Integrating data to unlock optimized coal ash management planning
March 19, 2026
Discover how integrated analytics and unified planning can reduce financial and non-financial risk for coal ash management
Coal has powered economies for decades. But it’s also one of the most carbon-intensive ways to generate electricity. Despite its environmental impact, coal has remained a cost-effective energy source, which is why Canada still operates 8 coal-fired power plants, and the US has just under 200.
But reducing emissions isn’t the only concern. Burning coal produces coal combustion residuals (CCR), commonly known as coal ash. CCR are the solid byproducts of coal combustion, such as fly ash, bottom ash, gypsum, and boiler slag, which range from fine gray powder to coarse, sand-like particles or glassy chunks. Because these materials can contain trace metals and other contaminants, power producers must manage them carefully.
Often, these byproducts are stored in large onsite storage facilities. These facilities usually hold tens of millions of tons of material each. As power producers across North America continue to invest in their sites, they face a major challenge. How can they manage these facilities, meet regulatory compliance targets, and maximize the potential future use of these materials?
This isn’t a simple task. It requires careful planning, informed decision-making, and collaboration across multiple disciplines, programs, regulatory objectives, and end uses.
And with all those disciplines involved, the data can be massive and disjointed. Without the right data strategy, it can feel overwhelming. How do you manage it?
Older coal plants are being retired—but managing ash remains a challenge. A unified approach to data management gives power producers a clear and actionable overview of their entire program.
Members of our team have worked with this type of data management for more than 20 years. We’ve worked with data for power producers, in economic spatial planning, and environmental studies. By bringing together, linking, and managing different sources of data we have been able to uncover hidden costs, reframing historic liabilities to assets with value, and providing a holistic view on complex systems. In this blog, let’s examine a way to organize that complex data and simplify coal ash management.
Why coal ash management is so complex
Each coal plant typically has several coal combustion residuals storage facilities and impoundment management units. Each of these units contains different types of coal ash with unique characteristics.
To manage these sites more effectively, power producers can take several engineering steps. They may include:
- Installation of liners and caps
- Removal of CCR material
- Management of water systems
- Installation of solar panels
- Beneficial reuse of CCR in cement production and other uses
Every option comes with high costs and resource demands. Projects must be planned unit by unit, with detailed schedules, budgets, and allocation of resources. Beyond that, power producers need to coordinate across all CCR sites they own; and they must manage compliance with ever-changing federal and state regulatory deadlines and requirements.
Different management scenarios can affect:
- Capital costs
- Operating expenses
- Timelines
- Carbon footprint
- Regulatory risk
There can be many variables. And the decision-making process can quickly become overwhelming.
Coal ash management is complicated, but with the right data strategy, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Regulations for managing coal combustion residuals
In North America, power producers must manage coal combustion residuals safely and proactively. When coal plant units are decommissioned, power producers must manage coal ash disposal facilities in ways that protect health and the environment—and do so cost-effectively.
Of course, regulations vary by country, state, and province. In some regions, power producers must submit detailed closure plans. These requirements make planning even more critical.
Bringing data together: A smarter approach
Large-scale CCR management planning involves practitioners in:
- Environmental science
- Civil engineering
- Water management
- Economics
Each discipline creates its own data, which is often stored in separate spreadsheets and systems. When these datasets often don’t align, planning becomes messy and inefficient.
Our team tackled this challenge for a US power producer that is managing more than 100 CCR units. We built a unified data model that captured inputs from multiple planning teams. After cleaning and standardizing the data, we developed a scenario comparison tool. This tool allowed teams to adjust parameters and compare management options side by side. We could compare cash flows, timelines, and production volumes.
Analytics helped optimize timelines, costs, regulatory risks, and greenhouse gas emissions for the client. The result? Informed decisions based on reliable data. And insights that supported the power producer’s long-term plan. For our client, this meant changing a fragmented manual process into a data-driven decision framework. It streamlined planning, improved cost accuracy, and gave clear summaries rolling up the details for an executive audience.
Parametric modeling and scenario optimization
One of the most powerful aspects of this approach is parametric modeling. This is a method that uses defined variables—such as cost, schedule, and carbon footprint—to build flexible models. And the models automatically update when the parameters change.
By changing inputs, teams can quickly see how a single choice—such as using a different closure method—shifts the schedule, budget, and environmental results for the whole program.
Managing coal ash sites demands careful planning and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Paired with scenario optimization, this method helps find the most efficient and sustainable path forward for power producers. They don’t have to rely on static plans. Instead, they can explore multiple “what-if” options.
Scenario optimization uses smart algorithms to compare options. It balances trade-offs like cost and regulatory risk. And it pinpoints the solution that best meets project goals and compliance needs.
Why this matters for power producers
A unified approach to data management gives power producers a clear, real-time view of their entire program. This means they can:
- Speak confidently with regulators and internal stakeholders
- Align coal ash management efforts with broader corporate goals
- Make informed, data-driven choices between alternatives
By connecting datasets across disciplines and project phases, we create a single source of truth. This holistic view helps power producers manage complexity and reduce risk.
The bigger picture
Coal ash management is complicated, but with the right data strategy, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our team helps power producers see the bigger picture, so they can make decisions that are smart, sustainable, and cost-effective. Our goal is to make sure every piece of data contributes to a long-term vision. And that’s whether it’s environmental data, financial metrics, stakeholder inputs, or competing timelines.
Parametric modeling, scenario optimization, and a unified data approach help us change complexity into clarity for power producers. Our clients gain confidence and transparency. And they get the ability to make informed decisions that fit with their strategic and regulatory goals.
Coal ash is a challenge that demands innovation. Power producers can turn that challenge into an opportunity for progress.
