Abandoned coal waste exhibits adverse physical and chemical properties which preclude vegetation establishment. Coal waste from a site in Montana was acidic (pH 2.8), black, 85% coarse fragments and had a low water holding capacity. Incorporation of cement kiln dust (CaO) and limestone (CaCO3) to 35 cm at rates recommended by a weathering procedure neutralized coal waste acidity in the surface 10 cm. Incorporating CaO to 100 cm neutralized coal waste to the 30‐cm depth. Seeded vegetation was healthy and vigorous where lime was applied, though percent canopy cover and aboveground production were low after 2 yr. Application of kiln dust five times the recommended rate significantly reduced plant performance. Application of coversoil significantly increased plant performance compared to sites without coversoil by providing a more suitable germination medium. Increasing coversoil application from 15 to 30 cm did not significantly increase plant performance. Depth of root penetration was a function of depth of lime incorporation and coversoil thickness. Root distribution was neither confined to nor concentrated in the coversoil. Root proliferation into limed coal waste was similar to that present in overlying coversoil.

The Tank Management Program is responsible for closure or replacement of nonradioactive underground sto_ge _,anks throughout the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). A Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) has been developed that complies with EPA regulations and with INEL Tank Removal Procedures for sampling activities associated with site assessment during 8 2.2 3 Potential Consequences of Inadequate Environmentai Data .

Fluidize_-I_d incinerators have a relatively low throughput capacity, and it is difficult to remove residuals from the bed. Operating costs of fluidized-bed incinerators are relatively high. Solid wastes will likely have to be pretreated (shredded or sized) prior to introduction. Residence times are nonuniform, and particulate entrainment rates are high. The vessel and related components are subject to erosion. Low melting point materials in the bed may cause the bed material to fuse. Development Needs: Advanced off-gas systems capable of removing higher percentages of the radioactive constituents, better stack monitoring and other real-time performance assuranc_ capabilities, control of heavy metal emissions, combustion by-product formation, submicron particulate emissions.

Fluidize_-I_d incinerators have a relatively low throughput capacity, and it is difficult to remove residuals from the bed. Operating costs of fluidized-bed incinerators are relatively high. Solid wastes will likely have to be pretreated (shredded or sized) prior to introduction. Residence times are nonuniform, and particulate entrainment rates are high. The vessel and related components are subject to erosion. Low melting point materials in the bed may cause the bed material to fuse. Development Needs: Advanced off-gas systems capable of removing higher percentages of the radioactive constituents, better stack monitoring and other real-time performance assuranc_ capabilities, control of heavy metal emissions, combustion by-product formation, submicron particulate emissions.