What is Coal Ash?

Here is the EPA's Definition. 

Coal combustion residuals, commonly known as coal ash, are created when coal is burned by power plants to produce electricity. Coal ash is one of the largest types of industrial waste generated in the United States. In 2012, 470 coal-fired electric utilities generated about 110 million tons of coal ash.

On Wikipedia you can find the term Coal Ash but will be redirected to Fly Ash and here is the definition on wikipedia. 

Fly ash, also known as "pulverised fuel ash" in the United Kingdom, is a coal combustion product composed of fine particles that are driven out of the boiler with the flue gases. Ash that falls in the bottom of the boiler is called bottom ash. In modern coal-fired power plants, fly ash is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or other particle filtration equipment before the flue gases reach the chimneys. Together with bottom ash removed from the bottom of the boiler, it is known as coal ash. Depending upon the source and makeup of the coal being burned, the components of fly ash vary considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2) (both amorphous and crystalline), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO), the main mineral compounds in coal-bearing rock strata.

Follow the Subject Matter Expert Omar Alfonso on the topic

There is a lot more we can learn about coal ashes from my friend and journalist, Omar Alfonso, who has dedicated years to the subject. Follow him on twitter so you can stay updated.

I also recommend checking out our Guide and asking more questions on what is going on in Peñuelas and showing your solidarity.

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