United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Research and Development
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/M-91/006
January 1991
Vol.3
ORD ENGINEERING
HIGHLIGHTS
A bi-monthly compilation of EPA's Office of Research and Development engineering research activities
and results and related research activities in pollution prevention and mitigation. To discuss any of these
activities, contact the ORD lead person listed below. For general information, contact Darlene Williams of
the Office of Technology Transfer and Regulatory Support, Phone: FTS 382-7891.
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Reduction of Used Oil Wastes From Internal Combustion
Engines
RREL has entered into an agreement with the Alaskan
Health Project to evaluate techniques for reducing used oil
wastes-from stationary and rolling stock internal combustion
engines. These techniques, which have been adopted
sucessfully by a number of public and private fleet
maintenance shops in Anchorage and in North Bourough,
Alaska, will be evaluated. RREL will look at not only the
environmental benefits of extending oil life via improved
filtration and oil analysis, but also the wide-scale application
of these techniques. (Paul Randall, RREL, FTS 684-7673).
Soil-Gas Measurement at Fresno Landfill NPL Site
Responding to a request from Region 9, EMSL-Las Vegas
scientists conducted a soil-gas survey at a closed and capped
landfill site in Fresno, California. Twenty volatile organic
compounds have been detected at gas monitoring wells on this
property. The City of Fresno, after monitoring several
compounds including methane and vinyl chloride outside the
confines of the landfill, constructed a barrier system to prevent
the contamination from spreading beyond the site. The
soil-gas measurement field team from EMSL-LV completed
an extensive survey of the soil-gas around homes adjacent to
the landfill and checked the 15 existing monitoring wells on
the site. A final report has been submitted to Region 9. (Ken
W. Brown, EMSL-LV, FTS 545-2270)
Seminar on Treatment of Lead Contaminated Soils
RREL has prepared the first in a series of "Engineering
Bulletins" on current techniques for treating lead contaminated
soils. The information was first presented to Region V staff
and various State personnel at a seminar on treatment of lead
contaminated soil. The material will be distributed to all
Remedial Project Managers and On-Site Coordinators.
(Edward R. Bates, RREL, FTS 684-7774)
EPA Helps Connecticut Improve UST Management
RREL staff met with state Underground Storage Tank
(UST) program directors in Hartford, CT, to help implement a
new management system, designed and developed by RREL,
for their UST program. The new system aids in managing
technical information on all aspects of emergency and
remedial responses to leaking UST sites. The system provides
an easy menu-driven set of management files that enables
users to input, track, delete and edit data on UST cleanup
projects. RREL staff helped enter Connecticut UST data and
provided instruction on the system's use. By the end of the
meeting, all the Connecticut staff involved were running their
own files on the system. This system was demonstrated to
representatives of all 10 EPA Regions and all 50 States in
November at the UST "All States Conference" in New
Orleans, Louisiana. Since then, over twenty other states have
requested RREL's assistance in obtaining and implementing
this tool. (Robert Hillger, RREL, FTS 340-6639)
AD VACATE Pilot Evaluation
Plans continue for piloting and demonstrating the
ORD-developed and patented Advanced Silicate Process or
ADVACATE process. The acid rain control ADVACATE
process is a cost-effiective alternative to wet scrubbers. The
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has agreed to provide a
host site and the major funding for a 10 megawatt pilot
evaluation of the ADVACATE process at their Shawnec
station in Paducah, Kentucky. The pilot facility is expected to
be constructed by July 1991 and pilot testing is scheduled to
begin in August 1991 and continue thru March 1992. Based
on their internal cost analyses, TVA believes the process
provides the most cost effective SO2 control approach for a
number of their plants in Region 4 which will require SO2
emissions reductions. TVA has expressed preliminary
willingness to cost-share a commercial scale demonstration
following successful pilot testing. Demonstration results are
expected to be available by September 1995. The
ADVACATE process is capable of reaching greater than 90%
SO2 control. Cost projections indicate that ADVACATE costs
are less than half of wet scrubbers. This process could play a
significant role in meeting the Phase II requirements of the
Acid Rain Title of the 1990 Clean Air Act. (Michael A.
Maxwell, AEERL, FTS 629-3091)
In-Situ Bioassays Simplify Waste Site Assessment
Corvallis scientists have initiated an integrated
laboratory/field demonstration project as part of their
ecological assessment for the Milltown Reservoir Superfund
site. The demonstration project is located at the Milltown
Reservoir, which is on the Clark Fork River in western
Montana. Since construction of the dam and creation of the
reservoir in 1907, a wetland habitat has developed. But,
because of the upstream mining activities on the Clark Fork
River, the reservoir has accumulated large volumes of heavy
metal-contaminated sediment. As part of the ecological
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assessment for the site, three in situ or on-site
methods-earthworm, seed, and amphibian tests-were
evaluated. Current investigations using these methods have
characterized the extent of contamination and have evaluated
heavy metal impacts on the indigenous wildlife and vegetation
characteristic of the site. Furthermore, the results suggest that
in situ methods are cost-effective and reduce our past reliance
on laboratory methods used as part of the ecological
assessment process. (Hal Kibby, ERL-Corvallis, FTS
420-4625)
SITE Emerging Technology Pre-proposals Selected
A review meeting was held in Cincinnati to discuss the
selection of this year's SITE Emerging Technologies
pre-proposals. Seventy-four pre-proposals were received
during the solicitation period. The pre-proposals fall into six
categories: (1) biological; (2) chemical; (3) thermal; (4)
physical; (5) materials handling; and (6)
solidification/stabilization. Twenty applicants will be invited to
submit full proposals and Cooperative Agreement applications.
(Annette Gatchett, RREL, FTS 684-7697)
BIOREMEDIATION
New Bioremediation Technology
A tri-phasic, sequential treatment system to clean up
environments contaminated by hazardous wastes has been
developed by scientists from ERL/Gulf Breeze and Southern
BioProducts, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia. The system eliminates
many inadequacies of existing bioremediaton technology. In
this system, pollutants are removed from the environment and
sequestered for subsequent destruction or recycling; therefore,
application of large numbers of organisms to field
environments is not required. Degrading microbes are housed
in monitored bioreactors, where catabolic activities can be
optimized, thus accelerating the rate and extent of
biodegradation. The system treats contaminated soil,
groundwater, and surface water simultaneously. Mixtures of
chemicals found at waste sites can be fractionated through
selective filtration into related groups, thereby enhancing
biodegradation by selected microorganisms. A demonstration
and SITE evaluation will be conducted at a former creosote
treatment plant targeted for cleanup in Pensacola, Florida.
Results of the research will be published in a scientific journal.
(J. Mueller, ERL-Gulf Breeze, FTS 228-9342)
Biodegredation of the Alaskan Weathered Crude Oil
A bench-scale biodegradability study was conducted on
Alaskan weathered crude oil as part of the bioremediation
project of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. These bench-scale
respirometric and shaker flask microcosm studies were
conducted to evaluate biodegradability enhancement of
weathered crude oil alkane and aromatic constituents with the
use of eleophilic and water soluable nutrients. Cumulative
oxygen uptake data, growth data and the GC/MS analysis data
demonstrated almost complete utilization of the alkane
hydrocarbon constituents in the presence of INIPOL fertilizer
and OECD synthetic medium and significant biodegredation of
the PAH constituents after 6 weeks of incubation. Control
experiments without INIPOL or OECD nutrients demonstrated
absence of biodegradative activity. (Henry Tabak, RREL, FTS
684-7681)
POLLUTION PREVENTION
Pollution Prevention Program For Small Businesses
EPA is sponsoring a program for small businesses to
recieve grants for demonstrating innovative pollution
prevention techniques and technologies. Seventeen proposals
were selected out of the 176 submitted through a technical
review process performed by RREL. Awards of up to $25K
will be made to each business, with anticipated start-up dates
in early January 1991. Ten of the proposals demonstarate
source reduction methods, and seven are reuse/recycling
techniques. From the demonstrations, research briefs will be
produced and distributed to encourage technology transfer of
successful pollution prevention methods. This program is
being co-managed by RREL and the Office of Small
and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. (Kenneth R. Stone,
RREL, FTS 684-7474).
DOE/EPA Joint Efforts on Waste Minimization
On November 5, 1990, RREL and Department of Energy
(DOE) discussed joint DOE/EPA Waste Minimization
Research, Development and Demonstration activities.
Rrepresentatives from DOE's Office of Technology
Development, Sandia National Laboratories, Idaho National
Engineering Laboratory, and Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant presented
an update of DOE waste minimization activities in the
manufacturing of uranium and electronics. In addition, the
DOE/Air Force Engineering and Service Center Waste
Minimization Cooperative Program was discussed. Planned
DOE/EPA waste minimization research includes: 1)
technology transfer workshops, 2) joint training for waste
minimization opportunity assessments at DOE operations, and
3) joint demonstration innovative technology projects which
can be transferred to the private sector and others in the
federal community. (James Bridges, RREL, FTS 684-7683).
WATER
Multi-Level Pumping-Wells to Remediate Contaminated
Coastal Aquifers
Contaminated coastal aquifers can only be pumped at
limited rates during pump-and-treat operations because excess
pumping can result in saltwater migration into the freshwater
zone of the aquifer. Pulse pumping may further induce
saltwater migration by creating a "tugging" effect on the
freshwater/saltwater interface. Conceptually, this problem can
be overcome by pumping from above and below the interface
at the same time. This method would allow greater pumping
rates with less damage to the aquifer. To test this theory, a
computer code written for the VAX computer has been
developed that will produce an x-y plot of the effects of: (1)
pumping a well above a freshwater/saltwater interface, (2)
pumping a well below a freshwater/saltwater interface, and (3)
the net effect of pumping both at the same time. The current
model has been tested and appears to verify the theory,
although further testing is planned. Upon verification of the
output, the model will be connected to a graphics package to
provide two- and three-dimensional displays of the actual
effect of various pumping scenarios on the aquifer. (Michael
Callahan, OHEA, FTS 475-8909)
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Detection and Enumeration of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in
Sediment
Sediment turnover is a useful indicator of aquatic ecosystem
health. In order to rapidly assess sediment turnover, scientists
at the ERL-Gulf Breeze Laboratory and the University of
Illinois have developed a technique to directly examine
sulfur-reducing bacteria in sediment samples. The scientists
have developed hybridization probes for detecting specific
ribosomal RNA from sulfate-reducing bacteria, and
procedures for enumerating specific physiological types and
defining active proportions. The new technique also should be
useful for investigations of biocorrosion and the community
ecology of sulfate-reducing bacteria. Future research could be
expanded to enumerate other microbial indicators of water and
sediment quality. Results of the research will be reported in
the proceedings of the American Society of Microbiology's
annual meeting in May 1991. (T. Barkay, ERL-Gulf Breeze,
FTS 228-9295)
Contaminant Transport in Fractured Media
RSKERL scientists are conducting laboratory experiments
to elucidate the processes controlling the transport of
contaminants through porous fractured rock. In this type of
media, fractures act as the main conduit for contaminant
transport while the porous rock acts as a reservoir, into and out
of which contaminants move by diffusive processes. The
experiments make use of model systems that simulate many of
the important processes that control contaminant transport in
fractured rock and are designed to allow the researchers to
vary the system's properties to determine the effects of fracture
size, matrix porosity, solid-liquid partition coefficient, and the
rate of diffusion into and out of the rock matrix. Results of the
experiments are being compared with predictions of
mathematical models and are expected to lead to a better
understanding of contaminant transport in these types of flow
systems. (S. Schmelling, RSKERL, FTS 743-2434)
AIR
Joint Study on Emissions From Buffing Asbestos Floors
Several associations have proposed a joint study with RREL
to evaluate emissions from asbestos floor covering buffing ac-
tivities. Members of Chemical Specialty Manufacturers Asso-
ciation (CSMA), the Occupational Safety and Health Associa-
tion (OSHA), the International Sanitary Supply Association,
the Floor Covering Manufacturers Association, the Office of
Toxic Substances, and other industry participants recently met
with ORD in Washington, D.C. to discuss the status of prior
studies and priorities for additional maintenance operation
studies. They requested OSHA to delay the December 3 rul-
ing on the restriction of buffing to machines operated at less
than 190 rpms until this study has been completed. The CSMA
has budgeted $50,000 in 1991 toward the study and encour-
aged others to do so. The industry provided valuable insight
on the technical aspects of low-, high-, and ultra high-speed
floor care systems, recommended buffing protocols, anddes-
cribed the prevalence of various floor care practices. (Bruce
A. Hollett, RREL, FTS 684-7654)
Sources of Greenhouse Gases
A recently issued AEERL report presents results of initial
efforts to characterize specific sources of radiatively important
trace gases (RITGs), commonly known as "greenhouse gases",
under the ORD Global Change Research Program.
Greenhouse gases of concern include carbon dioxide (CO2),
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide
(N2O), and (tropospheric) ozone (O3). Other gases,
specifically carbon monoxide (CO), nonmethane
hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen (NOx), are also of
interest because of their influence on the atmospheric
concentrations of the greenhouse gases, particularly CH4 and
O3. In preparing this report, AEERL ranked anthropogenic
sources of all of these gases, according to their potential
impacts on global warming, and began development of
country- and source-specific emission factors where the data
were adequate. Country-specific emission factors were
developed for coal-fired utility boilers (CO2 and NOx),
natural gas transmission/distribution systems (CH4),
municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills (CH4), rice cultivation
(CH4), and light duty gasoline-burning motor vehicles (CO,
CO2, and NOx). Other significant sources of CH4 include
coal mining operations and miscellaneous/ industrial sources,
e.g., fuelwood burning, coke production, (non-MSW) refuse
disposal. More research is needed before emission factors for
these can be developed. The report is entitled "Evaluation of
Significant Anthropogenic Sources of Radiatively Important
Trace Gases" (EPA-600/8-90-079, November 1990). (Julian
Jones, AEERL, 629-2489)
Report Shows How Controlling Emissions Lowers Utility
Costs
Information presented in a new AEERL report can help
lower the cost of complying with the acid rain provision of the
CAA amendments. The report, "Retrofit Costs for SO2 and
NOx Control Options at 200 Coal-Fired Plants," presents cost
for controlling emissions at existing utility plants by using flue
gas desulfurization, coal cleaning, coal switching, low-NOx
burners, natural gas rebuming, selective catalytic reduction,
and several other technologies. Since the annual cost of SO2
control by utilities, ultimately paid for by consumers, is
estimated at several billion dollars, millions can be saved by
selecting the lowest-cost control method. Utilities, states,
engineering firms, and EPA can make use of the detailed,
unit-specific control cost information contained in the report,
and can apply the data to the Integrated Air Pollution Control
System cost model, also developed by AEERL. This will
allow policy options and least cost control scenarios to be
rapidly evaluated. (Norm Kaplan, AEERL, 629-2556)
Automated Chamber Developed to Test Effects of Engineered
Microorganisms
Scientists at the ERL-Corvallis have developed an
automated suspension chamber for aerobiological research
that can be used for controlled laboratory studies on the effects
of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMS). This
chamber provides a safe, contained environment for the testing
and evaluation of GEMS that currently cannot be evaluated in
the field. The chamber consists of a stainless steel drum that
is rotated about its horizontal axis to provide the needed
internal airflow and mixing to simulate releases in the field.
The ambient air in the chamber can be controlled to mix wet
and dry air, aerosol generation, and sterilization of inlet air.
The chamber utilizes a Collision Nebulizer to generate
bioaerosols and to control the rate of release and recovery
within the chamber. This chamber provides a laboratory
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testing capability to screen and evaluate the effects of releases
of GEMS to minimize the risk of these releases to the
environment. (Hal Kibby, ERL-Corvallis, FTS 420-4625)
AEERL Supports Region 9 in Superfund Site Cleanup
During the past 6 months, AEERL supported Region 9 in
conducting a successful trial excavation of waste material at
the McColl Superfund Site in Fullerton, California. The goals
were to control air emissions from the high sulfur-containing
acidic refinery wastes during excavation, to evaluate the
effectiveness of a special enclosure facility. Region 9 also
examined vapor-suppressing foams and other waste treatment
materials during the six-week trial excavation period. (Joseph
McSorley, AEERL, FTS 629-2477)
United States Center for Environmental
Environmental Protection Research Information
Agency Cincinnati, OH 45268
Official Business
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EPA/600/M-91/006
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