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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #405611
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Review of final published US-EPA risk evaluation of FGD-gypsum uses in agriculture (2023)

Author
item Torbert Iii, Henry
item Watts, Dexter
item RUFUS, C - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/2/2023
Publication Date: 10/29/2023
Citation: Torbert III, H.A., Watts, D.B., Rufus, C. 2023. Review of final published US-EPA risk evaluation of FGD-gypsum uses in agriculture (2023) [abstract]. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct 29 - Nov 1 2023.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In 2008, a catastrophic spill of coal fly-ash prompted EPA to conduct an assessment of the regulations associated with handling of all coal combustion Residues (CCR) and for the management of these materials at facilities nationwide. In 2016, the EPA concluded that CCRs were not a Hazardous Solid Wastes and established new RCRA - 40 CFR rules for handling of CCR. While the concern was initiated with the spill associated with coal fly-ash, the development of new rules that followed included Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum (FGDG). Changes in the new rules primarily focused on managing of CCR in landfills and holding ponds, but also covered the utilization of FGDG for “beneficial use”, including use in agriculture. In the rule, the encapsulated uses of FGDG are very clear because these uses are well established and risk assessments had been conducted. More problematic to EPA were the unencapsulated beneficial uses, of which FGDG use in agriculture is included. In the rule, the EPA allows for the CCR products to be exempt from the landfill rules and otherwise be utilized as a byproduct if it meets the 4 criteria defining “beneficial use”. One of the criteria requires a comprehensive risk evaluation for agricultural use of FGDG and directed EPA to conduct a risk evaluation which would consider all possible pathways for movement of chemical constituents in FGDG to any possible receptor where harm might occur. The final risk evaluation was published as a joint U.S. Department of Agriculture and USEPA document in March 2023. Details regarding the newly published risk evaluation will be discussed.