United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Research and
Development
Washington, DC 20460
EPA/600/M-91/052
November 1991
Vol. 7
&EPA ORD ENGINEERING
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HIGHLIGHTS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard, 12th Floor
Chicago. IL 606D4-3RQn
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 260-7891.
NOTE:
Although many people may not have received previous
issues due to a distribution error, this is the seventh issue of
this newsletter. Hence, the last three issues are being sent out
to everyone on our mailing list along with this issue. We
apologize for any inconveniences.
What's Inside
Hazardous Waste
Destruction of PCBs with Quicklime
New RD&D Permit
Carbon Dioxide Cleaning Technology
Air
Innovative Technology Controls Organic
Compounds
Landfill Gas Pre-treatment System
Active Soil Depressurization Systems to Reduce
Radon
Bioremediation
Oil-Degrading Bacteria Applied to Open-Water Spill
Ground-Water Bioremediation Pilot-Scale System
Pollution Prevention
Purge and Recovery/Recycling for Air Conditioning
and Refrigeration
Air Force & EPA Conduct Pollution Prevention
Projects
SITE Remediation
SITE Demonstration Technologies to be Marketed
Belgian Soil Washing Technology to be Used at
SITE Demonstration
Hazardous Waste
RREL Investigates Destruction of PCBs with Quicklime
At the request of EPA Region V, the Risk Reduction
Engineering Laboratory (RREL) investigated the effects of
quicklime on PCBs. Field observations had suggested signifi-
cant PCS losses after wastes were solidified with materials
containing quicklime.
RREL tests showed that when quicklime is added to PCBs
in the soil, heat is generated by quicklime slaking, which raises
the mixture temperature to about 180°C. Analysis and tests
revealed that the PCB losses were largely due to steam stripping
and volatilization rather than PCB destruction. While some
limited decomposition of PCBs by quicklime occurred, the
rates and extent of dechlorination were low, and the results of
this study refuted the earlier claims.
RREL's next focus will be on studying possible deleterious
effects of using quicklime-based materials to solidify PCB
wastes for handling in removal actions. Although this common
application of quicklime-based materials typically uses less
reactive lime and is probably environmentally safe, the possi-
bility of volatilization and/or chlorinated dibenzofuran forma-
tion needs to be examined. (Timothy Oppelt, Director, RREL,
FTS 684-7418)
Chamber for Evaluating Radon Movement through Soil and
Building Foundations
To design effective radon mitigation techniques, under-
standing of radon gas movement through soils must be im-
proved. Mathematical models describing radon transport and
entry have been developed; however, the models must be
validated by simulating transport processes under controlled
conditions. To simulate conditions for the movement of radon
gas through soil, a research chamber that will contain 16 cubic
meters of soil with high-levels of naturally occurring radium
has been constructed by Air and Energy Research Laboratory
(AEERL). Pressure-driven flow will be monitored along a two-
dimensional plane intersecting the central length of the 2 by 2
by 4 meter structure. A driving force for the convective flow
conditions will be provided by a vacuum along a perforated pipe
placed at mid depth across the center and end of the chamber.
Pressure differentials, radon levels, and airflow through the soil
will be measured. The project will yield valuable information
on radon movement through soil and radon entry into buildings.
It also will serve to consolidate AEERL's understanding of
other areas of research such as radon blocking and pressure and
temperature driving forces. (Bruce Harris, AEERL, FTS 629-
7807)
Research on Carbon Dioxide Cleaning Technology
An exploratory research effort has been initiated to develop
Printed on Recycled Paper
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a lead paint abatement process that utilizes CO2 pellet blasting
systems. This technology has been successfully applied to paint
removal, vapor degreasing, and other cleaning processes. The
technology appears promising for removal of asbestos, lead-
based paint, and other surface-bound contaminants. The major
benefit of CO2 cleaning technology is that no blasting material
remains for disposal with the removed substrate. (Roger C.
Wilmoth, RREL, FTS 684-7509)
New RCRA RD&D Permit for Hazardous Waste Incineration
Lab
For the past two years, AEERL's Combustion Research
Branch has performed hazardous waste incineration research
under a limiting RCRA Research, Development and Demon-
stration (RD&D) permit. It only allowed incineration research
to be performed with surrogate wastes on the three small
combustors. The first permit has gone through closure and a
new expanded five-combustors permit is now in effect. It
allows for research on all size research combustors using
surrogate or actual hazardous waste. The associated flue gas
cleaning system is installed and operational. Initial tests will
focus on trace metal aerosol formation. (Robert E. Hall,
AEERL, FTS 629-2477)
Emission Potential of Landfill Methane
Data were collected from over 30 U.S. landfills with the
goal of developing a more reliable estimate of global landfill
methane emissions. In conjunction with collecting field test
data, AEERL has been gathering country-specific data on the
amount of waste being landfilled and its composition. The data
collected from U.S. landfills are being used to develop an
empirical model of methane emissions from landfills. The
report containing field test data will be distributed this fall.
(Susan Thomeloe, AEERL, FTS 629-2709)
Air
Innovative Technology Controls Organic Compounds
Tests have shown that an innovative, experimental reactor
can destroy 95% of the organic compounds in an air stream at
very low power consumption. Examples of such streams are
painting operations, chemical blending processes, printing op-
erations, and pharmaceutical plants. In addition, the reactor,
which depends on low-power generation of electrical corona
conditions, has proven effective for very low concentrations of
organic compounds. This EPA-developed technology could
become a vital component in achieving the environmental goals
set by the Clean Air Act of 1990 for ozone non-attainment and
for air toxics control. The corona destruction reactor develops
very high intensity, localized electrical fields, and organic
compounds are destroyed as they pass through the fields. A
pilot reactor has been designed and operated with a flow rate of
20 to 50 cfm. The reactor system consists of modules, and the
number of modules can be changed to accommodate various
flow rates and concentrations. The corona technology will offer
an alternative to conventional control technologies, such as
carbon adsorption, catalytic oxidation, and thermal incinera-
tion, which have severe limitations at very low concentrations.
(Geddes H. Ramsey, AEERL, FTS 629-7963; Carlos M. Nunez,
AEERL, FTS 629-1156)
Landfill Gas Pretreatment System Design Approved
AEERL is funding an approximate four-year study to field
demonstrate a 200 kw phosphoric acid fuel cell on landfill gas.
A major goal of the study is to ascertain whether landfill gas is
a technically and commercially feasible fuel option for fuel
cells. Consequently, considerable effort will be devoted to
construction and testing of a gas pretreater to process fuel gas
(removal of sulfur, halides, and Non-Methane Organic Com-
pounds [NMOC]) prior to introducing it into the fuel cell.
Major technical progress was accomplished when a landfill gas
pretreatment system was designed, rigorously reviewed, and
approved by AEERL for construction and testing. The fuel
pretreatment system incorporates two stages of refrigeration
combined with three regenerable absorbent steps. The use of
staged refrigeration provides tolerance to varying landfill gas
constituents, and is, therefore, more flexible than utilizing dry
bed absorbents alone. Condensates from the refrigeration
processes and regeneration gas from the final bed are com-
busted via a low NOx incinerator to provide 98% destruction of
the NMOC from the'raw landfill gas. The cleaned landfill gas
is fed to the fuel cell for conversion to electricity and clean heat.
Construction of the pretreatment module has commenced, with
onsite testing scheduled for February 1992. (Ronald Spiegel,
AEERL, FTS 629-7542)
Non-Ozone Depleting Refrigerants for Domestic Heat
Pumps and Air Conditioner
Recent tests using an experimental heat pump apparatus
show that two non-chlorine refrigerant mixtures are equal to or
even exceed traditional HCFC-22 refrigerant in efficiency and
capacity during heat pump operation, making them promising
replacements for the ozone-depleting HCFC-22. The mixtures
are HFC32/HFC152a and HFC32/HCFC134a. These chemi-
cals are either commercially available or available from indus-
try in test quantities. Prior modeling work showed this perfor-
mance was possible, but this is the first experimental proof of
the capabilities of the replacement refrigerants. Toxicity tests of
the individual components have not indicated any problems.
The Clean Air Act restricts production and use of HCFCs
beginning in the year 2015; however, recent information
showing greater stratospheric ozone depletion than originally
thought will probably expedite this limitation on HCFCs. An
innovative program is planned to evaluate operational and
equipment changes associated with using these new refrigerant
mixtures (e.g., potential flammability concerns); to evaluate
other potentially environmentally superior mixtures; and to
optimize overall operation. The work is managed by AEERL
and is being conducted at the National Institute of Standards and
Technology. (Frank Princiotta, Director, AEERL, FTS 629-
2821)
Mercury Emissions Control from Municipal Waste
Combustor
The control of mercury emissions from highly combustion
efficient municipal waste combustors (MWCs) has been incon-
sistent and poses a problem in setting an emission limit for the
MWC source category. AEERL is assisting EPA's Office of
Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) in its effort to
develop this standard as required by the Clean Air Act Amend-
ments of 1990. AEERL will provide OAQPS with data and
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results from a recently completed field test that addresses
mercury control at the Ogden Martin of Stanislaus Systems,
Inc., facility near Modesto, California. This plant uses selective
noncatalytic reduction (ammonia injection into the furnace to
limit nitrogen oxide emissions), and this process may affect
mercury emission control. Activated powdered carbon was
injected into flue gas upstream of the MWC unit's lime spray
dryer absorber/fabric filter (flue gas cleaning) system and
evaluated as a technology for supplementing mercury removal.
Preliminary results suggest that this is an effective approach
and show that mercury capture can be improved from 25%
without carbon injection to over 90% with carbon injection. An
engineering analysis of the validated test results is being pre-
pared. This analysis also will address potential ammonia and
flue gas cleaning operating parameters on mercury control. The
draft final report is expected in November 1991. (T.G. Brna,
AEERL, FTS 629-2683)
Air Emissions from the Treatment of Contaminated Soils
AEERL prepared a document to respond to requests through
EPA's Control Technology Center (CTC) for guidance for
State and local air pollution control agencies to evaluate the air
emission potential of treatment processes and the cost effective-
ness of applicable control technologies. The report evaluates
seven general approaches for the disposal or treatment of soils
contaminated with gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel. (Susan Thomeloe,
AEERL, FTS 629-2709)
Low Emission Woodstoves on the Horizon
Low emission woodstove technology developed by AEERL
is ready for field testing in 30 homes this winter. This process,
which uses a gas pilot flame to ignite a second fire to burn the
smoke from the wood fire, achieves nearly 100-fold reduction
of particulates compared to EPA-certified 1992 noncatalytic
woodstoves. It is estimated that this technology would add only
5 percent to the price of the stove and would cost only $2.25 per
month for natural gas to fuel the pilot light. These costs would
be partially offset by the reduction in wood used because of the
increased efficiency of the stove and the additional heat given
off from the gas pilot.
The laboratory is filing a patent application on behalf of the
four ORE) scientists who developed the technology. Thirty
prototype stoves will be manufactured under a Federal Tech-
nology Transfer Act agreement and provided free to
homeowners. ORD will conduct emissions testing of these
stoves during the coming winter. (Frank Princiotta, Director,
AEERL, FTS 629-2821)
Active Soil Depressurization Systems to Reduce Indoor
Radon
Recent analysis has shown that cost-effective radon reduc-
tion technology is required for houses having initial radon
concentrations below 4 pCi/L, because 78 to 86% of the
national health risk is associated with those houses. Active soil
depressurization (ASD) has proven to be a very effective radon
reduction technology; however, ASD has not been widely
utilized by homeowners, in part because of the installation cost
($800 to $ 1,500). A comprehensive cost analysis conducted by
AEERL has shown that, through further research, ASD costs
can potentially be reduced by several hundred dollars, espe-
cially for more complicated systems; however, their cost cannot
be reduced below the lower end of the range cited above. In
view of general homeowner apathy regarding radon, this cost
reduction is not expected to significantly increase voluntary
demand for ASD systems. Thus, although ASD is a highly
effective and widely applicable technique, innovative, lower
costmethods will be necessary. These innovative methods may
achieve lesser radon reductions than ASD in a given house, but,
if they are extensively utilized in houses with levels below 4
pCi/L because of their low cost, they may have a greater impact
in reducing national health risk. Over the past year, AEERL's
radon mitigation R&D program has focussed on the develop-
ment of such innovative, low-cost approaches. (Bruce Henschel,
AEERL, FTS 629-4112)
Emissions from Coke Pushing and Quenching Reduced by
New Technology
A demonstration (co-funded by EPA and Bethlehem Steel)
of the Kress Indirect Dry Cooling process is underway at
Bethlehem's Sparrows Point, Maryland, facility. In this tech-
nology, a box is positioned flush against the coke oven and
receives the coke. Next, the box is sealed and transferred to the
quenching station where the coke is indirectly quenched by
running cooling water on the outside of the box. In the
conventional process, the hot coke free-falls into an open
container and is cooled or quenched by direct contact with
water, resulting in extensive paniculate and VOC emissions.
Additionally, this demonstration will use a door remover that
cleans the coke-side door and door jam of the coke oven. This
cleaning should help this facility meet the proposed Air Toxics
Regulations on door leaks. (Chester Vogel, AEERL, FTS 629-
2827)
Open Field Burning of Used Insecticide and Herbicide Bags
The "Executive Summary: Field Test of Open Burning of
Pesticide Bags in Farm Fields," summarizes a study on realistic,
field-generated emissions and residue data using open burning
in farm fields to dispose of used insecticide and herbicide bags.
The focus of the study was to characterize the gaseous emis-
sions, particulates, and remaining residues as a result of open-
burning. The study found that, despite the concerns over the
hazards of disposing of such materials in this uncontrolled
manner, the actual types, quantities, and concentrations of
pollutants reported in (his specific research study appear to be
relatively small. (Donald A. Oberacker, RREL, FTS 684-7510)
Radon Mitigation Durability Study
The initial results from a durability study of houses in
Denver, Colorado, mitigated for radon by sealing suspected
entry routes, show failure rates approaching 50% after 18
months or longer. According to researchers, this study indi-
cates sealing that is cheap and done for a "quick fix" doesn't
maintain long term integrity. All of the houses in the durability
study had levels above 4 pCi/L before sealing and below that
level immediately after sealing. At this time, 25% of this batch
of 60 houses has radon levels in excess of 10 pCi/L and one has
returned to its premitigation level above 50 pCi/L . AEERL
plans to continue its research on long-term control strategies
including a large national study addressing the durability of
radon mitigation systems, which is scheduled to begin later this
year. (D. Bruce Harris, AEERL, FTS 629-7807)
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Radon Reduction in Newly Constructed Buildings
A single-point active subslab depressurization (ASD) sys-
tem was installed in a 60,000 square foot hospital building in
Johnson City, Tennessee, for radon control. Subslab pressure
measurements had previously indicated the system's effective-
ness, and the results were recently confirmed with radon mea-
surements. Measurements made when both the ASD (radon
control) and air handling systems were turned off indicated that
the building had elevated levels of radon, with the highest room
measuring above 50 pCi/L. The second set of measurements
was made with the ASD system turned off and the air handling
system turned on; the highest radon level measured was 16 pCi/
L. This indicates that because of the radon source strength
(measured to be about 1,800 pCi/L under the slab), continuous
operation of the air handling system and exhaust fans did not
reduce radon levels below the EPA guideline of 4 pCi/L. The
last set of measurements was made with both the ASD and air
handling systems operating, and all 20 rooms measured were
below 0.5 pCi/L. These findings are significant since the
additional cost of installing the ASD system during construc-
tion was less than $0.10 per square foot, compared with costs of
$0.30 to over $1.00 documented in other new large buildings.
Since the data indicate that the same type of ASD system also
would be effective in a much larger building, future research
will demonstrate this design and others hi additional schools
and large buildings. The results will be incorporated into an
AEERL guidance manual on radon-resistant new school con-
struction. (A.B. Craig, AEERL, FTS 629-2824)
Computer Model for Estimating Exposure to Pollutants
AEERL recently published a computer model for analyzing
the effects of indoor pollutant sources on individual exposure.
The model, EXPOSURE Version 2, includes the effects of
indoor sources, sinks, room-to-room air flow, and air flow
between the indoors and outdoors. The effects of individual
activity patterns are included in the model and it calculates both
instantaneous and cumulative exposure. The model was devel-
oped in-house by AEERL engineers and incorporates the re-
sults of recent research on indoor sources, indoor sinks, and
building dynamics. It replaces a previous model, INDOOR,
that was widely used for study of indoor sources in the United
States and abroad. Over 300 requests for the model have been
received. (Leslie E. Sparks, AEERL, FTS 629-2458)
Bioremediation
Application of Oil-Degrading Bacteria to an Open-Water
Spill
The Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) has
negotiated a small contract with Southwest Research Institute
(S WRI) to develop and test a new delivery system for applying
oil-degrading bacteria and nutrients to a spill on open waters.
Capsular material will be made from a natural product called
sodium alginate. The alginate capsules can be made in any size
distribution desired. They can be cross-linked in such a way
that the density is slightly less than water but greater than oil.
The capsules, made to entrap nutrients inside while oil-degrad-
ing bacteria are attached to the outside ring of the capsules,
would position between the slick and the underlying water. The
nutrients diffuse through the alginate material to the surround-
ing biomass, which actively degrades the hydrocarbons from
the oil slick.
During the next few months, AEERL will conduct a joint
research project in which SWRI will manufacture the capsules,
while RREL will provide the oil-degrading consortium from
Alaska for the encapsulation process. These oil degraders
produce copious amounts of biosurfactants, so biodispersion of
the oil is a possible added benefit. The treatability experiments
should be completed in several months. Another larger contract
to fully develop the technology may be negotiated in the future
if this project is successful. (Albert D. Venosa, RREL, FTS
684-7668)
Ground-Water Bioremediation Pilot-Scale System
Installation of a ground-water bioremediation pilot-scale
system in a chlorinated hydrocarbon plume is planned for early
1992 at a site in St. Joseph, Michigan. The research team
consists of members from Robert S. Kerr Environmental Re-
search Laboratory (RSKERL), Stanford University, and Allied
Signal Corporation. The system will utilize injection/
recirculation of ground water fortified with oxygen, methane,
and nutrients to stimulate biodegradation of the contaminants.
The width of the plume and severity of trichloroethene,
dichloroethenes, and vinyl chloride contamination were deter-
mined recently by analyzing water samples collected from
variable depth drilling transects. The analytical data obtained
will be used to select the location and design of the bioremediation
system. (D. Kampbell, RSKERL, FTS 743-2358)
Pollution Prevention
Purge and Recovery/Recycling for Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration Equipment
AEERL will help prepare a technology transfer document
with the Office of Air and Radiation to promote the rapid
installation of CFC-11 purge and recovery/recycling equip-
ment on refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment in devel-
oping countries that are party to the Montreal Protocol and that
qualify for financing from the Interim Multilateral Fund. Instal-
lation of such equipment can make a significant reduction in the
amount of ozone-depleting CFC-11 being emitted to the atmo-
sphere. AEERL will review literature provided by manufactur-
ers of purge and recovery/recycle equipment and will prepare
a summary of the equipment design features and performance.
The technology transfer document will be used to support a
demonstration project in a developing country. Advanced
purge equipment and recovery/recycle equipment will be in-
stalled on one or more CFC-11 chillers used for air-condition-
ing of large buildings to minimize CFC-11 emissions. After a
satisfactory demonstration, the document will then be distrib-
uted to other developing countries to promote rapid installation
of similar equipment. (Dale L. Harmon, AEERL, FTS 629-
2429)
EPA and Air Force to Conduct Pollution Prevention
Projects
An Interagency Agreement between the Air Force and
RREL has been approved to conduct joint pollution prevention
research projects and to support the Air Force with the demon-
stration of a number of pollution prevention technologies at the
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Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The first
project will assess selected overhaul/repair processes to reduce
chemical wastes, which are 80% of the Base's waste genera-
tion. Major chemical waste sources are electroplating, compo-
nent cleaning, painting, and vapor degreasing. The output of
this first project will be an evaluation of the process and strategy
plan to eliminate or reduce multi-media waste generation. The
second project will demonstrate and evaluate an advance brush
plating implementation for chrome, nickel, cadmium, and sil-
ver replacement. This process is intended to replace a tank
electroplating process whereby the chemical requirements of
1400 to 1700 gallon tanks will be reduced to 2 gallon tanks that
would be replenished as the actual amount of metal plating
needed decreases. The annual gallons of chemical needed to
provide for plating could be reduced by 50% or more. (James
Bridges, RREL, FTS 684-7683)
Waste Minimization in Navy Paint Booth
RREL and the U.S. Navy Norfolk Naval Aviation Depot
measured paniculate and organic emission rates from a selected
paint spray booth to quantify VOC and paniculate emissions
prior to conversion of the paint booth. These results will be used
to assess the impact of converting a water curtain type spray
booth typically found in Navy painting facilities to dry filter
type operation. If the waste minimization proof of concept tests
are successful, a significant source of hazardous waste (i.e.,
paint sludge, metals, and organic constituents) may be elimi-
nated. Post conversion tests will be run later in 1991 andareport
will be generated comparing the results of the pre- and post-
conversion test series. (Paul M. Randall, RREL, FTS 684-
7673)
SITE Remediation
SITE Demonstration Technologies to be Marketed
A representative from Umweltschutz Nord (UN), a German
company, visited the Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL)
in Gulf Breeze, Florida, recently to sign agreements to market
technologies being tested at the ORD Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation Demonstration in Pensacola, Florida.
The technologies were developed at ERL-Gulf Breeze under a
technology transfer agreement with SBP Technologies of
Stone Mountain, Georgia. Representatives of Bioremediation
Services, Big Sandy, Texas, a UN American subsidiary, and
Massey-Burch In vestment Group, Nashville, Tennessee (ven-
ture capitalists for SBP), were also present to establish formal
agreements whereby SBP will market UN bioremediation
technologies in the U.S., and UN will market SBP technologies
in Germany, and possibly Poland, Austria, Czechoslovakia,
France, Italy, and Spain. The SITE Demonstration is being
conducted at an abandoned creosote Superfund cleanup site in
Pensacola, Florida. (Peter Chapman, ERL-Gulf Breeze, FTS
228-9261)
SITE Demonstration to Use Belgian Soil Washing
Technology
Representatives from Dredging International, Belgium,
visited ERL-Gulf Breeze recently to complete arrangements to
field test their soil washing technology during a SITE Demon-
stration at an abandoned creosote Superfund site in Pensacola,
Florida. The Belgian system will be integrated into a multi-
phase, mobile pilot-scale facility that can be transported for
field remediation experiments. The SITE Demonstration will
evaluate physical separation and bioremediation technologies
developed at ERL-Gulf Breeze under a technology transfer
agreement with SBP Technologies. Field tests began in August
1991 and will continue for approximately three months. (Peter
Chapman, ERL-Gulf Breeze, FTS 228-9261)
Treatability Study Confirms Selection of Wetlands Treatment
at Superfund Site
RREL conducted treatability tests on leachate from the
Buckeye Reclamation Landfill, located in St. Clairsville, Ohio.
The leachate has a high mineral acidity and is contaminated
with heavy metals. The screening level treatability test showed
that constructed wetlands look promising for treating leachate
from this site. The laboratory level screening test developed for
this effort can be used to evaluate the applicability of con-
structed wetlands at other sites. (Mark C. Meckes, RREL, FTS
684-7348)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604-3590
•&U.S.GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: IW2 - 648-OHO/40I37
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