Feedlots benefit from coal ash

Bismarck, N.D. - Animal health and drenched feedlots may be improvedby mixing soil with coal ash, researchers tell the Associated Press.

Swampy feedlots can spread disease, hamper drainage and manure removaland cause excessive weight loss for animals moving around in the mud, accordingto the researchers.

Researchers with the University of North Dakota and North Dakota StateUniversity (NDSU) are experimenting with coal ash as an alternative to concretefor stabilizing bison feedlots at NDSU's Carrington Research Center.

Early results show the ash-soil mix hardened the ground and provideda cheaper and less demanding surface for animals.

Coal ash is a gray, inorganic byproduct of coal combustion. North Dakotapower plants generate more then 3 million tons annually.

For more information, visit http://www.eerc.und.nodak.edu or http://ccpohio.eng.ohio-state.edu/ccpohio