The study was intended to estimate the stability of the retorted shale pile, describe the ground-water conditions within and beneath the pile and to develop a recommended stabilization program. Ten test holes were bored through the pile. The pile materials were sampled and tested. Each of the test holes was to be used as an observation well. Chemical testing was not within the scope of work. Novel techniques were required to sample and test the hot waste shale. The pile is marginally stable, and stability may be decreasing due to combustion. The retorted shale is decomposing by combustion at temperatures of 300 to 500/sup 0/C. The retorted shale will become a fine grained ash if combustion is complete. The combusting retorted shale is losing mass as a result of combustion. The retorted shale is highly erodable. The high temperatures within the pile have influenced ground-water temperatures. The ground-water regime is complex due in part to a channel realignment made in 1948 and in part to the presence of the hot pile. Three courses of action or alternatives are discussed: permit the pile to mass waste under controlled conditions; stabilize the pile in place; or move the pile to a new location.