The purpose of this study was to identify long-term, high-risk engineering-scale research needs and objectives associated with the solid waste management of processed oil shale. Specifically, this study identified important parameters that may affect the safe disposal of processed oil shale, assessed current state-of-the-art measurement techniques, and outlined suggested research needed to mitigate identified parameters. The research needs discussed emphasize data requirements for a commercial (engineering) scale facility and are outlined in six primary sections: (1) Site Characterization, (2) Basic Properties of Recently Processed Oil Shale, (3) Disposal and Weathering Factors Associated with Processed Shale Stability, (4) Erosion and Surface Stabilization of Processed Oil Shale, (5) Evaluation and Development of Analytical Models, and (6) Performance Monitoring of Prototype Processed Oil Shale Facilities. Identified research needs of major importance are those providing Baseline data, data characterizing the physical, chemical, and hydrologic properties of processed shale, and Physical Modeling Data, data from field studies, scaled physical modeling, and embankment prototypes. 39 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.