, comparison of the environmental impacts is often a significant element in the considerations involved. Public opinion is now more clearly focused and influential in determining the outcome of changes in the balance of fuel use in the economy of many countries, particularly in relation to the environmental implications of such changes. From 1979 to 1981, the second round of oil price increases led to suggestions that coal would be selected as a major energy alternative. It was widely predicted that, as well as an increase in coal combustion using existing technologies and rapidly developing ones, coal would also feature as a source of liquid and gaseous fuels. Environmental concern focused on the likely impacts both of increased coal mining and transportation and on the outcome of gasification and liquefaction technologies. One of the results of these concerns was the organization of an International Workshop on the Environmental implications and Strategies for Expanded Coal Utilization held in Moscow in 1980. The discussions at the Workshop, the material sub- sequently submitted and a number of new publications formed the basis of a volume (Chadwick and Lindman, 1982) addressing the major environmental concerns of increased coal utilization. However, subsequent downward trends in oil prices gave rise to less optimism on the future of the international coal market: export prices were depressed, demand did not develop as previously foreseen and excessive production resulted in increased stocks around the world. But surprisingly these factors did not result in quite the downturn in coal utilization that might have been expected: oil-pricing uncertainties and possible future supply difficulties due to the Iraqi-Iranian war, and political volatility combined to ensure a steady substitution of coal for oil and large- scale mining developments (in Colombia, for example) coming on stream to meet this growing demand. For the reasons outlined above it was decided to update the information on the environmental implications of increased coal production and utilization contained in the previous work (Chadwick and Lindman, 1982). The focus of this new study was rather different from the original activity, however; more emphasis was given to developments in coal combustion technology and there was a consequent reduction in the treatment given to coal gasification and liquefaction. In addition, it was evident that more consideration was being given, worldwide, to the resource requirements and demands made by the development of new coal mines. Further, the increase in the number of vii viii Preface investigations of the effects of emissions resulting from coal combustion had to be reflected in the account of acid deposition effects on man-made and natural ecosystems. The result is a new volume rather than a second edition of the original one. Chapter 1 attempts a fresh assessment of the role of coal in the international energy scene. This involves a consideration of coal reserves, the relationship between energy use and economic growth, factors controlling energy demand and supply, and how current coal trade patterns might develop. Chapters 2 and 3 address the impacts associated with coal mining developments: land disturbance and reinstatement as well as the resource demands involved. In particular, water needs are considered, as there is some reason to believe that this may limit production in some regions of the world. Chapter 4 deals with the environmental impacts of coal transportation. Chapter 5 considers the developments taking place in coal combustion technology, particularly fluidized bed combustion, coal liquid mixture combustion and the implementation of combined cycles. The effect of these developments on effluent production and emission control is considered. Attention is paid to coal conversion processes in Chapter 6. Chapter 7 outlines the concepts involved in assessing environmental and health impacts of coal utilization and conversion and this forms an introduction to the treatment of the environmental significance of exposure to trace elements emitted from coal utilization processes (Chapter 8) and carbon compounds (Chapter 9). Chapter 10 looks at the overall occupational and environmental health problems from coal utilization and conversion in an integrated way. The pollutants traditionally associated with coal combustion are sulphur dioxide and smoke. However, since particulate abatement has been so successfully implemented, interest has focused, in a major way, on sulphur dioxide and other acidic substance emissions. The result has been rapid progress in the study of acid deposition effects. Chapter 11 reviews this in relation to natural and man-managed terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. In spite of recent fuel market trends it seems safe to assume that moderate economic growth will occur and that the price of oil will eventually continue on its upward path. Coal demand may not attain some of the previous more optimistic predictions, but will increase, at least in a modest way, for the 20 years beyond 1990. This increased utilization need not take place to the detriment of the environment or at the expense of public and occupational health. This volume sets the scene for the examination of the major factors that need continued attention to make sure that this is so. February 1986 M. J. CHADWICK Ν. H. HIGHTON NILS LINDMAN CHADWICK, M. J. and LINDMAN, N. (1982). Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization. Pergamon, Oxford. Acknowledgments Four organizations have sponsored this study. The Beijer Institute, Stockholm, commissioned written reviews on the main areas where recent advances have occurred in relation to coal utilization and environmental impacts. The USSR Academy of Sciences co-ordinated contributions from the Soviet Union. They also arranged (through the State Committee for Science and Technology and the USSR Commission for UNEP) for a Workshop to be held in Moscow in January 1984. The United Nations Environment Programme, together with the Beijer Institute and the USSR Commission for UNEP, gave financial support to enable this Workshop to take place and the Energy Research Commission, Stockholm gave financial assistance with attendance at the Workshop. The National Energy Administration of Sweden generously provided funds to help with editorial work and the writing of new sections of the study after the Workshop. This support has enabled the material for this book to be assembled in three ways: from the commissioned review papers; discussion, comments and written material at the Workshop; reference material and new written material prepared after the Workshop in the light of published material and advances up to December 1985. The review papers and other written material were prepared by J. Ν. B. Bell, I. S. Blagov, M. J. Chadwick, Α. Grübler, L. D. Hamilton, Ν. H. Highton, H. Jüntgen, J. Klein, V. A. Knizhnikov, A. A. Krichko, N. Lindman, V. M. Maslennikov, A. Y. Reteyum, V. A. Ruban, M. Y. Shpirt, M. A. Styrikovich, P. J. Svennignsson and R. A. Wadden. A discussion document based on this material was commented upon, in detail, by twenty-two participants at the Workshop from the USSR, the USA, Austria, the People's Republic of China, Colombia, the Federal Republic of Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. A paper published by IIASA and Resources and Energy (Elsevier Science Publishers), prepared by J. Alcamo, was also discussed. Many of the participants, and others, submitted written material at the Workshop and subsequently by post. All these sources have formed the material for this book, together with sections from the previous volume, Environmental Implications of Expanded Coal Utilization by M. J. Chadwick and Nils Lindman (Pergamon Press, 1982). The contribution of authors of review papers for this earlier volume is acknowledged here. This new work is, however, so substantially rewritten, and its emphasis changed, that it must be regarded as a new work rather than a second edition. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Beijer Institute and its Director (Professor G. T. Goodman) and Deputy Director (Dr. Lars EICMU-A* ix χ Acknowledgments Kristoferson). We are also grateful for the help rendered by the USSR Academy of Sciences (particularly Academician Α. V. Fokin, V. Volgin and Mrs. N. Galubova), the USSR Commission for UNEP, UNEP, Nairobi (Dr. Y. el Mahgary) and the National Energy Administration of Sweden (H. Rode). The cover illustration is reproduced by kind permission of the NCB Yorkshire Regional Photographic Department (NCB copyright reserved). A substantial part of Chapter 3 appeared as an article by J. Alcamo, Fire and Water: Water Needs of Future Coal Development in the Soviet Union and the United States, published by IIASA and Elsevier Science Publishers. We are most grateful for permission to reproduce it. We also make grateful acknowledgment for the editorial assistance received from Isobel Devan, Julian Dison, Solveig Nilsson and Susan Sparrow. February 1986 M. J. CHADWICK Ν. Η. HIGHTON NILS LINDMAN Abbreviations and Acronyms (see also Units, Conversions and Equivalents) AF Ash free Ap Ash content (proportion) ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials BOD Biochemical oxygen demand BP Boiling point CAPTEX Cross Appalachian Tracer Experiment CARBOCOL Colombia State Mining Corporation CC Combined cycle CFB Circulating fluidized bed CHO Chinese hamster ovary fibroblasts CIF Cost insurance and freight CLM Coal, liquid mixture CMEA1 Council for Mutual Economic Aid CMM Coal, methanol mixture CMW Coal, methanol, water mixture CoGas Coal gas process COM Coal, oil mixture COW Coal, oil, water mixture CPE Centrally planned economies CSSR Czechoslovakian Soviet Socialist Republic C(t) Concentration at time / CT Concentration χ time CWM Coal, water mixture daf Dry, ash free $ Dollar (US) DOE Department of Energy (US) dwt Dead weight tonnage Ε Exposure EC Effective concentration at which 50 % die EDS EXXON donor solvent process EEC2 European Economic Community (Commission of the European Communities) EF Enrichment factor EMEP Co-operative Programme for Monitoring and Evaluation of the Long-range Transmission of Air Pollution in Europe xiv

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