Challenges in Closed-Loop CCR Wastewater Treatment

January 19, 2026

Instructor: Brian Snyder, Continuous Improvement Process Owner, NiSource

Managing closed-loop coal combustion residual (CCR) wastewater presents complex operational challenges. At one NIPSCO generating station, operators encountered persistent issues such as fluctuating pH, inadequate clarification, dissolved solids saturation, competing chemical treatments, corrosion and scaling—all of which drove up maintenance costs.

This session will share lessons learned from moving beyond short-term fixes and finger-pointing to adopting a more strategic, integrated approach to CCR wastewater management. This includes the common pitfalls, effective treatment strategies and practical steps to improve system reliability and reduce costs.