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A Review of the Environmental Impact of Ground Disposal of Oil Shale Wastes¹

ABSTRACT

The development of oil shale reserves in the western U.S. could contribute greatly to energy independence and several oil extraction processes are feasible. However, the industry remains in initial stages of development, due, in part, to environmental issues. This review considers waste disposal methods for the major types of extraction processes, the potential environmental impacts of waste disposal to the ground, mitigation of environmental effects, and further research needs.

Principal waste products of oil shale extraction constitute up to 125% of the original volume, and disposal may, therefore, affect vast land areas. Principal wastes scheduled for ground disposal include the waters produced during retorting and subsequently separated from the shale oil and the spent shales remaining after extraction. Retort waters contain relatively high concentrations of complex, soluble organic components and the spent shales contain potentially leachable salts and organic pyrolytic products. In addition, spent shales have erosion potential when disposed on the surface and considerable effort is being directed to shale management, emphasizing erosion control and shale as a growth medium, and revegetation methods for establishing salt- and drought-tolerant plant species.

Key Words: energy • mining • retorting • prerefining • waste disposal • water quality • revegetation

¹ Research was conducted for the U.S. Dep. of Energy under Contract EY-76-C-06-1830.

² Senior Research Scientist, Manager, and Staff Scientist, respectively, Environ. Chem. Sec., Ecosystems Dep., Battelle, Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA 99352.

Received for publication September 28, 1977.