Ash Disposal in Maine

Hi:

I am a new coal user. I bought a Hitzer EZ Flo 503 Fireplace Insert Coal Stove that was used for 2 years after 2011 and then idle until now. I cleaned it, replaced some fire bricks and repainted it with Satin Black Stove Bright Paint. It Looks great.

I have read conflicting accounts about Anthracite Coal Ash Disposal in Maine. I could use some under my walk way bricks to keep them level or some in my 100 foot driveway now covered with 3/4 reclaim that is five years old. I am concerned about whether the ash is toxic to a nearby vegetable garden if the snowblower picks it up and throws it as I clean the driveway. I also read conflicting reports about adding it to my compost. Some claim a respirator is always needed when handling Anthracite ashes and others say just close your mouth and watch the wind direction.

I will be burning Blaschak Bagged Nut Coal from Southern Maine Renewable Fuels, 354 Gray Rd, Windham, ME 04062, (207) 892-3702, http://woodpellets4me.com/.

My trash is hauled by me to a rural Town Transfer Station. I expect to use about 3 tons of bagged anthracite based on my prior wood pellet stove needs. I understand I can use the old Blaschak bags to hold the ash.

Any thoughts and how to use (especially with gardens) and dispose of the excess Anthracite ash is appreciated.
Thank you,
Che Guevara,
Cumberland County, Maine

Its non-hazardous ... although you don't want to breath in any type of particulates ..hazardous or not..you lungs no likey.

I think there are a few threads that cover this - you could try using the Search box if you want to dig further into it. In general, hazardous stuff shows up in coal (and ash) in about the same proportions that it shows up in dirt. This isn't surprising, when you consider how the coal formed and how long it has been sitting underground. Normally I think ash is over 90% silica compounds (like sand), so it is an excellent traction agent in winter. As dm3 says, you don't want to breathe a lot of that, but it's not unduly hazardous. I've also used it to fill ruts in unpaved driveways and as aggregate in a driveway patch/concrete mix.

Testing the soil in your garden would be a good idea whether or not coal ash is present. If your garden is anywhere near the road, you may have elevated lead levels from past use of leaded gasoline. Likewise, if it is near an old structure, lead paint could be having effects. If the garden uses PT lumber, arsenic may be present. Some people do fearmongering over heavy metals in coal ash, but if they were really worried about heavy metals they'd be testing.

Mike

If your concerned about breathing the ash, theres nothing wrong with wearing a mask. You only have to please yourself.

Welcome to the forum Che G. If you previously burned pellets to stay warm you are going to love the heat you get from coal. You picked up a real good, solid coal burning appliance based on others experience.

I recommend you dump your ashes in a metal barrel with cover and let completely cool for a day or so before you bag 'em.

Look forward to hearing about your first season with coal.

Mike

I had a blackberry bush growing out of my pile, can't be too toxic.

Save some for the garden and for the drive, I use a lot once icing starts. Great for Tomatoes, PIttston, PA has been growing them in this stuff for over 100 years with no ill effects. My attempts were not so bountiful. They have so many they throw them at each other ... well its PA, no one accused them of being sane.

http://www.pittstontomatofestival.com/

I wonder if Robbie (the Aroostock county potato baron) has tried spuds in ash yet. Would I eat stuff grown in coal ash - I have and I do. Coal ash and horse manure and a little lime, now there is a fertilizer to be proud of. Hmmm, blackberries... I have a rash of them near where I dump stuff such as manure and ash ... I love blackberry pie.

This year I am planning to place the ashes at the blueberry bushes. Aren't they acidic, and what the berries like?