This report summarizes the first year's progress of a field study on the reclamation, geotechnical, engineering and elemental release or leaching characteristics of retorted Kentucky oil shale and related materials. The retorted oil shale was derived from a pilot plant test conducted by Dravo Engineers, Inc., in their circular traveling grate retort. The shale was mined in Montgomery County, Kentucky, where the field research site is also located. Geochemical research at the site is centered around the field determination of the compaction characteristics of the spent oil shale and raw crushing fines mixtures using mining equipment. Reclamation research at the site includes experiments to evaluate the potential of oil shale overburden materials to serve as soil substitutes; the use of oil shales as soil amendments; and the fertilizer requirements for oil shale spoil reclamation. To date, ten reclamation plots have been constructed. First year seeding failed due to late planting and early drought. Second year activities included re-tilling and re-planting the plots. An excellent stand of grass has been developed on the plots. The purpose of the leaching study is to determine the chemical composition of waters which come in contact with the spent oil shale and determine their characteristics for acid or toxic elemental release. Two large four-chambered concrete lysimeters were constructed and fitted with tubing to collect leachate at various points within the lysimeters. The lysimeters have been filled with spent oil shale and various configurations of soils and overburden materials. Collection of samples began in 1984 after the materials were saturated by natural precipitation. Although it is too early for an extensive evaluation, leachates from the spent shale are very acidic and contain elevated trace element concentrations. 25 refs., 21 figs., 2 tabs.