Iowa

Iowa regulations adopt by reference the federal regulation that exempts CCBs (including fly ash, bottom ash, slag, and flue gas emission control waste generated primarily from the combustion of coal) from classification as hazardous waste. Under Iowa regulations, coal combustion residue includes bottom ash, fly ash, slag, and flue gas desulfurization sludge produced through the combustion of coal, by itself or in combination with natural gas and other fuels. These materials may be reused under permit by rule regulation 1) as a raw material in cement or concrete, filler in asphalt or plastic, and any other similar use where dusting and leaching are prevented; 2) as a fill base for roads, parking lots, and any similar use, not to exceed an average of one ton for each 25 sq. ft. of area covered, or an average thickness of 12 inches; 3) as a raw material to be used in mineral recovery; 4) as a source of gypsum in wall board, plaster, or similar uses; 5) in any single use of 500 dry tons or less. CCBs must be stored and used in a manner that will not significantly degrade ground or surface water, create a public health hazard, or create a nuisance. Coal combustion residue may not be placed or stored on any wetland or in any water of the state.

Contact Information:
Lavoy Haage
Administrator
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Wallace Building, Des Moines, IA 50319-0034
Phone:  (515) 281-4968
Website: www.iowadnr.gov

Detailed Review of CCB Regulations:
Iowa regulations adopt by reference the federal regulation which exempts CCPs from classification as hazardous waste. Exempt from hazardous waste regulation are fly ash, bottom ash, slag and flue gas emission control waste generated primarily from the combustion of coal. IOWA ADMIN. CODE 567-141.2 (455B); 40 CFR 261.4.

Under Iowa regulations, coal combustion residue includes bottom ash, fly ash, slag and flue gas desulfurization sludge produced through the combustion of coal, by itself or in combination with natural gas and other fuels. Coal combustion residues may be reused under permit by rule regulation as follows:

As a raw material in cement or concrete, filler in asphalt or plastic, and any other similar use where the coal combustion residue is bound up in cementitious material so that leaching and dusting do not occur. Use as a raw material does not include pretreating coal combustion residue for the purpose of disposal;

As a fill base for roads, parking lots, and any other similar use, not to exceed an average of one ton for each twenty-five (25) square feet of area covered or an average thickness of twelve (12) inches;

• As a raw material to be used in mineral recovery;
• As a source of gypsum in wallboard, plaster or similar uses; and
• Any single use of 500 dry tons or less.

General conditions for reuse of CCPs include:

• Coal combustion residue must be stored and used in a manner that will not significantly degrade ground or surface water, create a public health hazard or create a nuisance.
• Coal combustion residue may not be placed or stored on any wetland or in any water of the state.

IOWA ADMIN. CODE R. 567-108.1-.2 and .3 (455B).