Application Overview
Coal is still a significant source of electricity in the United States, providing more than 20% of the country’s power—second only to natural gas. Burning coal to heat water that powers steam turbines produces coal combustion residuals (CCR), a byproduct typically disposed of or beneficially used. In 2014, at least 46 million tons of coal ash were beneficially used, accounting for about 40% of all CCR produced. The rest is sent to landfills or specialized ponds for disposal.
Today, due to a regulatory amendment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2015, there are more opportunities to reuse CCR. Geomembranes can help create safe storage areas for CCR.
AGRU offers industry-leading geosynthetics specially designed for the closure and containment of CCR. AGRU is one of the largest geosynthetic producers, with solutions to tackle sectors such as CCR, mining, solid waste disposal, and industrial manufacturing. AGRU’s solutions are designed to meet even the most stringent project parameters.
The EPA’s ruling on the disposal of coal combustion residuals has defined the standard for successful containment and closure of CCR facilities. Since then, AGRU has been committed to becoming the supplier of choice CCR closure solutions. AGRU provides some of the most innovative and versatile options in the industry. AGRU’s line of solutions include traditional geosynthetics, polymer-enhanced GCL’s, Integrated Drainage System (IDS) geomembranes, white geomembranes, and the ClosureTurf® Impoundment and Landfill Closure System.
Please navigate to a product page for additional specifications. Need help determining what solution is right for your project? An AGRU representative is prepared to assist.
CCR Closure Solutions
ClosureTurf®
ClosureTurf®, a Watershed Geo patented product, is a three-component system comprising a structured geomembrane, an engineered turf, and a specialized sand infill. The structured geomembrane comprises either AGRU’s SUPER GRIPNET® or MICROSPIKE® geomembrane. This final cover system is EPA Subtitle-D compliant and installs more than 50% faster than traditional closure systems. It also eliminates the need for large quantities of soil and related equipment usage, dramatically improving site safety and decreasing its carbon footprint by almost 80%. Reduced soil and equipment usage also leads to lower construction costs.
Integrated Drainage System (IDS)
Integrated Drainage System features an AGRU structured geomembrane, Super Gripnet or MicroDrain® liner, overlain with an AGRUTex® geotextile. Simply place soil on top of the geotextile to complete the system. The greatest performing and most versatile of the traditional methods, the IDS system can feature an aggressive texturing on the underside of the Super Gripnet geomembrane providing unmatched shear strength and stability even on steepened slope applications.
AGRU Geocomposites
AGRU Geocomposite Closure System is the traditional method for closures, which utilizes AGRU MicroSpike® or AGRU Smooth Liner® geomembrane, overlain by a geocomposite drainage layer, soil cover layer, and vegetative layer. This traditional closure system utilizes a cost-saving geocomposite drainage layer. It also offers the highest and most consistent asperity height available on the market, providing consistent and dependable shear strengths.
CCR Containment Options
Structured Geomembranes
Integrated Drainage System can feature structured geomembranes such as AGRU’s Super Gripnet or MicroDrain Liner overlain with an AGRUTex geotextile. Simply place soil on top of the geotextile to complete the system. The greatest performing, and most versatile of the traditional methods, the IDS system can feature an aggressive texturing on the underside of the Super Gripnet geomembrane providing unmatched shear strength and stability even on steepened slope applications.
AGRUTex Geotextiles
AGRUTex is a 100% polypropylene (PP) nonwoven geotextile that lowers initial project costs by reducing the amount of base material needed. This needle-punched staple fiber geotextile membrane is ideal for environmental and civil engineering applications including cushioning, separation, stabilization, and filtration. AGRUTex geotextile is resistant to ultraviolet degradation and to biological and chemical compounds normally found in soils. AGRUTex extends the life of a project by protecting other critical materials from puncture, migration, or degradation.
AGRU GeoClay®
A reinforced needle-punched geosynthetic clay liner that comprises a uniform layer of granular bentonite that is encapsulated between a woven and a nonwoven geotextile, or between two nonwoven geotextiles. These products are intended for moderate to steep slopes and moderate- to high-load applications, where increased internal shear strength is required.
Need Help Determining Which Product is Right For Your Application?
Interested in learning more about how one of our products can make a difference in your next project? Please reach out to us with your questions and one of our sales or technical staff will be happy to assist you.
We can help you determine your exact product or application-related needs. And because our products meet, and often exceed, industry standards you can rest assured knowing that you are getting the best solutions in the business.
