Artificial reefs of bulk waste materials: a scientific and legal review of the suitability of using the cement stabilised by-products of coal-fired power stations

The paper, based on work undertaken for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and National Power, reviews the growing interest in using cement stabilised coal-fired power station by-products (pulverised fly ash (PFA) and flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) gypsum) in artificial reef construction. It focuses on the physical and environmental suitability of the material and the legal and policy issues which will determine its future use. In so doing, it explores the relationship between science and policy making and the allengulfing nature of the wider environmental agenda.