EPA 908/4-77-007
OIL SHALE RESEARCH OVERVIEW
MAY 1977
REVIEW REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ROCKY MOUNTAIN PRAIRIE REGION
DENVER, COLORADO
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OIL SHALE RESEARCH OVERVIEW
by
Charles 0. Hook-
Cameron Engineers, Inc.
Denver, Colorado 80210
68-01-4337
Project Officer
William N. McCarthy, Jr.
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry
Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
Prepared For
EPA Oil Shale Workgroup
Terry L. Thoem, Project Coordinator
EPA Region VIII
Denver, Colorado 80203
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PREFACE
This report has been reviewed by EPA, Region VIII, and
approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the
contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the
Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade
names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for us.
This report is envisioned as a working document. Comments
from the reader are welcomed and invited for use in revisions
and updates. Please send comments to:
Cameron Engineers, Inc.
Department of Management Services
1315 S. Clarkson Street
Denver, Colorado 80210
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CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1-1
II. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH II-1
III. WATER RESEARCH III-l
IV. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH IV-1
V. LAND AND REVEGETATION RESEARCH V-l
VI. HEALTH EFFECTS RESEARCH VI-1
VII. MISCELLANEOUS OIL SHALE RESEARCH VII-1
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I. INTRODUCTION
The EPA intra-agency Oil Shale Workgroup was organized in 1974
in order to ensure coordination of all EPA oil shale environmental
research programs. An outgrowth of this objective has been the
communication and interaction with a multitude of local, state, and
federal agencies; the oil shale industry; universities; and the
public. In order to inform those persons interested in and
knowledgeable of oil shale development and related environmental
research, an attempt has been made to compile a listing of oil
shale research programs.
This precis is intended to provide an overview of the oil
shale research, both current and recently completed. It does not
pretend to address all federally sponsored research, but it does
provide an indication of areas of emphasis. Likewise, some of
the funding levels shown are estimates or approximations and are,
therefore, indicators of relative cost of research and development.
The total funding level cited in this paper is $36,777,191.
A breakdown of funding levels and number of projects in the
areas of 1) general environmental research, 2) water research,
3) atmospheric research, 4) land and revegetation research,
5) health effects research, and 6) miscellaneous oil shale
research is shown in Table 1. Sections II through VII provide the
interested reader with information on-the funding level, purpose,
and principal contact for projects identified in the six general
categroies listed previously.
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TABLE 1
NUMBER OF FUNDING LEVEL
AREA OF RESEARCH PROJECTS CITED
General 18 $ 5,448,704
Water 34 3,678,157
Atmospheric 21 2,733,052
Land and Revegetation 7 1,535,170
Health 26 3,803,000
Miscellaneous 42 19,579,108
TOTAL 148 $36,777,191
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II. GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
This section lists ongoing and completed research that focuses on
more than one element of the environment. The level of funding of pro-
jects cited in this section amounts to $5,448,704.
EPA, NSF, ERDA, FEA - Characterization of Contaminants in Oil Shale
Residuals and the Potential for their Management to Meet Environ-
mental Quality Standards
Determine the amount and kind of organic components in
carbonaceous spent shale and the effects of these com-
ponents on regional environmental quality. The research
includes an investigation of the potential effects on
regional environmental quality of solubilization and
leaching by ground and runoff water, volatilization of
potential air pollutants, contaminants present in air-
borne carbonaceous particulate matter from oil shale
processing operations and compounds formed by auto-oxida-
tion of organic compounds volatilized from the waste and
its subsequent transfer into air. A final report is due
in spring, 1977.
Denver Research Institute
Josef J. Schmidt-Collerus
2199 S. University Blvd
Denver, Colorado 80210
(303) 753-1964
****
EPA/USDA - Assessment of Impacts of Mining and Airborne Pollutants on
Forest, Range, and Related Freshwater Ecosystems
$583,000 Coordinated studies by Forest Service research scientists
are underway at several locations in the Northern Great
Plains and Southwest USA, conducted by: Director, Rocky
Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 240 West
Prospect Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521; Director,
Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 507
25th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401; Director, Forest Environ-
ment Research Staff, 12th and Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, D. C. 20250. The work will (1) assess quality
of water in water bodies in strip-mined areas as it re-
lates to habitat for aquatic organisms and wildlife
species associated with these water bodies; (2) assess
technologies for redepositing and stabilizing mine spoils
to include identification of technologies that will keep
water quality within acceptable limits for aquatic or-
ganisms and associated wildlife species; (3) assess effects
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of mining-related transportation systems on water, air,
soil, plant, animal, and esthetic resources; and (4) deve-
lop an operational technical information system for rec'a:
mation of lands affected by mining. Completion date: iy/g.
R. Z. Calaham - USDA
Forest Environmental Research
Forest Service
12th and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D. C. 20250
****
EPA - Yellow Jacket Project
$25,000 This project is an aquatic terrestrial ecosystem study
on the White River. Since 1961, the Bureau of Reclamation -
Upper Colorado Region has been studying the feasibility of
different water supply plans for a 4,000 square mile area
in northwestern Colorado known as the Yellow Jacket Conser-
vation District. This conservation district encompasses
the-White River drainage basin within Colorado and the ad-
jacent Milk Creek drainage. Portions of the Piceance Creek
basin area's oil shale formation and the Danforth Hills
bituminous coal deposits lie within its boundaries. The
Yellow Jacket project is a potential source of water for
oil shale development, being designated to provide water
for municipal, industrial, domestic, and agricultural
uses. A progress report was issued in April 1976 and
amended in November 1976. If this plan is eventually
adopted, its projected cost, including interest during a
five-year construction period, would be $96,820,000 (basis:
January 1976 dollars).
Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VII, (303) 837-5914
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Western Colorado Project Office
P. 0. Box 1728
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
****
EPA - Identification of Components of Energy-Related Wastes and Effluents
$144,000 The long term objective of the proposed research is to
identify substances in wastes and effluents from energy-
related processes. Information developed from this program
will assist researchers who are concerned with control tech-
nology and monitoring techniques and the health and
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ecological effects of such energy-related pollution. The
proposed work is divided into three phases. Phase A con-
sists of a state-of-the-art summary and work planning which
constitutes contacting EPA personnel to determine which
energy-related solid waste and aqueous effluents have been
analyzed for the purpose of identifying and measuring pollu-
tants and which current contracts and projects will provide
further identification. It will also consist of judging
the reliability of existing information and the probability
of accumulation of adequate data from current contracts and
projects using pre-selected criteria. This information will
be collated and summarized in a report for EPA. The report
will identify gaps in existing and probable future data on
chemical elements and volatile organic compound in solid
wastes and aqueous effluents from coal mines, oil refineries,
oil-shale processors, coal-fired power plants, coal lique-
faction and coal gasification plants. Phase B consists of
selecting sampling sites based on the recommendations from
the report prepared in Phase A. The specific aims of Phase
C consist of: (a) development and setup of analytical
protocol, (b) qualitative and quantitative analyses for
elements and organics in aqueous and solid wastes from the
selected energy-related processes, and (c) the interpreta-
tion and collation of data obtained. Completion date:
February, 1977.
Ann L. A!ford
EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory
College Station Road
Athens, Georgia 30601
(404) 546-3186
Research Triangle Institute
Dr. E. D. Pellizzari
P. 0. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
****
EPA - Environmental Impact of Oil Shale Development
$460,000 The major objectives of this project include the acquisition
(FY75) of the necessary background data on the principal industrial
$412,000 shale recovery processes and U. S. shale resources, a com-
(FY76) parative assessment of their environmental acceptability and
$193,000 an evaluation of technologies available for the control of
(FY77) air, water, and solid waste emissions. Shale oil production
requires cheap, large-scale materials handling methods at all
stages of mining, retorting, and retorted shale disposal;
maximum heat economy in retorting and upgrading; and minimum
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water and power consumption. A number of processing se-
quences are available, each with its own accompanying
environmental impacts. The evaluation and assessment
program involves six tasks: (1) Project Management, (2J_
Oil Shale and Recovery Process Characterization, (3) Engi-
neering Analysis and Problem Definition, (4) Field Jesting
and Laboratory Analysis, (5) Environmental Evaluation, and
(6) Evaluation of Existing Environmental Control Technology.
This project will provide a basis for the establishment of
rational design, management, and monitoring procedures to
mitigate unavoidable adverse environmental impacts. Jhe
type and magnitude of these impacts should be determined
prior to the development of a full-scale oil shale industry.
Project duration is from May, 1975, to May, 1978.
Thomas Powers - Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 684-4402
TRW Environmental Engineering Division
J. E. Cotter, Principal Investigator
One Space Park
Redondo Beach, California 90278
Denver Research Institute
C. Prien
2199 S. University Blvd.
Denver, Colorado 80120
****
EPA - Cost Effectiveness Pollution Control Studies for Oil Shale Develop-
ment Scenarios
$ 217,000 Contract has been undergoing renegotiation early in 1977.
(FY77)
TRW
One Space Park
Redondo Beach, California 90278
****
EPA - Program Support for Synthetic Fuels
$42,700 Determine environmental impacts from coal and oil shale
development of synthetic fuels. Completion date: December,
1975.
Radian Corporation
8500 Shoe! Creek Blvd.
Austin, Texas 75758
****
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EPA - Technology Assessment of Western Energy Resource Development
$1,297,504 Develop environmental control policies and implementation
strategies for mitigating the adverse impacts of western
energy resource development. Completion date: June 30,
1978.
Steve Plotkin - EPA, ORD, Washington, D.C. (202) 755-0646
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
****
EPA - Impacts of Synthetic Liquid Fuels Development
$280,000 To assess the impact of development of synthetic liquid
fuels from oil shale. Resource requirements, net energy
analysis, legal mechanisms for access to oil shale resources,
financing of the industry, government incentive policies,
local and national economic impacts, environmental impacts,
air pollution control, water resources, water pollution con-
trol, population growth, and boom-town effects are studied.
A final report was issued entitled "Impacts of Synthetic
Fuel Development" EPA #600/7-76-004a and b.
William N. McCarthy - EPA, ORD, OEMI (202) 755-2737
Stanford Research Institute
Dr. Ed. Dickson
333 Ravenswood Ave.
Menlo Park, California 94025
****
EPA - Energy-Related Radiological Monitoring Quality Assurance
$102,800 The objectives are to develop and maintain a quality assur-
ance program which continuously meets the needs of those
laboratories having responsibility for radiation monitoring
in the environs of nuclear reactors and nuclear and fossil
fuel extraction and processing facilities. This includes
the distribution of calibrated samples and reference mate-
rials, cross-check studies, instrument development, and
the publication of instrument quality control procedures
and pertinent guidelines. An ongoing radioactive standards
calibration and distribution program and a laboratory inter-
comparison studies program have been in operation at EMSL-LV
since 1972 and are continuing on schedule. However, moni-
toring of the exploration, development, and utilization of
energy sources will require a continual and expanded need
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for both naturally occurring and man-made radionuclides
for use in the preparation of standard reference materials,
standard reference samples, and intercomparison studies.
Standard reference materials, calibrated samples, and
guidelines required for the analysis of samples obtained
by monitoring activities in the vicinity of nuclear faci-
lities, fossil fuel extraction and utilization activities,
and geothermal sites will continue to be made available.
A "state-of-the-art" beta counting system has been designed,
constructed, is operational and is in the final testing
stages. Guidelines describing calibration and quality
control procedures for radiation monitoring using gamma
spectroscopy and liquid scintillation counting have been
prepared. An IAG was negotiated with NBS for the produc-
tion of 300 radium-228 standards and for studies to assure
our continued traceability measurements to the NBS.
G. B. Morgan - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 736-2969
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
A. N. Jarvis, Quality Assurance Branch
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
****
EPA - Potential Radioactive Pollutants Resulting from the Expanded Program:
Quality Assurance Aspects
$49,700 The objective is to identify and document the potential
radioactive pollutants that could result from the expanded
program and for which quality assurance programs must be
provided. The research approach is to gather data on con-
ventional and nuclear energy system facilities and opera-
tions, on the radionuclides in conventional and nuclear
fuels and the releases of these radionuclides to the envi-
ronment; to examine the pathways of these radionuclides to
human exposures; and to compute the potential amount of the
various radionuclide releases and associated hazards for a
few selected plausible alternative expanded energy programs.
The energy systems for which radionuclide releases will be
assessed, from resource extraction to final waste disposal,
include coal, shale oil, geotherma], and various nuclear
systems. The project duration is from January 16, 1976, to
November 30, 1976.
Paul A. Jarvis - EPA, Washington, D.C. (202) 557-5076
Stanford Research Institute
Robert M. Rodden
333 Ravenswood Ave.
Menlo Park, California 94025
****
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EPA - Program Support in Environmental Assessment and Control Technology
Development for Advanced Fossil Fuels
$432,000 The overall objective of this project is to provide tech-
nical and administrative support to the EPA Office of
Energy, Minerals and Industry in carrying out its respon-
sibilities as lead agency for environmental research on
energy processes. In particular, support is being given
in the areas of environmental assessment and control tech-
nology development for advanced fossil fuels conversion
techniques, including high and low BTU coal gasification,
coal liquifaction, residual oil gasification, oil shale
retorting and certain problems of oil refining. Specific
objectives include maintaining and updating a document on
environmental problems and research and development pro-
grams, producing and maintaining a system for describing
R&D options and setting priorities among the options,
providing administrative and technical support for the
interagency Advanced Fossil Fuels Sector Group and various
short term assignments, such as professional meeting re-
porting, review of research plans, and consultation on
specific technical problems.
William N. McCarthy - EPA, Washington, D.C. (202) 755-2737
Cameron Engineers, Inc.
Thayer E. Masoner
1315 S. Clarkson
Denver, Colorado 80210
(303) 777-2525
****
ERDA/(EPA pass-through funds to Oak Ridge National Lab) - 150-Ton Retort
Simulated Power Plant Burn
$50,000 Approximately 2,000 gallons of oil produced from the Laramie
Energy Research Center 150-ton retort are to be dried to
remove the water and washed to remove ash, then shipped to
the Pittsburgh Energy Research Center. Combustion tests in
the 100-hp boiler will be conducted. Off-gas analyses for
oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur
dioxide, hydrocarbon, and total particulates will be made.
The wash water will be analyzed at LERC. This wash water
will possibly be used in a pilot scale water treatment
plant. The oil has been dried and washed and shipped to
PERC; the burn is expected spring, 1977.
Dr. Richard Poulson, Manager
Environmental Sciences
Laramie Energy Research Center
P. 0. Box 3395
Laramie, WY 82071
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Pittsburgh Energy Research Center
ERDA, Mr. Daniel Bienstock
****
ERDA - Analysis of the Environmental Control Technology for Oil Shale
Development
$52,000 Assessment of program levels in oil shale control techno-
logy. Emphasis will be placed on overlapping areas of
development. Completion date: September 30, 1977.
Charles Grua - ERDA, Division of Environmental Control
Technology, Washington, D.C.
University of Utah
Noel Denevers
Department of Chemical Engineering
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
(801) 581-6024
****
ERDA - Development of a Chemical, Stability, and Transport Model of Oil
Shale Process Wastes in Soil
$50,000 The purpose of this study is to investigate and model the
source, transport, and physical and chemical reactions,
stability, and fate of oil shale process wastes. This in-
cludes overburden leachates, retort waste water, mine de-
watering salines, and prerefining wastes. Batch and column
studies will be used to measure the equilibrium and kinetic
parameters which control the fate and transport of the oil
shale wastes'and leachates through typical soil systems of
the oil shale regions. A computer simulation program will
be developed to predict pollutant transport through these
soils. Additionally, the study will include identification
and characterization of power site chemical wastes and mea-
surement techniques for the soil reaction model input para-
meters. Both kinetic and equilibrium reaction data will be
obtained and used to expand the equilibrium model to account
for nonequilibrium reactions. The reaction model will be
verified using wastes typical of those generated by actual
power plants with soil column studies. Further, the model
will be useful in evaluating various disposal alternatives
for these wastes. Completion date: June, 1980.
R. E. Franklin - ERDA, Biomedical & Environmental Research
Division
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Battelle Memorial Institute
Ecosystems, R. C. Routson
P. 0. Box 999
Rich!and, Washington 99352
*•***
ERDA - Rock Springs Site 9 In Situ Environmental Studies
Off-gas analyses have been performed for particulate and
gaseous composition. A ground water monitoring system
has measured pre-operational, operational, and post-
operational water quality levels. Trace elements are
being analyzed in both the air and water quality samples.
All of the field work has been completed. Most analyses
have been completed, and a draft final report is being
written. Scheduled completion date is April, 1977.
Dr. Richard Poulson, Manager, Environmental Sciences, LERC
ERDA, Larmie Energy Research Center
P. 0. Box 3395
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
****
USBM - Technical and Economic Study of an Underground Mining Rubbilization
and In Situ Retorting System for Deep Oil Shale Deposits
$75,000 Identifies the full range of processing and environmental
(FY74) aspects of an in situ development. Final report has been
issued.
$128,000 Steve Utter - USBM, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood,
(FY75) Colorado 80225
Fenix & Scisson, Inc.
P. 0. Box 15609
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74115
****
NBS - Quality Assurance and Instrumentation in Air and Water Pollution
Mining
$200,000* In cooperation with the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and other government agencies, the National Bureau
of Standards (NBS) is developing methodology and Standard
Materials for measuring the environmental effects resulting
from increased energy production. The NBS Analytical
Chemistry Division is initiating research and development
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in the areas of reference materials, instrumentation, and
methods required for monitoring air and water quality
associated with energy production. The research and
development leading to Standard Reference Materials (SRM),
instrumentation and methods are urgently needed for the mom'
toring of air and water quality associated with increased
energy development of many different types. Due to the
current and future energy problems facing the U.S., it has
become imperative for the rapid development of the internal
energy capabilities of this country. In order to maintain
an acceptable level of environmental pollution, the methods
devised for increased utilization of these internal energy
sources (e.g. petroleum, coal, uranium, geothermal) must be
adequately evaluated and monitored for effects on air and
water pollution. In order to effectively carry out its
responsiblities in these areas, the EPA has requested the
assistance of the NBS Analytical Chemistry Division for
research and development of SRM's. The overall approach
to be taken involves three (3) basic steps. First, in
areas of well-defined pollution effects, the emphasis will
be on the development and certification of SRM's to enable
effective quantitation. Examples of such well defined
pollution effects include gases in air pollution (e.g.,
sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide) and trace metals in water
pollution (e.g., mercury, arsenic, lead). Second, in
areas of known effects but imperfect measurement methodo-
logy, research and development on analytical methods and
instrumentation will be undertaken. Examples of these
areas include participates and trace organics in air and
water pollution. Third, in areas of new or increased
energy production techniques (i.e., coal gasification and
liquefaction, uranium production, etc.), a series of work-
shops will be held to help define the current state-of-
the-art, and future requirements for analytical Reference
Materials and methodology for air and water pollution
measurements. Appropriate Interagency Agreements became
effective on May 25, 1975. Projects have been initiated.
A number of SRM's will be produced and certified. Investi-
gations into the relevant raw materials, products and
residues from the various energy systems will be made. A
series of workshops on the energy production processes and
their pollution potential will be held to determine SRM's
required. Completion date: June, 1979.
*Total funding is $715,000
Jerry R. McNesby - NBS
National Bureau of Standards
D. A. Becker, Recycled Oil, IMR
Washington, D.C. 20234
****
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III. WATER RESEARCH
This section lists government research applied to water and its role
in oil shale development. The total level of funding appearing in this
section is $3,678,157.
EPA - Toxic Effects on the Aquatic Biota from Coal and Oil Shale
Development
$ 40,000 Provide predictive information with regard to potential
toxicants to the aquatic environment resulting from coal
and oil shale extraction and conversion. Completion date:
June, 1978.
Don Mount - EPA, Duluth Lab
Colorado State University
NREL
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
****
EPA - Water Quality Hydrology Affected by Oil Shale Development
$108,000 The development of oil shale deposits as a viable energy
(FY75) source has the potential for significantly influencing
$ 50,396 the water quality hydrology of both the Upper and Lower
(FY76) Colorado River Basins. The specific objectives of this
project are (1) to gather all available data pertinent
to the present future assessment of the water quality
hydrology in the oil shale regions of the Upper Basin,
(2) to summarize these data toward the identification of
deficiencies, and (3) to develop and verify procedures
for quantitative assessment of water quality. Completion
date: June 14, 1977
Eugene F. Harris - EPA, lERL-Cincinnati, (513) 684-4417
Dr. David B. McWhorter, Assistant Professor
Department of Agricultural Engineering
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
****
EPA - Groundwater Research Monitoring of Energy-Related Developments
$ 54,000 The objective is to direct the research and monitor the
progress of contracts under this program. Three groundwater
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basins will be studied by applying theoretically developed
monitoring strategies and the results developed into guide-
lines for monitoring groundwater quality. A contract has
been signed with GE TEMPO for an oil shale mining and pro-
cessing project in the Uinta Basin, Utah, and a strip coal
mining area in the Powder River Basin.
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Donald B. Gil more and Leslie G. McMillion
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA - Groundwater Basin Research Monitoring of Energy-Related Developments
$1,379,525 The objective of this project is the development of a
groundwater monitoring model and strategy that will be
applicable to any strip coal mining and oil shale mining
and processing area. Two groundwater basins will be in-
tensively studied by applying a theoretically developed
monitoring strategy and the results developed into a guide-
line for monitoring groundwater quality in each of the
areas. Approximately 60 percent of the effort will cover
groundwater in the strip coal mining area on the east
flank of the Powder River Basin where there is mine-mouth
power generation and railroad export. There are proposed
coal gasification and liquefaction projects as well as a
pipeline slurry proposal. The remaining 40 percent of the
effort will be in the Uinta Basin, Utah, around Tracts U-a
and U-b where there is a proposed mining and processing
project. Baseline data covering identification of all on-
going monitoring and relevant groundwater information is
ongoing. A monitoring strategy is expected in the summer >
of 1977 with immediate implementation. Completion date:
June, 1981.
Leslie G. McMillion - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 736-2969
General Electric - TEMPO
Dr. Richard Tinlin
P. 0. Drawer QQ
Santa Barbara, California 93102
****
EPA - Impacts of Oil Shale Development on Colorado, Resources
$ 4,300 Identify the impact of oil shale development on water
resources in western Colorado. Final report was issued
in July, 1976.
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Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VIII, (303) 837-5914
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
****
EPA/USGS - Surface Water Quality Monitoring in Western Colorado
$ 50,000 Gather surface water quality data at four locations on
the White River, Parachute Creek, and Logan Wash, for a
determination of water quality parameters. This project
started in July, 1975, and is on-going.
Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VIII, (303) 837-5914
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-5092
****
EPA - Complete and Report Small-Basin Nonpoint Source Water Quality
Monitoring Technology Evaluation Study for Oil Shale Development
Area Surface Water Drainage System
$ 75,000 The objectives of this program are to test, validate, and
(FY76) describe optimal water quality monitoring procedures and
$ 40,000 techniques for quantitatively assessing the contribution
(FY77) of nonpoint source pollutants in a stream segment poten-
tially impaired by oil shale developmental activities.
Water quality sampling and measurement procedures consist
of grab-sampling techniques, automatic pump-type samplers,
and automated in situ electronic contact sensors. Various
biological sampling techniques and procedures are also
being tested to establish techniques most appropriate for
given monitoring purposes in a specific waterway. This is
an ongoing project involving the field testing of a proto-
type surface water quality monitoring design in the oil
shale area of eastern Utah. A final report is scheduled
to be prepared in June, 1977.
Wes L. Kinney - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 736-2969
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Lab
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
****
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EPA - Test Nonpoint Source Monitoring Procedures Previously Developed in
a Second and/or Expanded Application. Assess Applicability of
Procedures to other Nonpoint Sources.
$ 30,000 This task provides for continued field testing of the pre-
(FY77) viously developed monitoring design in a different study
$ 67,000 area or for an expanded effort in the same river basin.
(FY78) Establishment of appropriate monitoring and measurement
procedures in a variety of watershed drainage basins sub-
jected to various categories of nonpoint pollutants is a
high priority agency research need.
Wes L. Kinney - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 736-2969
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Lab
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
****
EPA - Evaluate Application of Oil Shale-Related Nonpoint Source Monitoring
Techniques to Other Nonpoint Source Monitoring Needs/Application
$ 10,000 The objective is to determine applicability of monitoring
design previously applied on prototype nonpoint source oil
shale water quality monitoring project to other watersheds
and other categories of nonpoint source pollutants. A
multiyear National Agency Strategy for the control of non-
point source pollutants is currently under development.
Before control measures can be effectively implemented a
number of research needs will have to be satisfied to pro-
vide information which is currently lacking. A high Agency
oriority research need addresses the application of metho-
dologies appropriate for characterization and quantifica-
tion of water pollution problems produced by the various
categories of nonpoint pollution sources. Included are
establishment of methods for the identification of problem
areas and the identification and quantification of pollut-
ants from given sources within each category. Monitoring
and measurement methods are currently available for appli-
cation to nonpoint source pollution assessment and charac-
terization, but attention must be directed to the establish-
ment of procedures most appropriate for application to
given monitoring situations and purposes. Interim report
will be prepared in September, 1977.
Wes L. Kinney - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada (702) 736-2969
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
****
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EPA - Development of Techniques for Remote Monitoring of Organic Pollution
in Surface Waters
$ 49,800 The ultimate objective of this program is to develop an
active airborne monitoring system capable of providing
quantitative data on the organic pollutional load of
surface waters. The principle employed is an extension
of the laboratory technique of spectrofluorometry. A
water sample is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light of
a specific wavelength and intensity and the resultant
fluorescence emission is then monitored using a monochro-
mator-multichannel detector combination. The fluorescence
signal arises from dissolved organic materials both man-
made and natural in origin rather than from the water itself
which does not fluoresce. However, the water molecule emits
a Raman band which, for very dilute aqueous solutions of
organics, has a constant amplitude for given intensity of
excitation radiation. This water Raman emission band can
therefore be conveniently employed as a built-in reference
source with which to compare the amplitude of the concurrent
fluorescence emission. The normalized amplitude of the
signal then provides information concerning the concentration
of the dissolved organics. A number of reports have been
published recently which indicate that this UV induced
fluorescence emission is proportional to the Total Organic
Carbon (TOC) value. It is planned to explore this relation-
ship in more detail with the purpose of establishing a
firm value for a correlation coefficient. Based on the
findings of this correlation study, an airborne laser-
fluorosensor will be designed, built, and tested. This
system will have the capability of continuously monitoring
and recording the TOC value for the surface water below the
aircraft. Project duration is from FY75 to FY78.
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Michael Bristow
Remote Monitoring Methods
Remote Sensing Division
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA - Energy-Related Water Monitoring Data Integration
$152,000 The objectives are to establish a water monitoring net
throughout the western states to monitor and assess the
impact of energy resource development. Through the use
of computer data banks, primarily STORET, water monitoring
III-5
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stations that are currently in operation, back past 1970,
and have reported a large number of measured parameters
were selected for incorporation into a primary monitoring
net. Parameters of interest were identified and a quality
assurance program is being established in participating
laboratories. Historical data have been reviewed and
baseline water quality conditions are being established.
Preparation of a Western Energy Resources Atlas is being
accomplished in conjunction with a similar effort on air
monitoring. Data from the primary net stations are being
augmented with data from other stations. An assessment of
baseline water quality, trends, and impacts on a basin by
basin basis is underway- As data gaps, either desired
parameters, sampling frequency, or additional stations are
identified, actions will be taken with appropriate EPA
Regional Offices or other governmental agencies to correct
them. The primary net will be updated periodically and
extended into areas not presently addressed. Project
duration is from FY75 to FY80.
Victor W. Lambou - EPA, EMSL, Las Vegas, Nevada
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Robert Thomas
Water and Land Quality Branch
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA/ERDA - Instrumentation and Methods for Characterizing Aqueous Effluents
from Oil Shale Sources
$ 60,000 Plans to develop a large scale oil shale processing tech-
nology in the Green River formation must include surveilance
of related effluents. This project focuses on the devel-
opment of methods for the chemical characterization of
aqueous effluents associated with the retorting processes;
attention is being given principally to organic and trace
metal components. Organic components are being analyzed
by several methods under development. First, major organic
components are analyzed directly by gas chromatography with
no sample pretreatment. Minor and trace organic components
are removed from the samples by adsorption on activated
carbon, neutral macroreticular resins and ion exchange
resins. Profiling of components is carried out using gas
chromatographic methods employing standard and specific
element detectors. Fractionation of the organic mixture
is followed by identification and quantification of some
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nitrogenous bases. Trace metals will be determined simul-
taneously by spark source mass spectrometry. Samples of
retort product water were obtained from the Lnramie Energy
Research Center. Activated carbon extraction is being
carried out on this and other aqueous samples from a coal
conversion process to gain some detailed knowledge of
extraction efficiencies for compound classes using this
technique. When the extraction procedure is sufficiently
developed, instrumentation for automation of this step
will be developed concomitantly with chemical character-
ization studies.
Hodge R. Wasson - ERDA
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Bruce R. Clark
Analytical Chemistry Division
P. 0. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
EPA/USGS - Development of Instrumentation and Techniques for Measuring
Sediment-Laden Streams
$270,000 The objectives of this project are to develop, test, and
(FY75) field evaluate flumes, weirs, and other devices and means
suitable for measuring sediment and debris-laden flows, to
$195,000 develop an in situ instrumentation system capable of mea-
(FY76) suring the mass concentration of sediment in water, to
develop an acceptable sampler(s) for measuring the discharge
of bedload sediment particles so as to permit the effects
of energy development, particularly mining activities, on
streams to be monitored. Flumes, weirs, and other types of
control structures are being developed, tested, and field
evaluated in the areas of oil shale and coal mining. Photo-
graphic techniques are being investigated. A literature
search will be made of commercially available suspended
solids sensors compatible with the objective. One or two
instruments will be selected for comprehensive laboratory
tests. An automatic sampling and data-logging system to
operate in conjunction with the optimum sensor will then
be designed. The complete package will be tested first
under simulated field conditions. Promising direct-measuring
bedload samplers will be calibrated to define their
efficiencies under various conditions. The effects of
such things as particle size, transport rate, bed form,
hydraulic condition, sampler orientation, and degree of
filling on sampler efficiency will be ascertained.
Appropriate samplers will be modified and/or new samplers
developed and subsequently tested and calibrated to
III-7
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provide improved operation. Experimental weirs and flumes
have been installed on the Belle Fouche River in Wyoming,
on Piceance Creek in Colorado, and on a tributary of the
North Fork of the Kentucky River, Kentucky. The state of
the art in photographic techniques that might be applied
to the problem of flow measurement is being assessed. Al-
though the equipment survey is only partially complete, a
Dynatrol density gage is being tested. One of the bedload
samplers of primary interest is the Helley-Smith sampler,
which is a pressure-difference-type sampler that has been
used recently by several investigators. Completion date:
April, 1980.
P. E. Greeson - USGS, National Center (703) 860-6834
USGS, National Center
Arthur D. Scott
Water Resources Division (MS415)
Reston, Virginia 22092
(703) 860-6837
****
EPA/USGS - Water Quality and Geochemistry of Shallow Aquifers of Piceance
Creek, Colorado
$ 10,000 The objectives of the project are to collect detailed
chemical analysis of the relatively shallow ground waters
that may be impacted by mining for oil shale and associated
minerals, principally in the Piceance and Yellow Creek basins
of Colorado. The study serves to support a portion of an
initial effort to improve predictive geohydrologic and
chemical models that may better evaluate the impact of oil
shale mining on the hydrologic regime of the Piceance basin.
The total effort is designed to develop the data base and
analytical capability required to make evaluations. The
existing state of chemical equilibrium must be documented
and studies of water quality made to predict effects of de-
watering on water chemistry. Water samples will be collected
from approximately 10 new wells and many springs located
in the Piceance Creek basin. Chemical analyses for a broad
suite of parameters will be conducted on selected samples.
Chemical analyses of water from 10 wells and 48 springs were
analyzed and are being used to identify the source and
distribution of major and minor ionic species in the Green
River Formation. The dissolution of Nahcolite (NaHCO,) and
the sources of fluoride, boron, lithium, and barium are of
particular concern. A complete list of chemical constit-
uents are given in the memorandum of agreement. Copies of
the chemical analyses are sent to the U.S. Environmental
III-8
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Protection Agency periodically. A quasi-three-dimensional
solute transport model of t.h<- ground-water basin was con-
structed but could not be properly calibrated. The solute
transport model indicates that the distribution of inter-
aquifer flow calculated by a previous flow model produces
about 10 times too much mass discharge to Yellow and
Piceance Creeks. Data are being compiled and analyzed for
use in constructing a profile-oriented solute transport
model. Completion date: 1980.
F. A. Kilpatrick - USGS, National Center, Reston, Virginia
(703) 860-6846
USGS, Colorado District Office
Stanley F. Robson
Hydrologic Studies Section
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-3815
****
EPA/USGS - Potentiometric Surface of Shallow Aquifers in Piceance Creek
Structural Basin
$296,000 Develop a calibrated digital model that can be used to
(USGS) predict the effect of oil shale development on the hydro-
logic system. This development will be accomplished
$ 20,000 through the drilling and completion of additional test
(EPA-VIII wells. The data will be used to improve the calibration
FY75) of an existing digital model of the system. Progress has
included the preparation of drilling specifications and
a contract award and the successful completion of 22 ob-
servation wells. The total footage drilled was 25,092
feet. Water temperature and specific conductance data,
water samples for chemical analysis, and discharge rate
measurements were obtained from each well. Bilmayers, Inc.,
of Kalispell, Montana, was awarded the contract for a low
bid of $563,000. Contract drilling began in May 1975. A
basic data report will be prepared in 1977 which will sum-
marize the data collected during drilling of the observation
wells.
Jack Weeks - USGS, Colorado District Office, (303) 234-5092
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-3815
****
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EPA/USGS - Surface Water Quality Monitoring in Energy Development Areas
$ 17,440 The objective of this study is to collect water quality
(FY75) data in the oil shale and coal development areas of Utah.
There are four existing USGS monitoring stations located
$ 19,700 in the oil shale and coal areas and these stations will
(FY76) be supplemented for additional parameter coverage. Along
with the monitoring of physical-chemical parameters, a
biological monitoring program will also be initiated. The
total effort will aid in documenting the existing baseline
water quality conditions in the oil shale and coal devel-
opment areas so that possible future impacts can be eval-
uated. The USGS will be responsible for the collection and
analysis of surface water quality data in energy impacted
areas of Utah. Monthly samples are obtained at each of four
gauging stations as follows: 1) Field measurements of tem-
perature, specific conductance, pH, stream flow, dissolved
oxygen, and alkalinity: monthly; 2) Chemical analyses of
all major ions: monthly; 3) Nutrients: monthly; 4) Total
organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon: monthly; 5)
Total trace metals and dissolved trace metals: As, Al, Be,
Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Li, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, V, and Zn:
quarterly; 6) Phytoplankton: monthly; 7) Periphyton:
quarterly; and 8) Suspended sediment and turbidity:
monthly. Completion date: April, 1980.
F. A. Kilpatrick - USGS, National Center, Reston, Virginia
(703) 860-6846
USGS, Water Resources Division
James C. Mandorff
8002 Federal Bldg.
125 So. State St.
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 524-5663
****
EPA/USGS - Water Quality Monitoring on White River, Parachute Creek, and
Logan Wash in Oil Shale Areas of Western Colorado
$ 22,702 The objective is to collect detailed water quality data
(FY75) from selected surface waters in the areas of western
Colorado likely to be impacted by oil shale development.
$ 25,800 The study will initiate several new water quality monitoring
(FY76) stations and supplement the parameter coverage at several
existing baseline water quality conditions in the oil shale
area so that possible future impacts from oil shale develop-
ment can be evaluated. There are two existing USGS monitor-
ing stations located upstream and downstream from the Federal
111-10
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oil shale leases on the White River; these stations will be
supplemented for additional parameter coverage. The pro-
posed Parachute Creek station will be established between two
different oil shale projects and upstream from major
irrigation diversions to provide baseline water quality data
and monitor future impacts from oil shale development. The
station proposed for Logan Wash will provide baseline data
used to evaluate the water quality impacts of in situ oil
shale development in that specific drainage. Stream flow
water quality monitoring equipment for the Parachute Creek
and Logan Wash stations has been acquired. Data collec-
tion and analysis for an extensive suite of parameters was
initiated in August, 1975. Completion date: April, 1980.
F. A. Kilpatrick - USGS, National Center, Reston, Virginia
(703) 860-6846
USGS, Colorado District Office
Richard Grozier
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-5092
****
EPA/USGS - Collection of Geochemical Data in the Piceance Creek Structural
Basin of Colorado
The purpose of this project is the collection and analysis
of geochemical data on the relatively shallow ground waters
that may be impacted by the extraction of oil shale in the
Piceance and Yellow Creek Basins of Colorado. Water samples
will be collected from approximately 12 wells and many
springs. Chemical analysis for approximately 30 para-
meters will be collected on selected samples. Data will be
used to refine predictive models of resultant water quality
both for those waters encountered by mining operations and
Niok waters centering surface drainages and springs and seeps
F. A. Kilpatrick - USGS
USGS, Colorado District Office
George Saulnifcr
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-3815
****
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USGS - Water Resource Reconnaissance in the Roan Plateau and Parachute
Creek Areas
Study of availability and water quality of surface water
resources in the Roan Plateau and Parachute Creek area.
Jack Weeks - USGS, Colorado District Office, (303) 234-5092
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
****
USGS - Sediment Yield of Streams in the Piceance Basin
Installation of 29 automatic sediment samplers to sample
sediment on a periodic basis and to determine potential
effects of surface mining operations on sediment yield.
Jack Weeks - USGS, Colorado District Office, (303) 234-5092
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
****
USGS - Aquifer Testing in the Piceance Basin
Perform aquifer tests and collect limited aquifer test
information to make further determinations with respect
to the vertical permeability of the mahogany zone and
leakage factors. Drill seven new observation wells.
Jack Weeks - USGS, Colorado District Office, (303) 234-5092
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
****
USGS - Hydraulic Research of Springs
Evaluation of the dewatering effects of oil shale develop-
ment on approximately 90 springs. Project includes
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definition of extant geology, upper/lower/perched aquifers,
and definition of faulting systems. A report is due in 1977.
Jack Weeks - USGS, Colorado District Office, (303) 234-5092
State of Colorado
Denver, Colorado 80203
****
USGS - Sorption of Residual Organic Substances in Retort Waters by Spent
Shale Residues
$ 40,000 The various oil shale retorting processes produce 10-50
gallons of waste retort water per barrel of oil. This
retort water contains 3,000-5,000 mg/1 of dissolved organic
substances. At present, retort water is disposed on spent
oil shale residues. Organic solutes may leach into ground-
water or run off into surface water if the sorptive
capacity of spent oil shale residues is exceeded. Because
the sorptive capacity of spent oil shale residues for
residual organic substances in retort waters is unknown,
there are no recommendations pertaining to the disposal
capacity of spent oil shale organic substances in retort
waters. A preliminary objective is to develop an organic
water quality analytical program such that background con-
centrations of dissolved and sediment organic materials can
be determined and characterized for surface and groundwater
in regions of oil shale and coal development. The overall
objective is to determine the capacity of spent oil shale
residues to adsorb and immobilize residual organic substances
in retort waters. The sorptive capacities of the soils and
sediments which underlie and which may be spread upon spent
oil shale residues will also be determined. Organic solutes
in natural surface and groundwater in regions of oil shale
and coal development and organic solutes in retort waters
will be characterized with respect to surface area, perme-
ability, porosity, elemental and mineralogical composition,
functional group composition and saturating ions. Adsorption
isotherms will be determined for retort water organic solutes
on oil shale, soil, and sediment adsorbents. Adsorption
kinetics will also be studied to determine adsorption mecha-
nisms.
Jerry A. Leenheer - USGS, Colorado District Office
USGS, Colorado District Office
Water Resources Division
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
****
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USGS - Definition of Potentiometric Surface of Shallow Aquifers in Piceance
Creek Impacted by Oil Shale
$ 20,000 Describe the detailed steady-state conditions of the ground-
water system of the Piceance Creek basin prior to mining for
oil shale. Drilling of wells is 55 percent complete. Com-
pletion date: January, 1976.
F. A. Kilpatrick - USGS
USGS, Colorado District Office
Hydrologic Studies Section
Denver Federal Center
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
****
USGS - Water Quality and Geochemistry of Shallow Aquifers of the Uinta
Basin
$ 20,000 Collect detailed chemical analysis of groundwaters that
may be impacted by mining for oil shale in the Uinta Basin
of Utah. Twelve wells have been sampled and analysis is
complete. Completion date: April, 1980.
F. A. Kilpatrick, USGS
USGS, Water Resources Division
Salt Lake City, Utah
****
USGS - Establishment of New Surface Water Quality Monitoring Stations in
the Powder and Green Rivers of Wyoming
$ 69,970 Augment existing seven-station surface water quality moni-
toring study with the addition of 14 new stations in the
Powder River coal and the Green River Basin in Wyoming.
Expanded sampling on schedule. Completion date: April, 1980,
F. A. Kilpatrick, USGS
USGS, Water Resources Division
Cheyenne, Wyoming
****
ERDA - Laboratory Determination of Leaching Rates from Oil Shale Retorted
under Simulated In Situ Retorting Conditions
$ 63,320 This project is to gather selected laboratory data regarding
the rates at which inorganic salts will be leached from
111-14
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spent shale by water under conditions which may occur during
and following in situ retorting of oil shale. Preliminary
laboratory results show that the amount of Teachable inor-
ganic salts is highly dependent upon the temperature at
which the shale was retorted. This situation occurred only
when air was excluded from the retorting conditions. When
air was allowed to burn the carbon from the shale, all re-
torting temperatures produced about the same amount of
Teachable inorganic salts.
ERDA - Fossil Energy Division - Oil, Gas, and Shale
Technology
Texas Technological University
Lubbock, Texas 79409
****
ERDA - Biological Degradation of the Soluble Organic Components in Retort
Water
$ 51,367 The biological degradation of the soluble organics in the
in situ-produced water is being studied by employing
different bacteria strains. It is hoped that this approach
will convert and disintegrate the organic components into
carbon dioxide. Period of performance was from June 30,
1975 to June 29, 1976.
ERDA - Fossil Energy Division
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California 90007
****
ERDA - Instrumentation and Methods for Oil Shale-Related Effluents
$ 60,000 Develop method for chemical characterization of aqueous
effluents associated with oil shale processing. Com-
pletion date: June, 1977.
ERDA, Division of Biomedical and Environmental Research
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P. 0. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
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ERDA - Oil Shale and Tar Sand Effluent Characterization
Characterization of water effluents from oil shale pro-
cessing.
Battelle Memorial Institute
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Lou Rancitelli
P. 0. Box 999
Richland, Washington 99352
****
ERDA - Water Conservation with In Situ Oil Shale Development
$160,000 This project is to identify the geographical area within
which water-related impacts resulting from in situ oil
shale development may prove significant. Project will
describe a typical in situ facility operating at 100,000
barrels per day. It will also describe the magnitude
and geographical extent of an oil shale industry (i.e.,
one million barrels per day). It will also compile
data describing existing water resources and their present
use. It will describe major drainage basins, precipita-
tion runoff, evaporation, water quality and hydrology of
surface water resources, groundwater resources in the
study area along with quality and hydrology, water use.
The in situ technology will be defined; process effluent
control technology will be shown for the promising in situ
technologies. Water requirements will be defined.
Effluent amounts and quality will be defined. Water impacts
will be described for in situ development. Consideration
will be given to spent shale disposal, upgradient facilities,
sanitary facilities, evaporation from water storage reser-
voirs and dust control. Contamination of groundwater by flow
through exhaustive retort chambers will be identified.
Contamination of groundwater by leachate and spent shale
disposal sites will be defined. Contamination of water
resources (surface) by disposal of high TDS ground water
from dewatering operations will be identified. Finally,
contamination of surface waters by runoff will be
identified. Alternatives to development and control
technologies will be discussed. A water quality monitoring
strategy for chemical, physical, and biological parameters
will be defined. Quarterly reports are being issued.
Jerry Ramsey - ERDA, Division of Oil, Gas and Shale Tech-
nology, Washington, D.C. 20545
University of California
Professor Jerome F. Thomas, Civil Engineering Department
Berkeley, California 94720
****
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USDA - An RFF Forum on the Impact on Western Waters, Fish, and Wildlife
on Energy Development
$ 75,000 Impact of western energy development on water resources
and subsequent effect on fish and wildlife. Forum held in
Albuquerque, New Mexico, in summer, 1976. Completion date:
October, 1976.
Robert Hayden - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Resources for the Future, Inc.
1755 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.
(202) 462-4400
****
USBM - Water Management in Oil Shale Mining
$ 99,637 Project is assembling all available information relating
to water management in oil shale development, analyzing
$ 30,000 water availability, water requirements, water loss and use,
(mod 1) dewatering strategies, and water disposal associated with
various oil shale development techniques. A compilation
of all federal and state regulations and concerns is to
be part of the study. Consideration is to be given to
50,000 and 100,000 tons per day mine capabilities. Under-
ground room and pillar mining is to be concentrated on.
Water treatment techniques in order to comply with state
and federal regulations are to be designed. Recommendations
for R&D work that would improve the planned water usage
are to be included in the final report. Project was recently
modified for the contractor to look at the in situ method
of development. A final report is due in 1977.
Bill Stewart - USBM, Spokane, Washington
Golder Associates
Mr. Adrian Brown
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
(604) 879-9266
****
NSF - An Assessment of Western Regional Water Supply and Demand Requirements
for Synthetic Fuel Production
$ 84,200 This research will focus on an assessment of water resources
and environmental constraints on the siting of fuel-to-fuel
conversion complexes in the western states and will determine
what level of synthetic fuel industry could be supported by
111-17
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1990 in the easily and economically mined coal and oil
shale regions in the West. These constraints may be, and
in some areas of the country will be, the factors which
limit the production of synthetic fuels. Specific areas
for possible synthetic fuel plant complexes will be identi-
fied and the total number and distribution of these complexes
will be selected. Determination will then be made of the
locally available fresh and saline surface and groundwater
supply sources and the ranges of the quality and quantity of
water that are required for present and future agricultural,
electric and nuclear power, industrial, municipal-domestic,
and recreational uses. The water quality and quantity
requirements for various fuel conversion processes, together
with the effluent quantities will be available from results
obtained under a previous grant. The results of the site
specific assessment will be published in a widely distributed
policy alternatives document suitable for decision makers and
containing the technical background from which the various
alternatives are presented. Contract duration is from
March, 1976, to August, 1977.
NSF, Advanced Energy Research and Technology
Water Purification Associates, R. F. Probstein
238 Main Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
****
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IV. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
This section lists research programs aimed at characterizing,
measuring, and monitoring atmospheric effects. The level of government
funding cited is $2,733,052.
EPA - Air Pollution Emissions from Oil Shale Conversion Facilities
$ 22,000 A compilation of best set of emissions data from oil
shale conversion facilities. The Paraho, Union, and
TOSCO processes were investigated. Final report was
issued spring, 1977.
Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VII (303) 837-5914
Radian Corporation
Austin, Texas
****
EPA - Air Quality
$ 30,000 Measure particulate, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides
(FY 76/77) at Rifle, Craig, and Meeker, Colorado. Data collection
is on-going.
Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VIII (303) 837-5914
Colorado Department of Health
Air Quality Division
4210 East llth Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80220
(303) 388-6111
****
EPA - Pilot Ballon Observations in Rocky Mountain Prairie Region
$ 75,000 Collect temperature profile and wind speed/direction
twice per day, every other day, near Tract C-b, Tract U-a/
U-b, and Craig, Colorado. Project started March 1,
1976, and data collection is on-going.
Terry Thoem - EPA, Region VIII (303) 837-5914
Aeromet, Inc.
P. 0. Box FF
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
****
IV-1
-------
EPA - Smog Chamber Studies of Atmospheric Chemistry of Organic and
Nitrogen-Containing Emissions from Emerging Energy Technologies
$ 50,000 Literature survey of emission rates of hydrocarbons,
nitrogen oxides, etc., from shale oil production and coal
mining; smog chamber study; and 21 field measurements at
selected sites. Completion date: June 29, 1976.
Basil Dimitriades - EPA
EPA, Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
(919) 549-8411
****
EPA - Ambient Air Monitoring in Areas in the Vicinity of Energy-Related
Sources/Western Energy Development
$325,000 Provide baseline air quality monitoring data and assess-
ment reports for areas to be impacted by energy develop-
ment. Completion date: December, 1980.
Dr. David N. McNelis - EPA
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA - Remote (Overhead) Research Monitoring of Energy-Related Developments
$140,000 Demonstrate effectiveness of overhead remote sensing.
Completion date: 1980.
Albert E. Pressman - EPA
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
Remote Sensing Division
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
IV-2
-------
EPA - Investigation and Feasibility Study of Methods for the Identifi-
cation and Measurement of Inorganic Compounds Emitted as Particu-
lates from Sources Using or Processing Fossil Fuels
$ 70,000 Develop, evaluate, and test field methods for the identi-
fication and measurement of the amounts of inorganic com-
pounds emitted from sources using or processing fossil
fuels. Completion date: September, 1977.
Ken Knapp - EPA
EPA, Environmental Sciences Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
(919) 549-8411
****
EPA - Development of a Two Frequency Downlooking Airborne LIDAR System
$ 60,000 The objectives are to design, construct, and test a two
frequency downward-looking airborne LIDAR system. LIDAR
systems have demonstrated capability in solving several
current pollution monitoring problems, namely, (1) deter-
mining mixing layer height over large geographical areas
in short periods of time; (2) determining point source
plume dimensions; and (3) determining the dimensions of
and structure within an urban plume. The system design
utilizes, whenever possible, off-the-shelf components
including the laser transmitter. Much of the electronics
control and readout subsystem is implemented using micro-
processor systems thus shifting the construction burden
from hardware to software. Much attention is given in
the design to operator interaction including a real time
display system for the data. The optical/mechanical
design phase has been completed. Systems design work has
been completed on the electronics portion of the device;
however, actual implementation in hardware and software
will commence after flight testing the optical system.
The completed system will be operational by December,
1977.
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory John
A. Eckert, Remote Sensing Division
P. 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
IV-3
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EPA - Energy-Related Western/Southwestern Regional Air Monitoring
$786,500 This project provides integrated and validated air quality
monitoring data (baseline and trend) and assessment
reports for western areas of the U.S. which will be most
seriously impacted by energy-related development activi-
ties. Emphasis is on fine particulates, nitrogen oxides,
sulfur oxides, reactive hydrocarbons, toxic substances,
and visibility. The geographical coverage includes the
Northern Great Plains, the Four Corners area, oil shale
areas of Colorado and Utah, the Black Mesa area of
Arizona, and areas of New Mexico. Project duration is
from FY 75 to FY 80.
EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory Dr.
David N. McNelis, Monitoring Operations Division P. 0.
Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA - Quality Assurance in Support of Energy-Related Air Monitoring
in the Western United States
$222,000 The objectives of this program are the development and
implementation of a quality assurance program associated
with agencies carrying out air pollution monitoring
around present and proposed sources of energy in the
western United States. The program will be carried out
by providing on-site system reviews of agency air monitoring
operations, establishing and operating a performance
survey program and providing technical assistance as
required. A number of on-site system reviews have been
conducted. The program duration is from July, 1976, to
July, 1981.
Steven M. Bromberg - EPA, EMSL, RTP (919) 549-8411 X2196
Rockwell International
Dr. E. P. Parry
2421A West Hillcrest Drive
Newbury Park, California 91320
****
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EPA - Catalytic Desulfurization and Denitrogenation
$ 91,878 Catalytic hydrodesulfurization (HDS) and hydrodenitro-
genation (HDN) reactions for the removal of organic
sulfur and nitrogen compounds from liquid fuels are
becoming increasingly important as strict sulfur and
nitrogen oxide emission standards are set and "dirtier"
oils derived from shale and coal attain wider use. A
quantitative description of the interferences between
these two reactions, which have only recently begun to be
studied is necessary for optimal design of commercial
processing units. To date, studies have been done on
thiophene and pyridine as representative sulfur and
nitrogen compounds in a continuous-flow microreactor to
model basic interactions. Pyridine inhibits thiophene
IIDS under all experimental conditions used. Sulfur
compounds exhibit a dual effect on the HDN of pyridine;
a reaction rate inhibition gives way to an enhancement at
more severe reaction conditions. Theoretical considera-
tions have been presented to account for each of these
effects. Reactions of more complex compounds and their
interactive reaction kinetics are currently under in-
vestigation. The duration of the project is from August,
1975, to August, 1978.
William J. Rhodes - EPA, IERL, RTP (919) 549-8411
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Charles N. Satterfield, Professor of Chemical Engineering
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
****
EPA - Perform a Literature Survey on Present Emissions from Various
Stationary Sources and to Conduct Smog Chamber Studies of Emis-
sions Found
$ 74,915 The increasing demand for energy in the face of shortages
of available fuels has resulted in the emergence of new
processes and technologies aimed at increasing the energy
output from fossil fuels. As the requirement for energy
increases, the impact of such processes on air quality
must be evaluated. The operations for consideration are
shale oil production, petroleum refining, and coal mining,
combustion, and gasification. Conventional mobile and
stationary combustion sources have been the major contri-
butors to the photochemical pollution burden in many
areas. Composition and emission rate information coupled
with oxidant-forming potential from smog chamber investi-
gations will enable EPA to assess the future impact of
IV-5
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new energy sources on air quality. The objectives of
this investigation are (1) to perform a literature survey
to gather information on composition and rates of emissions
of organic, nitroxy, and sulfoxy emissions from various
operations of the emerging energy technologies; and (2)
to conduct smog chamber studies of the atmospheric
chemistry of emissions from production and refining
operations related to coal and oil-shale conversion and
petroleum refining. Completion date: August 31, 1977.
Robert Farland - EPA, ERSL, RTP (919) 549-8411
Research Triangle Institute
Dr. J. E. Sickles, II, Environmental Measurements Department
P. 0. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
****
EPA - Evaluate the Impact on Ambient Air Quality of an Oil Shale Industry
$ 61,212 Environmental Research and Technology, Inc.
741 Lakefield Road
Westlake, California 91360
****
EPA - Identification of Emissions from Gasoline Dervied from Coal and
Shale Oil
$199,900 Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, Texas
****
EPA - Energy-Related Overhead Monitoring and Techniques Development
$142,000 The objective is to establish preliminary guidelines for
and demonstration of overhead remote monitoring of western
energy-related activities. A cooperative western energy-
related overhead monitoring program between NASA and EPA
has been established with the purpose to define, demon-
strate, and develop operational remote sensor techniques
to rapidly monitor, in a cost effective, quantitative
manner, the success with which an energy-related extraction
site has been, or is being, rehabilitated to a state
suitable for its intended or previous land usage. This
includes the determination of environmental baselines for
the purpose of establishing rehabilitation criteria as
well as environmental effects of mine-mouth power plants.
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EPA, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory
B. Edward Arthur, Jr., Remote Sensing Division
P- 0. Box 15027
Las Vegas, Nevada 89114
(702) 736-2969
****
EPA/NASA - Western Energy-Related Overhead Monitoring (WEROM)
$ 50,000* The objective of this project is to transfer remote
sensor data acquisition and processing techniques from
NASA to EPA for energy-related overhead monitoring system.
The project will be conducted in three phases with data
from selected sites in the Western U.S. Of the total
effort expended during the project, approximately 50
percent will be dedicated to the monitoring of coal strip
mine rehabilitation activities. Monitoring the environmental
impact of mine mouth fossil fuel power plant emissions
will account for approximately 30 percent of the total
effort. Rehabilitation problems associated with oil
shale extraction will comprise about 15-20 percent of the
project work ($50,000). Minor effort will include monitoring
techniques applicable to geothermal propsects. During
Phase I (18 months) coal strip mine monitoring products
derived from satellite and aircraft data acquisition
systems have been delivered to EPA for evaluation. In
addition, a data-processing system has been assembled and
will be transferred to EPA during Phase II. EPA personnel
have been scheduled for a training course during which
techniques dealing with the use of system hardware and
NASA software and processing techniques will be presented.
Phase II (18 months) will include demonstration and
transfer of monitoring techniques developed during Phase
I. The demonstration will consist of a periodic inventory
of selected sites and will approach the operational
system to be used by EPA. During Phase III (two years)
EPA will use the techniques in an operational mode, with
NASA providing assistance in the operation of the system,
and in the addition of new capabilities as developed
during Phase I and II. Project duration is from August,
1975, to December, 1979.
* Total estimated funding: $550,000.
W. Stoney - NASA, HQ, Washington, D. C. 20546
NASA, Earth Resources Laboratory
E. L. Tilton, III
1010 Gause Blvd.
Slidell, Louisiana 70548
****
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EPA/NOAA - Air Quality and Surface Wind Monitoring in Colorado
$ 15,714 Install and operate air monitoring sites in the energy
areas of western Colorado to collect baseline data prior
to major expansion of energy activities. Particulate
samples from the energy area will be analyzed for nitrate
and sulfate content.
Mr. Machta - NOAA
Colorado Department of Health
Wayne Max, Air Pollution Control Division
4210 East llth Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80220
(303) 388-6111
Mesa College
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
****
EPA/NOAA - Collection of Upper Air Data in the Fort Union Basin
$ 15,714 This study is a continuation of a contract that is providing
upper air data at seven sites: Craig and C-b Oil Shale
Tract, Colorado; Hanksville and Escalante, Utah; Casper
and Rock Springs, Wyoming. Temperature, wind speed and
direction versus altitude are being measured via pilot
balloons and temperature sondes. Pilot balloons are
released twice a day, every other day. Temperature and
wind data are used to generate stability-wind rise data
on a seasonal, annual, and monthly basis. Summaries of
inversions and mixing-layer heights are also provided.
Mr. Machta - NOAA
Aeromet, Inc.
Dr. Ray Booker
P. 0. Box FF
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
****
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NOAA - Meteorological Interpretation and Prediction of Air Quality in
the Western United States Related to Energy Activities
$100,000 Take selected air quality measurements together with
meteorological trajectory data and predict impact of
future energy resource activities. Completion date:
March 19, 1980.
John W. Townsend, Jr. - NOAA
NOAA, Air Resources Laboratory
Silver Spring, Maryland
****
NOAA - LIDAR Techniques for Measuring Particulate Pollutants from Energy
Production and their Transport and Dispersion Processes.
$150,000 Task I is application of Doppler LIDAR to monitor atmos-
pheric processes that transport and disperse pollutants.
Task II is to apply LIDAR techniques to measure particu-
lates emitted from power generation facilities. Comple-
tion date: June 30, 1979.
John W. Townsen, Jr. - NOAA
NOAA, Environmental Research Laboratory
Wave Propagation Laboratory
325 Broadway
Boulder, Colorado 80301
(303) 499-1000
****
USGS - Assessing the Impact of Oil Shale In Situ Development
$ 51,219 Assessment in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah
region on the air quality.
Environmental Research Technology, Inc.
Westlake Village, California
****
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V. LAND AND REVEGETATION RESEARCH
The research cited in this section is focused on land use, shale
spoils, and revegetation. The government funding cited is $1,535,170.
EPA - Vegetative Stabilization of Paraho Spent Oil Shale
$ 94,000 The objective of this research is to study surface stabil-
(FY75) ity and water movement in and through Paraho spent oil
shale and soil-covered Paraho spent shale. In addition
$ 33,393 to the vegetation studies, the distributions of water and
(FY76) salts in the plots will be monitored with the objective
of quantifying the potential salt pollution from shale
residues. Because it is not possible to experimentally
model the actual prototype disposal, the data from the
plots will be used to develop and verify a mathematical
model of salt and water transport. This model will be
used to estimate the long-term water quality and quantity
aspects of large scale disposals of spent shale residue.
The duration of this grant is from July 15, 1975, to July 14,
1978.
Eugene Harris, Extraction Technology Branch, IERL,
Cincinnati (513) 684-4417
Colorado State University
Dr. William A. Berg
Department of Agronomy
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
(303) 491-6483 or 491-6501
*•***
EPA - Vegetative Stabilization of Spent Oil Shales
$ 15,000 This study is being carried out on two different spent oil
(FY75) shales. "Soil" treatments are plant establishment: (1)
directly on leached and fertilized spent shales; (2) on
$ 21,054 six inches of soil over leached spent shale; (3) on one
(FY76) foot of soil over unleached spent shale; and (4) on soil.
Plots have been established on 25 percent north and south
slopes at altitudes of 5700 and 7200 feet in or near the
Piceance Basin of northwestern Colorado. Each plot (28 per
site) is bordered with wood to form individual runoff
plots 11 feet wide and 22 feet long. Sediment and runoff
catchments have yet to be installed. One site (5700 feet)
has been instrumented for soil salinity and soil moisture
measurements. A cover of native plant species has been
established on the lower altitude site and will be
V-l
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established on the higher site. Measurements on vegetation
include frequency, density, and vegetative ground cover.
Completion date: August 31, 1977.
Eugene F. Harris - EPA, IERL, Cincinnati (513) 684-4417
Colorado State University
William A. Berg, Department of Agronomy
Fort Collins, Colorado 80523
****
EPA/USDA - Technologies for Controlling Adverse Effects of Mining on
Forest, Range, and Related Freshwater Ecosystems
$539,000 Coordinated studies by Forest Service research scientists
underway at several locations in the Northern Great Plains
and Southwest U.S.A. being conducted by: Director, Rocky
Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, 240 West
Prospect Street, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521, (303) 484-
6270; Director, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment
Station, 507 25th Street, Ogden, Utah 84401, (801) 399-
6361; Director, Forest Environment Research Staff, 12th
and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250,
(703) 235-1071; and Director, Northeastern Forest and
Range Experiment Station, 6816 Market Street, Upper Darby,
Pennsylvania 19082, (215) 597-3715. The work will: (1)
develop guidelines and criteria for overburden drilling,
analysis, and placement as related to growth-supporting
media; (2) prepare technical handbook on revegetation
methods for mined lands in the eastern U.S., including
recommendations for new research; (3) develop guidelines
and criteria for the use of non-mine wastes as soil amend-
ments on coal and oil shale spoils; and (4) develop
recommendations, guidelines, and criteria, based on new
research, for revegetation following coal and oil shale
mining.
R. Z. Callaham - USDA, Forest Environment Research
U.S. Department of Agriculture
12th and Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
****
ERDA - Spent Shale Revegetation
$250,000 Project is carrrying out spent shale revegetation of a
variety of vegetation types at a location in Piceance
Basin, Colorado.
V-2
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Bob Kerr - ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Center
Colorado State University
Dr. Simms
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
****
USDA - Develop Criteria for Utilization of Irrigation to Ameliorate Ad-
verse Site Conditions for Initial Plant Cover Establishment
$ 13,000 Determine effectiveness of supplemental irrigation and the
duration of its effectiveness after termination on establish-
ment of vegetation in semi-arid areas. Location of-the work
is Sand Wash, Utah. Duration of project: June, 1973, to
June, 1978.
Bryant Davis - U.S. Forest Service, SEAM, Billings, Montana
U.S. Forest Service
Intermountain Forest & Range Experiment Station,
Mr. Paul Packer
860 N. 12th E.
Logan, Utah
****
USBM - Research Contract for the Underground Disposal of Spent Shale from
Paraho Retorting Process
$304,123 Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co.
Rifle, Colorado
****
USGS - Northwest Colorado Oil Shale Environmental Geology
$265,600 Bedrock and surficial basic geologic mapping derivative and
interpretive environmental geologic aspect maps from basic
data. Land capability maps and reports to aid persons
charged with deciding land use, land restoration following
mining, and constraints to land use by industry and indi-
viduals. Bedrock mapping has been completed in the
Dinosaur National Monument area. Various quadrangle maps
of Rio Blanco, Moffat, and Uintah Counties have been produced,
USGS
Mr. John Maberry, Program Manager
Energy Lands Program
Lakewood, Colorado 80225
(303) 234-4857
****
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VI. HEALTH EFFECTS
Considerable biological and medical research is being done to
characterize health effects and transport processes. This section lists
a government funding level of $3,803,000 in addition to $660,000 being
spent by the American Petroleum Institute.
EPA - Influence of Combustion Effluents of Shale Oil Products on In-
duction of Pulmonary Cancer in Laboratory Animals
$250,000 In-house research to characterize and model effluents
and study health effects. Anticipated completion date:
1981.
Dave Coffin - EPA
Health Effects Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
(919) 549-8411
****
EPA - Air, Water, and Multi-Route and Health Effects from Pollutants
Associated with Energy Development
$ 25,000 Studies have been designed to assess the health effects
of exposures to substances which pollute air and water as
a result of energy technologies. Emphasis is being
placed on potentially toxic agents resulting from fuel
extraction, conversion and combustion. The evaluation of
the toxicity of the pollutants and their metabolic pro-
ducts include a spectrum of bioeffect indices. The
present program includes: (1) The assessment of exposure
to toxic organic chemicals which are associated with
energy processes and which reach man through water. The
investigations include screening for potential carcino-
gens, mutagens, and teratogens in water supplies, as they
result from energy sources emphasizing coal and shale oil
processing. (2) Toxicologic data are obtained for multi-
route exposures from metal pollutants resulting from
fossil fuel extraction, combustion and conservation. The
establishment of additional physiological and biochemical
indicators to establish a more sensitive dose; effect
data base includes studies of age sensitivity and in-
fluence of dietary composition on absorption, deposition,
and toxicity of the trace elements which pollute the
environment from energy-related sources; long-term effects
of inhalation exposures to toxic components of fly ash;
VI-1
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biochemical effects of energy-related-trace metals on
pulmonary macromolecular metabolism. The project duration
is from October 1, 1976, to October 1, 1977.
J. F. Stara - EPA, HERL, Cincinnati
EPA, Health Effects Research Laboratory
26 W. St. Claire Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
(513) 684-7401
****
EPA - Determination of the Effects of Material from Alternate Energy
Sources on Upper Respiratory Trace Clearance Mechanisms
$ 30,000 The objective of this contract is to screen a variety
(FY 75) of substances for their toxic effect on mucociliary
activity using an in vitro model system. Since cilia
$ 40,000 play a significant role in pulmonary clearance, proper
(FY 76) functioning is essential for defense against various
environmental insults. However, ozone, nitrogen dioxide,
nickel, and cadmium have an adverse effect on this system
Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to determine
if alternate energy sources such as shale oil and coal
gasification and liquefaction, or particulate effluents
from power stations, stationary engines or mobile sources
produce pollutants toxic to the mucociliary escalator.
Due to the above considerations isolated hamster tracheal
rings will be exposed to pollutants in vitro. Parameters
to be measured are: (1) effect on ciliary beat frequency,
(2) effect on the energy source (ATP) of beating, (3)
effect on ciliary and tracheal morphology, and (4) re-
covery of the tracheal rings after exposure. In all
cases, parameters will be tested for dose-response effects.
Project duration is from October 1975, to May, 1979.
Dr. Donald E. Gardner - EPA, HERL, RTP (919) 549-8411
Ball State University
Dr. Dorothy Ada!is
Department of Biology
Muncie, Indiana 47306
****
EPA - Determination of the Influence of Mineral Cofactors in Conjunction
with Carcinogens from Energy-Related Materials
$300,000 The objective of this project is to determine the in
(FY 75) fluence of environmental materials such as fibrous am-
VI-2
-------
$470,000 phiboles, fine particles, etc., as cofactors with car
(FY 76) cinogenesis influences from alternate energy sources
such as coal gasification and liquefaction, and shale oil
products and effluents. The methods employed would be
intratracheal instillation and intrapleural innoculation.
The end points would be formation of cancer in the lung
or pleura or development of precancerous lesions compared
to appropriate controls. The duration of this project is
from December, 1975, to August, 1978.
David L. Coffin, D.V.M. - EPA, HERL, RTP (919) 549-8411
X2266
Northrop Services
Huntsville, Alabama
****
EPA - Air, Water and Multi-Route Exposures and Their Effects: Pollutants
Associated with Energy Development
Constituents of and compounds derived from petroleum hy-
drocarbons may accumulate in portions of the marine food
chain consumed by man. The objective of this research is
to provide an assessment of the potential for accumula-
tion of specific carcinogens found in fractions of shale
oil. Completion date: October, 1978.
EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory
Dr. Norman L. Richards
Sabine Island
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
C904) 932-5311
*•***
EPA/NIOSH - Mortality, Morbidity, and Industrial Hygiene Study of Oil
Shale Workers
$290,000 This project is a study of 444 men who have worked in
pilot oil shale operations. The cohort will be divided
into three smaller cohorts consisting of (1) 294 men from
the U.S. Bureau of Mines and (2) 135 men of the Joint
Venture of the Colorado School of Mines Research Institute
and COLONY in Anvil Points, Colorado, and also (3) 15 men
from the Union Oil Retort facility in Grand Valley,
Colorado. A retrospective mortality study of approximately
60 men will be done in house while a cross-sectional
morbidity examination to evaluate several morbidity
aspects that may be associated with oil shale occupations
will be done by contract. Mortality due to 21 specific
VI-3
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causes of death will be determined after an extensive
follow-up effort and the obtaining of death certificates
of those determined to be deceased. Observed deaths will
be compared to those expected to uncover excess deaths
due to a particular cause. Numerous indices of health
will be assessed through the physical examinations and
health questionnaires administered to the living members
of the cohort. Further activities tentatively include
environmental exposure and medical assessments of workers
entering the industry. The Industrial Hygiene aspects of
this study will be a joint U.S. and U.S.S.R. research
project on the health effects associated with the oil
shale industry. William Wagner will make an initial trip
to the U.S.S.R. to develop joint U.S.-U.S.S.R. survey
protocol. A Russian delegation headed by Dr. Gogovsky
will then visit the U.S. for approximately three weeks
in May 1977. The Environmental Investigations Branch
will be responsible for the planning of this trip. Contact
will be made with those people knowledgeable in oil shale
technology, and those who are or have been involved in
health studies related to oil shale, mining, and retorting.
Three industrial hygienists from the EIB are tenatively
scheduled to travel to the Soviet Union in September to
perform walk-through surveys of U.S.S.R. oil shale operations
Completion date: November, 1978.
John F. Finklea, M.D. -NIOSH
NIOSH, Appalachian Laboratory for Environmental Safety
and Health
Robert Reger, William G. Jones
944 Chestnut Ridge Road
Morgantown, West Virginia 26505
(304) 599-7501
****
EPA/HEW - Compilation and Tabular Abstracting of Literature on Muta-
genic Effects of Energy-Related Pollutants
$ 45,000 The tasks of the Environmental Mutagen Information Center
(EMIC) will carry out are to compile the past and present
literature on mutagenesis testing of energy-related
pollutants. This information will then be processed into
EMIC's data bank noting bibliographic details and key-
wording of chemicals, organisms, and systems studied.
Energy Information Files are now available at EMIC. They
are: (1) Petroleum Refinery Stream Effluents - Select
chemicals from effluents resulting from refinery streams
were searched for potential mutagenic activity and
"select" toxicity; (2) Toxicity of Coal Liquefaction
Products represents limited search of general publica-
tions in EMIC - shale oil, oil shale, coal conversion,
VI-4
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and energy-related files for toxicological information.
Coal conversion files are being maintained, and pertinent
references are being selected and added for possible
interest to the funding agencies of NIEHS.
Dr. Fred de Serres - NIEHS (HEW)
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Dr. H. V. Mailing, Environmental Mutagenesis Branch
P.O. Box 12233
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
****
EPA/ERDA - Development of Permanent Epithelial Cell Lines
$ 60,000 Objectives are: (1) to develop the means by which chemicals
associated with non-nuclear energy generation, especially
agents arising from coal and oil shale extraction, can be
screened for potential carcinogenic activity reliably,
quickly and cheaply relative to current animal exposure
techniques; and (2) to utilize appropriate cultured cells
developed in (1) for the study of hydrocarbon carcinogen
metabolism to active forms and the mechamism of chemical
carcinogenesis. A research group with two discrete but
closely related approaches to these problems is being
developed. These are: (1) Cell Biology - The major
focus here will be the development of permanent cell
lines of epithelial origin (human, when possible and
appropriate) which posses the enzymatic equipment for
carcinogen activation and which are transformable with
high frequency; (2) Biochemistry - Principal focus will
be the study of metabolism of polycyclic hydrocarbons in
various cell lines developed in approach (1), to establish
with certainty the "ultimate" carcinogenic metabolite,
using primarily high pressure liquid chromatography
techniques.
Dr. George D. Duda - ERDA
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J. Selkirk, Biology Division
P.O. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
EPA/ERDA - Detection of Early Changes in Lung Cell Cytology by Flow
Systems Analysis Techniques
*
$ 50,000 The objective of this health effects program is the
application of modern automated cytology techniques for
VI-5
-------
assessment of damage to human populations resulting from
exposure to physical and chemical agents associated with
oil shale and coal extraction, conversion, and utiliza-
tion. The approach is to apply unique flow-system cell-
analysis and sorting technologies developed at the Los
Alamos Scientific Laboratory to determine cytological and
biochemical indicators of early atypical changes in
exposed lung epithelium using the Syrian hamster initially
as a model test system. The current plans are to adapt
cell preparation and staining methods developed for flow
systems to characterize lung cells from normal and exposed
hamsters using the multiparameter cell separator and
multiangle light-scatter systems. This includes acquisition
of respiratory cells by lavaging the lungs with saline,
adapting cytological techniques developed on human gyne-
cological specimens to hamster lung epithelium for ob-
taining single-cell suspensions, utilization of existing
staining techniques for measurement of cellular biochemical
properties, and initial characterization of lung cells
using flow analysis instrumentation. Progress has been
achieved in measuring DNA content, total protein, esterase
activity, cell size, nuclear and cytoplasmic diameters,
and multiangle light-scatter properties of exfoliated
hamster lung cell samples composed of macrophages, leukocytes,
epithelial, and columnar cells. As this new technology
is adapted further to analyze lung cells from hamsters
and subsequent characterization studies are completed,
measurement of changes in physical and biochemical cell
properties as a function of exposure to toxic agents
associated with synthetic fuels energy production will be
performed, with eventual examination of sputum samples
from occupationally exposed humans.
Dr. George D. Duda - ERDA
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
University of California
J. A. Steinkamp, Health Division (MS881)
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
****
EPA/ERDA - Somatic Cell Genetics
$100,000 The genetics program is currently isolating temperature
sensitive (ts) mutants (variants) of the mammalian cell
lines CHO and DON CCL for use in studying the genetics of
cell life-cycle traverse. In addition to these ts
mutants, several auxotrophic clones have been isolated and
the NGPRT+ -> HGPRT " mutation system has been developed
for use in assessing the mutagenicity of suspected car-
VI-6
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cinogens derived primarily from coal gasification and
shale extraction processes. The Ames Salmonella/microsome
test system will serve as an ancilliary test for mutagenicity,
The mammalian cell forward and reverse mutation system
and the Ames bacterial test system are currently functional
in this laboratory. Temperature-sensitive life-cycle
traverse mutants are being analyzed to determine in what
phase of the life cycle the ts phenotype is expressed
using the LASL flow microfluorometer (FMF II). This is a
two year program ending in 1977.
Dr. George D. Duda - ERDA
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
University of California
B. J. Barnhart, Cellular and Molecular Biology Group
P.O. Box 1663
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
****
Toxic Materials
EPA/ERDA - Analysis of the Effects of Energy-Related
to Karyotype Stability in Mammalian Cells
$ 50,000 The objectives of this program are to develop systems
for the rapid detection of karyotypic changes in mammalian
cells as a result of exposure to energy-related environ-
mental pollutants and to screen selected subjects utilizing
these systems. Flow microfluorometry (FMF) of isolated,
fluorescently stained chromosomes will be used to identify
chromosome aberrations, and FMF of stained intact cells
will be used to detect mitotic nondisjunction. Cadmium
will be used as the clastogenic agent in the development
of a test system. It has been demonstrated that chromosome
analysis can be accomplished by flow systems in mammalian
cells with relatively simple karyotypes (Chinese hamster
2N = 22). Cadmium at low concentrations (2 x 10"6 Mj
is a potent clastogen. It induces primarily chromatid-
type aberrations. We have also demonstrated that tolerance
to the damaging effects of cadmium can be induced in
fibroblast cells in culture by long-term exposure of the
cells to sublethal concentrations (2 x 10"7 M_) of cadmium.
Repeats of these experiments are planned on human fibroblast
and lymphocyte cells in vitro and to extend these studies
to other toxic agents associated with alternative energy
technologies.
Dr. George D. Duda - ERDA
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
University of California
VI-7
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L. L. Deaven, Health. Division (_MS881)_
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
****
EPA/ERDA - Development of Cytochemical Markers for Cell Transformation
and Carcinogenesis
$325,000 The objective of this project is to develop rapid, sen-
sitive, and economical systems for the in vitro and
cytological assay for carcinogenic effects of substances
involved in the extraction conversion and utilization of
nonnuclear energy sources, with particular consideration
of in situ coal gasification, shale oil utilization,
coal-burning power plants, and geothermal power plants.
The approach is based on the development of cytochemical
markers for cell transformation, and on the ability to
quantitate such markers by microfluorometry and by flow
system analysis and sorting. There are two phases to
this work: (1) the development of appropriate test
systems whose response is defined by well characterized
and representative carcinogenic agents, and (2) the
application of such systems to substances released by
energy technologies, and including testing with whole and
fractionated samples of effluents. The intracellular
levels of several hydrolytic enzymes have been chosen as
potential early indicators of cell transformation. Using
synthetic fluorogenic enzyme substrates, the levels of
four proteases and five esterases have been measured on
monolayer cultures of Chinese hamster ovary cells,
Syrian hamster embryo cells and human lung fibroblasts
(both normal and viral transformed). Hydrolase profiles
generated from these measurements indicate signficant
differences between cell types. Flow cytometry analysis
on W138 cells (normal versus SV-40 transformed) indicates
that intracellular Cathepsin Bl and Alkaline Phosphatase
levels can be used to distinguish individual normal cells
from transformed cells. These same enzyme assays will be
used to determine an optimum in vitro system for sub-
sequent carcinogen treatment and flow analysis. Project
duration is from June, 1975, to June, 1980.
Dr. George D. Duda - ERDA
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
B. H. MayaH, Biomedical and Environmental Research
Division
P.O. Box 808
Livermore, California 94550
(415) 447-1100 X3587
****
VI-8
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EPA/ERDA - Mutagenicity Assay of Fractionated Coal Conversion Products
$125,000 Using rapid screening genetic assays [Ames System).
the objective is attempting to identify mutagenic agents
associated with coal and oil shale extraction, conversion
or utilization. Primary and subfractions of products and
aqueous discharges are being assayed for the ability to
inactivate and/or revert histidine requiring mutants of
Salmonella. Potential mutagenic fractions will be
identified and attempts will be made to ascertain the
specific compound(s) responsible for the mutagenic action.
Parallel bioassays are being carried out with selected
materials in yeast, Drosophilia, and human leucocytes.
Thus, the validity of short-term testing for genetic
damage will be ascertained. The preliminary fractionations
have been carried out and the genetic assays are in
progress. These investigations are the initial attempts
to monitor environmentally important processes for genetic
damage. The value of short-term testing as a pre-screen
for carcinogenesis of environmental effluents is being
considered.
Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
ERDA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J. L. Epler, Biology Division
P.O. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37803
****
EPA/ERDA - In Vivo Screening for Gene Mutation in Mouse Germ and
Somatic Cells
$175,000 In screening for mutagenic agents it is important to
includemammalian tests for gene mutations. In this
project, identification of mutagens associated with coal
and oil shale technologies that can induce gene mutations
and small deficiencies will be accomplished by scoring
for (1) transmitted specific-locus mutations induced in
germ cells and (2) somatic mutations in coat color genes.
The specific-locus method developed has been employed
extensively in radiation work and has already proved its
usefulness in chemical mutagenesis studies. It is the
only established, reliable and definitive test for trans-
mitted gene mutations and small deficiencies currently
available in mammals. Two polycyclic hydrocarbons that
might be a human hazard as the result of coal liquefaction
and gasification processes, namely, benzo [a] pyrene and
7,12-dimethylbenz [a] anthracene, are not being tested.
In order to make the method economically efficient for
VI-9
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screening purposes, it will be used to test whether there
is anything mutagenic in a whole mixture of compounds,
for example, in an effluent. One mixture from a coal
conversion process that has just become available after
studies with nonmammalian systems is now being used in
preliminary toxicity tests. An in vivo somatic-mutation
method, developed in an earlier X-ray experiment, has now
been explored for its usefulness in the prescreening for
germinal point mutations induced by chemicals. In an
array of seven compounds tested, parallel!ism with
spermatogonial specific-locus mutation rates was found,
indicating that the in vivo somatic-mutation test may
detect point mutations in addition to other types of
genetic changes that lead to expression of the recessive.
the method is now being used to test fractions from coal-
conversion processes.
Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
ERDA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
W. L. Russell, L. B. Russell
P.O. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
of
EPA/ERDA - Development of An In Vitro Assay for Co-Carcinogenesis
Coal/Oil Shale Derivatives
$ 50,000 The object of this investigation is to develop an in
vitro assay capable of detecting the co-carcinogenic
potential (with X-rays) of materials produced during coal
and oil shale processing. Initially it was proposed to
utilize mouse tissue cultured cells and an already
established transformation assay. Initial experiments
indicated that rodent cells may process lesions induced
by alkylating agents different from human cells and that
therefore their use as screening materials might be
misleading. This was shown by demonstrating that a
variety of DNA damaging agents yielded significantly
different effects on various cell lines when measured by
a variety of techniques. It was hypothesized that a
ventral difference between the lines (rodent versus
human) may be the "activation of oncogenesis" related to
the strand breakage induced, rodent lines carrying trans-
forming virus materials of a complete or incomplete
nature, which is lacking in most human targets cells.
This is being evaluated through cell hybridization analysis
using hybrids made by sendaivirus fusion of cells lacking
either (a) different DNA repair enzymes or (b) (potential)
RNA viruses.
VI-10
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Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
UCLA School of Medicine
John E. Byfield
Department of Radiology CUCSD)
900 Veteran Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90024
****
EPA/ERDA - Effects of Agents Associated with Coal and Oil Shale Ex-
traction, Conversion, or Utilization on Cell-Cycle Kinetics
and on Chromatin/Chromosome Structure
$ 50,000 It is essential that ERDA/EPA provide a means for de-
tecting and monitoring damage to human populations as a
result of exposure to various toxic chemical and physical
agents. To obtain an idea of the parameters to be
monitored in humans, it is necessary first to establish
the effects of agents on cells in simpler model systems.
Earlier experience with drugs which act as carcinogens
and teratogens has convinced researchers that changes in
population cell-cycle distribution and alterations in
chromatin structure may provide useful early indicators
of sublethal damage to cells exposed to hazardous agents.
Examination will be made of alterations in these para-
meters following exposure to specific energy-related
toxic substances in currently available tissue-culture
systems which show promise as a predictive indicator of
response of human populations. A technique has been
developed that allows preparation of both cycling and
noncycling cell populations in tissue culture, mimicking
these classes of somatic cells in humans. By combining
autoradiography, cell number enumeration, and flow micro-
fluorometry, it will be possible to obtain highly detailed
information regarding the cellular kinetic response of
both arrested and cycling populations to treatment with
toxic agents. Results obtained to date suggest that DNA-
interactive agents elicit different types of kinetic
responses in treated cells, indicating a degree of specificity
of interaction between various alkylating and intercalating
agents and the genome.
Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
University of California
Robert A. Tobey, Health Division (MS881)
Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545
****
VI-11
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EPA/ERDA - Morphological Variants in Damaged Sperm
$ 60,000 Ionizing radiation as well as various mutagens, car-
cinogens and teratogens are known to induce elevated
levels of morphologically abnormal sperm in mice. The
objectives of this study are: (1) to further develop and
apply the detection of morphologically abnormal mouse
sperm as a rapid, simple quantitative assay of the pathologic
response of the male gonad to toxic agents; (2) to
extend the studies in the mouse to the hamster; and (3)
to develop the methodology of automated scoring of ab-
normally shaped sperm, especially after the exposure of
the male to toxic agents. Of special interest are possible
effects of the chemical pollutants associated with the
recovery, process stream, and emission of nonnuclear
sources of energy, especially coal gasification and oil shale
extraction in situ. To accomplish these objectives,
groups of test mice have received subacute or chronic
exposures by injection, inhalation, or dermal application
as is appropriate. The percent of abnormally shaped
epididymal sperm will be determined as a function of
dosage and time after exposure. These results will be
compared to those obtained by more conventional mutagens,
carcinogens and teratogens. Preliminary studies with the
hamster and mouse have shown that these two species are
qualitatively very similar in response. Furthermore, an
attempt is being made to distinguish sperm morphology in
these species based on suggested differences in fluorescent
dye uptake. These results may well lead to automated
analyses of sperm morphology. Project duration is from
June, 1975, to June 1980.
Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
Andrew J. Wyrobek
P.O. Box 808
Livermore, California 94550
(415) 447-1100
****
EPA/ERDA - Quantitative Mutagenesis Testing in Mammalian Cellular
Systems
$100,000 Objectives of this project are: (1) to develop and apply
quantitative multiple-marker assays utilizing cultured
mammalian cells for the evaluation of potential mutagenic
effects of agents derived from energy technologies;
and (2) to use these existing and newly-developed bio-
VI-12
-------
logical screening systems for the identification of
mutagenic agents associated with coal and oil shale ex-
traction, conversion, or utilization. This program
proposes the use of multiple drug-resistance markers for
forward mutation in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)
cells, as well as in vitro and host-mediated in vivo/ in
vitro procedures in the Syrian hamster embryo (SHE)
system. The markers being developed measure the frequency
of forward mutation at the recessive azaadenine-resistant
marker, the X-linked azaguanine-resistant phenotype, and
the dominant ouabain-resistant locus. Established pro-
caryote and lower eucaryote systems will be used for
comparison and reference; the most satisfactory markers
in all systems will then be combined into a standard
protocol in which each of the gene loci can be measured
for mutation following exposure to a particular test
agent or combination thereof. Progress to date has
been: (1) Selection and validation of three CHO cell
lines heterozygous at the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase
locus. These stock lines have been tested for optimal
cell plating, selecting drug concentration, and expression
time; the cell lines are now being used in triple marker
mutagenesis experiments. (2) The SHE system has been
tested extensively-plating efficiency optimized, ouabain
resistance determined, with work currently in progress to
optimize the azaguanine-resistance marker. Both CHO and
SHE systems have been tested with the standard mutagen
EMS, and experiments utilizing specific hydrocarbons
relevant to energy technology are now underway. Project
duration is from June, 1975, to June, 1980.
Dr. George E. Stapleton - ERDA
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory
F. T. Hatch, Biomedical Sciences Division
P.O. Box 808
Livermore, California 94550
(415) 447-1100 X3563
****
EPA/ERDA - Establishment of a Chemical Repository for Alternate Energy
Source Material for Toxicity Testing
$295,000 This project will provide a repository where materials
from new energy sources can be received, identified,
divided into replicate specimens for testing, and for-
warded to participating laboratory for testing with
sufficient material being held under appropriate methods
of storage for future reference. Materials to be handled
include products and combustion effluents from coal
VI-13
-------
gasification and liquefaction and shale oil extraction.
This effort will be combined with a similar effort being
undertaken by the NCI. The project duration is from
October, 1975, to September, 1978.
David L. Coffin, D.V.M. - EPA, HERL, RTP
(919) 549-8411 X2266
ERDA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
P.O. Box X
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
EPA/ERDA - Effect of Alternate Energy Source Material on Whole Animal
Carcinogenesis by Percutaneous Application of Extracts and
Fractions to Mice
$100,000 This project constitutes the lead laboratory for car-
(FY 75) cinogenesis for the EPA studies of the toxic effects of
products and effluents from alternate energy sources.
$190,000 Materials for study will be derived through the chemical
(FY 76A) repository. Materials received will be subjected to
preliminary toxicity testing and fractionation followed
by cancer screening by standard methods, including skin
painting and injection. Data from this contract will be
used to evaluate data from other methods such as bacterial
mutagenesis, neoplastic transformation, intratracheal
instillation, etc., in order to arrive at a coherent
view of the relative value of various methods in dealing
with practicable evaluation of carcinogenesis potential
of crude materials or portions. Project duration is from
September, 1976, to September, 1978.
David L. Coffin, D.V.M. - EPA, HERL, RTP
(919) 549-8411 X2266
ERDA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Robert Wood
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
ERDA - Interactions Between Damage (and Repair of Damage) Resulting from
Hazardous Agents Associated with Coal and Oil Shale Technologies
and Ultraviolet Damage
$163,000 Effects of ultraviolet radiation and chemical agents
from coal and oil shale technologies on the repair of
damage of cells. Completion date: July, 1977.
R. A. Jensen - ERDA
VI-14
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Brookhaven National Laboratory
Biology Department
Upton, New York
****
ERDA - Regulatory Processes in Damaged Cells
$ 80,000 Study cell regulatory systems as effected by hazardous
agents associated with coal and oil shale technologies.
Completion date: July, 1977.
R. A. Jensen - ERDA
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Biology Division
Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
****
ERDA - Molecular Damage of DMA and Proteins Caused by Hazardous Metals,
Metal Ions and Organic Compounds Associated with Coal and Oil
Shale Technologies
$ 50,000 Interactions of nucleic acids, proteins, etc., with
hazardous substances related to coal and shale oil tech-
nologies. Completion date: July, 1977.
R. A. Jensen - ERDA
University of California at Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California 90024
****
ERDA - Processes by which Laboratory Mammals Recover from Damage by
Exposure to Pollutants Associated with Coal Gasification and
Shale Distillation.
$ 90,000 Health implications for people exposed to quantites of
potentially hazardous materials. Emphasis will be on the
sequence of events occurring in the immune system.
Completion date: January 1, 1978.
M. L. Minthorn - ERDA
Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
Health Division, Mammalian Biology Group
Los Alamos, New Mexico
****
VI-15
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NIOSH - Mortality and Morbidity Among Oil Shale Workers
$160,000 Mortality due to 21 specific causes of approximately
230 persons who worked at a pilot oil shale operation in
Rifle, Colorado, will be studied. Completion date: June,
1977.
John F. Finklea - NIOSH
NIOSH, Western Area Occupational Health Laboratory
Salt Lake City, Utah
****
NIOSH - Enumeration of Energy Occupational Health Problems
$ 80,000 Identify occupational health problems associated with
the extraction, processing, etc., of energy resources.
Completion date: May, 1980.
John F. Finklea - NIOSH
NIOSH, Western Area Occupational Health Laboratory
Salt Lake City, Utah
****
In addition to government-funded research in the area of health
effects, the American Petroleum Institute (API) has been investigating
medical and biological effects under the direction of Neill K. Weaver,
M.D. The funding levels shown are for calendar year 1976.
API - Environmental Impact of Emissions and Effluents from Shale Oil
Processes
$ 30,000 To evaluate the impact of effluents and emissions from
processing of these alternate energy sources on the non-
human biota of the area. There may be related hazards
not identified or recognized in this program. This
project involves a review of selected literature, limited
plant visits, and preparation of an annotated listing of
additional health and environmental matters to be con-
sidered by API.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API, Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20027
[202) 457-7190
****
VI-16
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API - Analytical Support for Program on Toxicity of Shale Oil Products
$ 75,000 To characterize selected samples of shale oil products
studied in the toxicity program. The following deter-
minations will be made: PONA (paraffins-olefins-naph-
thenes-aromatics) content, trace metals, PNA (polynuclear
aromatic hydrocarbons) by GC/UV/MS silica content, asbestos
radio-activity. In addition, certain other specialized
tests (heterocyclics, carbon number distribution, etc.)
may be required on some samples.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API, Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20027
(202) 457-7190
****
API - Chronic Inhalation Toxicity of Shale Oil Process Products
$250,000 To determine the chronic inhalation toxicity of shale oil
process products by exposing experimental animals under
appropriate laboratory conditions. Standardized pro-
cedures appropriate for occupational and environmental
health evaluation and acceptable to regulatory agencies
will be employed.
Neill K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API, Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20027
(202) 457-7190
*•***
API - Carcinogenic Potential of Shale Oil Products
$ 45,000 To determine the potential for carcinogenic activity by
shale oil products. Standardized procedures appropriate
for occupational and environmental health evaluation and
acceptable to regulatory agencies will be employed.
Neill K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API, Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20037
(202) 457-7190
****
VI-17
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API - Sensitization Potential of Shale Oil Products
$ 10,000 To determine if there is a potential for sensitization
[allergic contact dermatitis and photosensitization)
through contact with shale oil products. Human patch
test techniques will be employed. Standardized pro-
cedures appropriate for occupational and environmental
health evaluation and acceptable to regulatory agencies
will be employed.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API - Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20037
(202) 457-7190
****
API - Acute and Subacute Toxicity and Mutagenic Potential of Shale Oil
Products
$200,000 To assess the acute and subacute toxicity and mutagenic
potential of shale oil products through exposure of ex-
perimental animals by various routes including oral,
dermal, eye, and inhalation. Standardization procedures
appropriate for occupational and environmental health
evaluation and acceptable to regulatory agencies will be
employed.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API - Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20037
(202) 457-7190
****
API - Medical Surveillance Procedures for Shale Oil Operations
$ 25,000 To develop medical surveillance procedures. It is im-
portant to preplan the type of medical data to be collected
so that consistent, industry-wide statistics are avail-
able and that epidemiological studies of the prospective
type may be conducted. A currently sponsored program
(Medical Records Systems) will contribute technical
approaches to portions of this project.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
VI-18
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API - Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20Q37
C202) 457-7190
****
API - Hazards of Major Shale Oil Processes and Their Control
$25,000 To identify hazards associated with major processes and
develop protocols for their control. The principal needs
in this area are for early identification of unit opera-
tions which may involve health risks from exposures to
crude or processed materials and the recommendation of
industry-wide protocols for plant surveys. API is pre-
sently sponsoring a project for the identification of
hazards for conventional petroleum operations (Refinery
Monitoring Manual). Another project (Evaluation and
Control of Potential Environmental Hazards in the Petroleum
Industry) addresses the development of protocols for
control. These two projects will serve as bases for this
project.
Neil! K. Weaver, M.D. - API
API, Department of Medicine and Biological Science
2101 L Street NW
Washington, D. C. 20037
(202) 457-7190
****
VI-19
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VII. MISCELLANEOUS OIL SHALE RESEARCH
This section addresses research that is not aimed primarily at
environmental considerations. Such research includes socio-economic
studies, resource and process development, and oil shale characteristics
and properties. The government funding level cited is $19,579,108.
EPA/USDA
$396,000
Integrated Assessment:
Oil Shale Development
Socio-Economic Consequences of Coal and
, resource competition
future coal and oil
also estimate the impact
The objectives of this project are to describe current
resource use in coal and oil shale extraction and to assess
agricultural economic implications,
and use resulting from alternative
shale development. This work will
energy development in Northern Great Plains on employment,
income, and population of rural communities and on local
government finances and services, including revenue poten-
tial. Interrelationships of local government expenditures
to employment, population, income, age structure, and other
socio-economic variables will be analyzed. The work will
evaluate costs of mined land reclamation and uses for land
after mining. Interregional economic implications and trade-
offs for agricultural and rural areas resulting from coal
development will also be evaluated. Included are effects
of increased water demand for coal development on agricul-
tural industries, environmental quality and rural resource
use. The duration of this project is from March, 1976, to
June, 1979.
John R. Schaub - USDA, Washington, D.C.
USDA, Economic Research Service
V. Davis, Natural Resource Economics Division
12th and Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 447-8104
****
ERDA - Conversion of Shale Oil to Fuel Products
$230,000^
Objectives of this study are to develop improved methods for
producing liquid and gaseous fuels from shale oils. One
phase of the project is directed toward reducing sulfur,
nitrogen, and oxygen contents of the produced oils. A second
phase of the work is directed toward producing pipeline qual-
ity gas from an in situ operation.
*FY72 - FY77
VII-1
-------
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Center
Laramie, Wyoming
****
ERDA - Refining Process Technology
$ 87,000 Objectives of this project are to determine the refining
characteristics of syncrudes and to establish the overall
refining process as needed to satisfy future energy patterns
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Bartlesville Energy Research Center
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
****
ERDA - Observation of Industry Program at Anvil Points Facility
$108,000 Provide operating funds to support the Paraho project at
Anvil Points, Colorado. The Office of Naval Research has
continued funding for a 100,000-barrel test run.
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Center
Laramie, Wyoming
****
ERDA - Massive Hydraulic Fracture, Mapping, and Characterization Program
$1,675,000 Demonstrate techniques necessary to define the orientation
and dimensions of massive hydraulically induced fractures.
Future work will involve a Devonian shale site.
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Center
Laramie, Wyoming
****
VII-2
-------
ERDA - Determine the Potential Gas Reserves in the Devonian Shale
$487,593* To thoroughly characterize the shale, and to evaluate and
improve state-of-the-art exploration and extraction technology
*Cost-sharing contract with AMEX/VESCORP. Estimated cost to
ERDA is $487,593 for the five-year project.
AMEX/VESCORP Industries, Inc.
Worthington, Ohio
****
ERDA - Gasification of Oil Shale
$165,000 Objectives of this program are to define the operating para-
meters of oil shale retorting such that the off-gas produced
has a sufficient Btu content to be directly usable in the
turbine, to study the feasibility of producing pipeline
quality gas by gasification of oil shale, and to study means
of recovering the maximum energy from oil shale. Studies
have been performed on the 150-ton retort to provide the
answers for the scope of work. Off-gas heat content has
ranged from 40 to 90 Btu/standard cubic feet. Hydrocarbon
recovery was shown to be 84 percent of the organic material
originally present in the shale.
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Laboratory
Laramie, Wyoming
****
ERDA - Refining and Upgrading of Synfuels from Coal and Oil Shale by
Advanced Catalytic Processes
$1,588,598 Chevron Research Co.
Richmond, California
****
ERDA - Develop and Demonstrate an In Situ Process for Extraction of Energy
from Devonian Shale
Bruce Sudit - ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Laboratory
Dow Chemical Co.
****
VII-3
-------
ERDA - In Situ Processing Supporting Process Development -
$2,000,000* Engineering variables are being studied to develop an in
situ process.
*Approximate funding from FY65 to present.
ERDA
Fossil Energy Program
Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
ERDA, Sandia Laboratories
Albuquerque, New Mexico
****
ERDA - Impact of Legal and Regulatory Policies on the Commercialization
of Oil Shale
Project is to identify the regulatory constraints and other
legal policy issues which would constrain commercialization
of oil shale development in Colorado and Utah. Final report
is due spring, 1977.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Dr. Larry Linden, Energy Laboratory
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
(617) 253-3400
****
ERDA - Develop a Methodology for Cost/Risk/Benefit Trade off Analysis of
Nuclear, Oil Shale, Geothermal, and Coal Use for Power Production
in the Western States
$100,000 Western states energy development balanced benefits.
Completion date: April, 1976.
Jerry Olson - ERDA
ERDA, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
Los Alamos, New Mexico
****
ERDA - Mechanical Properties of Oil Shale
$ 66,000 Mechanical properties, including static compressive and
(FY77) tensile strengths are being investigated. These properties
will provide some insight into the fracturing mechanisms in
an in situ oil shale combustion. Project period of perfor-
mance is from December 1975 to October 1977.
VII-4
-------
John Ward Smith - ERDA, LERC
P. '0. Box 3395, University Station
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
University of Wyoming
Mr. Ken Chong, Department of Civil Engineering
Laramie, Wyoming 82070
****
ERDA - Massive Hydraulic Fracturing in the Devonian Shale
More than Assess the technical and economic effectiveness of massive
$2,000,000 hydraulic fracturing techniques for the development of
potentially large gas reserves in the Appalachian Basin
Devonian shale.
ERDA, Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology,
Washington, D.C.
Columbia Gas System Service Corp.
****
ERDA - The Real Cost of Alternative Energy Resources
$ 49,981 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
(617) 253-3400
****
ERDA - Electrical and Thermal Conductivities of Green River Oil Shale
$ 24,667 Thermal properties and electrical properties of oil shale
are being defined. Project period was June 1, 1975, to
March 1, 1976. Research is now funded by NSF.
ERDA, Fossil Energy Program, Division of Oil, Gas, and
Shale Technology, Washington, D.C.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
****
ERDA - Characteristics of Oil Shales
$314,000 ERDA, Fossil Energy Program
(FY75) Division of Oil, Gas, and Shale Technology
Washington, D.C.
VII-5
-------
ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Center
Laramie, Wyoming
****
ERDA - In Situ Bed Preparation Study, Advanced Instrumentation, Rock
Mechanics, and Diagnostics Support for LERC Program
$1,100,000 A part of the Sandia FY76 program.
ERDA, Sandia Laboratories
Albuquerque, New Mexico
****
ERDA - Explosively Produced Fracturable Oil Shale
$300,000 Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory
(FY76) Los Alamos, New Mexico
****
ERDA - Accelerated Oil Shale In Situ Research - A Joint Government-Industry
Program
Negotiations are currently underway with Tally Frac,
Geokinetics, Equity Oil Co., and Occidental.
Andy Decora - ERDA, Laramie Energy Research Laboratory
****
USBM - Piceance Creek Basin Shaft
$3,635,943 Three contracts have been let for a 2,350-foot deep, eight-
foot inside diameter shaft to be drilled into the deep,
rich oil shales of the Piceance Creek basin of northwest
Colorado. The driller is Rowan Co., Inc. The casing for
the shaft will be supplied by Marathon-LeTourneau. Hughes
Tool Co. will supply two 500-ton elevators for the shaft.
The bore, which is part of a long-range USBM program to
develop deep mining techniques in oil shale, has two pur-
poses. Initially, it will provide access for mining of a
500-ton bulk sample of dawsonite-rich shale for testing in
the USBM alumina program at the Boulder City, Nevada,
laboratory. Subsequently, the shaft may become a ventila-
tion shaft for an experimental deep mine. The bore hole is
expected to be completed in the summer of 1977.
VII-6
-------
Mr. Freedman - USBM (202) 634-1008
Rowan Co., Inc. ($1,639,720.88)
Houston, Texas
Marathon-LeTourneau ($1,852,587.61)
Longview, Texas
Hughes Tool Co. ($143,635.48)
Houston, Texas
****
USBM - Design, Layout, and Costing of a Prototype Underground Demonstration
Mine in Oil Shale
$262,632 This project involves design layout and cost assessments of
a proposed experimental oil shale mine and is associated
with a shaft-sinking project where an eight-foot diameter
bore hole is being dug.
Mr. Freedman - USBM (202) 634-1008
Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co.
Cleveland, Ohio, and Rifle, Colorado
****
USBM - Large Diesel Testing for Oil Shale
$153,000 Southwest Research Institute
San Antonio, Texas
****
USBM - Study Contract to Develop Cost-Estimating Procedures to Provide a
Cost Analysis Production of Syncrude from Shale
$135,370 A. A. Mathews, Inc.
Arcadia, California
****
USBM - Alumina Process Feasibility Study and Preliminary Pilot Plant Design
$1,581,671 Kaiser Engineers
Oakland, California 94666
****
VII-7
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USBM - Permeability Tests and Coring for Engineering and Environmental
Study of Retorted Oil Shale Handling and Disposal
$ 38,146 Development Engineering, Inc.
Grand Junction, Colorado
****
USBM - Evaluation of the Oil Shale Research and Development Program
$ 82,925 Aerospace Corp.
P. 0. Box 92956
Los Angeles, California
****
USAF - Evaluation of Methods to Produce Aviation Turbine Fuels from Synthetic
Crude Oils
$ 97,276 This program will be conducted in three phases. The objec-
tive of Phase I is to determine which raw materials and
processes will provide refinery feedstocks most amenable to
production of finished aviation turbine fuel. Raw materials
will include coal and oil shale. The objective of Phase II
is to provide an experimental base in support of production
of aviation turbine fuel from synthetic crude oil. Phase
III will provide an overall assessment of material, equip-
ment, and processing requirements for producing the high
yields of aviation turbine fuels from coal and oil shale.
Phase I consists of an engineering analysis and includes a
literature survey. Raw materials, processes, synthetic
crude oils, and refinery feedstocks will be selected for
further study in the later phases. Phase II is limited to
laboratory bench scale experimentation as pilot plant work
is not within the scope of this program. Under Phase III
requirements unique to production of aviation turbine fuels
to production of other liquid products (gasoline, heating
fuels, etc.) will be identified.
USAF, Aero-Propulsion Laboratory
Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433
Exxon Research and Engineering
H. Shaw
P. 0. Box 8
Linden, New Jersey 07036
****
VII-8
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USN - Refurbishment, Modification, and/or Replacement of Equipment Comprising
"Oil-from-Shale" Experimental Facility at Anvil Points, Colorado
$411,187 Dick Martell - Office of Naval Research, Anvil Points,
Colorado
Development Engineering, Inc.
Grand Junction, Colorado
****
USN - Support of a 100,000 Barrel Oil Shale Research and Development
Project
$502,129 Mine preparation, precommissioning, and initial startup.
Contract was awarded October 29, 1976.
Office of Naval Research
Development Engineering, Inc.
Grand Junction, Colorado
****
USN - Support of a 100,000 Barrel Oil Shale Research and Development
Project
$309,621 Install 60,000 barrels of crude shale oil storage at the
oil shale research facility located on the Naval Oil Shale
Reserve near Rifle, Colorado. Contract was awarded October
29, 1976.
Office of Naval Research
Development Engineering, Inc.
Grand Junction, Colorado
****
USN - Support of a 100,000 Barrel Oil Shale Research and Development
Project
$831,032 Initiate shale oil production and conduct research and
development on shale retorting technology at Anvil Points,
Colorado. Contract was awarded October 29, 1976.
Office of Naval Research
Development Engineering, Inc.
Grand Junction, Colorado
****
VII-9
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NASA - Synthesis and Analysis of Jet Fuels from Shale Oil and Coal Syncrudes
$ 91,230 Contract was awarded July 14, 1975.
NASA, Lewis Research Center
Atlantic Richfield
Harvey Technical Center
Harvey, Illinois
****
NSF - Enhancement of Oil Yields and Residual Carbon Oxidation In Situ
Retorting of Oil Shale
$ 84,400 This research is directed to problem areas in the in situ
recovery of oil from oil shale. The specific goals are
(1) to verify and quantify preliminary findings which
indicate that oil yield can be significantly increased by
pre-heating large oil shale blocks at low temperatures;
(2) to develop a model which describes the overall rate of
oxidation of the carbonaceous material in spent shale as
a function of the important parameters. It is expected
that the results of this research will be valuable in the
near term as an aid in the design of experimental in situ
retorts. Over the long run, this work will contribute to
the overall goal of producing economically viable in situ
processes for the recovery of oil from oil shale.
University of Utah
A. L. Tyler, Graduate School
310 Park Building
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
****
NSF - Assessment of the Generalizability of Socio-Economic Environmental
Systems Models
$157,100 The research/utilization team will assemble and build a
data base for a test region and use it as the basic core
for a test and evaluation center. Such a facility serves the
State's needs by: 1) establishing a "proving ground" for
the examination of socio-economic environmental models
developed in other parts of the country and having potential
utility for Colorado; 2) facilitating the development of an
interactive process with State officials for delineating
State modeling needs and abilities among students, State
officials, and others. Present contract expires July 1, 1977
VII-10
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Colorado Office of State Planning and Budgeting
David E. Monarchi, Management Science Division
Denver, Colorado 80203
****
NSF - Electrical and Thermal Properties of Oil Shale Applied to In Situ
Shale Oil Extraction
$145,400 This research project will investigate the thermal and
electrical properties of oil shales under conditions which
simulate actual field in situ oil shale operations. This
research will use simultaneous parameter measurement tech-
niques which utilize automated data acquisition and on-
line control of experimental conditions to directly determine
oil shale properties. The major tasks to be accomplished
during the life of the project are: simultaneous measurement
of the thermal conductivity and the electrical impedance
(10 Hz to 13 MHz) as a function of temperature (100-1000°F),
pressure (0-1000 psi), and kerogen content (10-40 gallons per
ton) both parallel and perpendicular to the bedding plane
stratifications lines (varves); simultaneous measurement
of differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential
dielectric analysis (DDA) as a function of temperature
(100-1000°F) and kerogen content (10-40 gallons per ton);
rapid, high power, laser flash thermal diffusivity measure-
ment as a function of temperature and kerogen content.
Several novel applications suggested by the data will be
investigated. These applications include electrothermal
fracture of oil shale, heating, in situ thermal impedance
characterization, remote thermal diffusivity measurements,
electrical determination of the permeability of oil shale
beds, and electrical assay of the kerogen content of the
oil shales. Recommendations will be made regarding the
technical feasibility of these applications. Contract
duration is from February, 1976, to June, 1977. An annual
report (February 1, 1976 - February 1, 1977) has been
published.
Colorado State University
J. B. Dubow, School of Engineering (Electrical)
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
****
FEA - Macroeconomic Impacts of Coal and Oil Shale Development in the
Intermountain West
$. 99,955 The contractor will produce a multi-state interregional
input-output model which will evaluate the extent and
VII-11
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• magnitude of economic growth by sector resulting from
alternative levels of coal, oil shale refining, coal
gasification, electric power generation, and energy product
transmission pipelines in the five-state area of Colorado,
Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and New Mexico. Projections through
1985 are to be made in order to evaluate the impacts on
future employment, sector output, and industry growth
derived from various rates of coal and oil shale development.
Impacts on the public sector will also be traced. Side
effects from development will also be evaluated, e.g.,
environmental change, and change in social well-being.
Contract duration is from April, 1976, to March, 1977.
Utah State University
C. Lewis, Office of Resource Development
Agricultural Science Building, Room 223A
Logan, Utah 84321
****
FEA - Comprehensive Analysis of Issues Regarding Energy Resource Development
on Indian Reservations
$228,452 Ernst and Ernst
1225 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.
(202) 296-8300
****
USGS - Stream Sediment Chemistry in the Oil Shale Region
USGS - Geological Division
Mr. John Maberry, Program Manager
Energy Lands Program
MS911, P. 0. Box 25046
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
(303) 234-4857
****
USGS - Soil Chemistry in the Piceance Creek Basin
USGS - Geological Division
Mr. John Maberry, Program Manager
Energy Lands Program
MS911, P. 0. Box 25046
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
(303) 234-4857
****
VII-12
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USGS - Geochemistry of Green River Oil Shale
USGS - Geological Division
Mr. John Maberry, Program Manager
Energy Lands Program
MS911, P- 0. Box 25046
Lakewood, Colorado 80226
(303) 234-4857
****
USGS - Determination of Impacts of Oil Shale In Situ Leasing on Cultural
Resources in Colorado and Utah
$ 39,800 Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521
****
VII-13
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA 908/4-77-007
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Oil Shale Research Overview
7. AUTHOR(S)
Charles 0. Hook
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Cameron Engineers, Inc.
1315 S. Clarkson Street
Denver, Colorado 80210
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry, EPA
William N. McCarthy, Energy Processes Division
401 M. Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION'NO.
5. REPORT DATE
May 1977
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-01-4337
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Prepared in cooperation with the EPA Oil Shale Workgroup,
Terry Thoem, liaison
16. ABSTRACT
This paper is a compilation of some federally sponsored oil shale research, both
current and recently completed. It lists 148 programs, funding levels, descriptions,
and project contact names.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT
a. DESCRIPTORS b.lDENTI
13. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT 19. SECU
Limited copies available from:
Terry L. Ihoem, EPA, 1860 Lincoln St., 2o.s£cu
Denver, Colorado 80203
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
ANALYSIS
FIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
RITY CLASS (This Report) 21. NO. OF PAGES
RITY CLASS (This page) 22. PRICE
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