AEP Recycles Coal Ash Using Erosion-Control Technology

Oct. 12, 1998•News Release

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 5, 1998 -- A new type of erosion control technology that recycles coal ash is being used by American Electric Power (NYSE:AEP) as a way to save valuable landfill space and protect shorelines. AEP’s Mountaineer Plant began using the honeycomb-shaped Seabee blocks about a year ago at its New Haven, W.Va., location for erosion control projects. The plant, which produces about 280,000 tons of coal ash per year, has converted about 1,000 tons of ash into Seabee system erosion control blocks. The Mountaineer plant is capable of converting about 5,000 tons of coal ash into Seabees per year and is seeking more customers for the product, said Kevin Dennis, the plant’s environmental engineer. AEP Mountaineer and the product’s developer, Environmental Solutions Inc. of Richmond, Va., have jointly completed 10 Seabee projects for five customers, including the Army Corp. of Engineers, the U.S. Navy and the Cedar Lakes Convention Center in Ripley. “We’re just getting our feet on the ground and demonstrating what can be done if the market were opened up,” Dennis said. Prospective customers of the Seabee product include those involved in soil erosion protection, soil conservation districts, industries and homeowners along a riverbank subject to flooding or anywhere there is heavy storm water run-off that threatens to erode and wash away the soil. The Seabee’s honeycomb shape makes it preferable to rip-rap, a traditional erosion material which utilizes rocks, said Larry Francis, ESI’s research and development manager. Unlike rock, which is easily washed away by waves, the Seabees’ smooth, interlocking design holds them in place. The Seabee’s honeycomb design disperses returning waves, and instead of washing away, sand is deposited in the Seabees’ holes, building up a dune in front of the Seabee to further bond the seal. Seabees utilize about 27 percent coal ash and are produced in either four-inch or eight-inch thick blocks. The units weigh from 25 to 70 pounds and cost $2 to $3 each, Dennis said. Last year, AEP donated 15,000 Seabee units to the Cedar Lakes Convention Center in Ripley. The units were installed along the main lake by student members of the Future Farmers of America. The Mountaineer Plant project, a 1,700 foot long by 45 foot wide revetment on the Ohio River, was the 1997 recipient of the Western West Virginia “Soil Erosion Contractor’s Project of the Year” award. Additional information on Seabees may be obtained by contacting Kevin Dennis at 304-882-2151. AEP, a global energy company, is one of the United States' largest investor-owned utilities, providing energy to 3 million customers in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. AEP has holdings in the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. Wholly owned subsidiaries provide power engineering, energy consulting and energy management services around the world. The company is based in Columbus, Ohio. On Dec. 22, 1997, AEP announced a definitive merger agreement for a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction with Central and South West Corp., a public utility holding company based in Dallas.

For More Information, Contact: Jeri Waters Media Relations American Electric Power 614/223-1917

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