In an innovative project that would provide a beneficial use for the fly ash that results from burning coal to generate electricity, PP&L, Inc. intends to sell land at the utility's Brunner Island plant near York Haven for development of a golf course.

The course would be built on an area that serves as a buffer zone between the plant and the local community. The area is located off Board Road about a mile southwest of the plant. PP&L, Inc. plans to sell the land to Combustion Projects Management, Inc., which would design, construct and operate the golf course.

"A fly-ash product called Stabil-Fill ^TM would be used to construct the golf course base," said Kathy Wildauer, PP&L, Inc.'s Harrisburg area community development director. Stabil-Fill ^TM is produced by mixing hydrated lime with the fly ash to create a material that is chemically stable and environmentally safe.

An excellent material for construction use, Stabil-Fill ^TM develops higher strength than soil-based fill, Wildauer said. It has been used as a fill material in construction projects that have included recreational fields and parking areas. Stabil-Fill ^TM was developed by PP&L, Inc. with concurrence from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

"Building a golf course would be an innovative use of Stabil-Fill ^TM that would benefit the community by providing a new recreational facility, creating jobs and generating tax revenues," she added.

About 1.8 million tons of Stabil-Fill ^TM would be used in the project -- the equivalent of the plant's entire production of fly ash for nine years. Development of the golf course will happen in stages over the nine years, Wildauer said.