TD811.1
.H64
LAND DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS WASTE -
THE RESEARCH EFFORT
by
Ronald D. Hill
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Speech before the
Ohio Environmental Health Association
Athens, Ohio
October 27, 1982
1. Introduction
a. EPA Proposed Land Disposal Regulations
o Landfills
o Surface Impoundments
b. RCRA Guidance Documents
2. EPA Research Program
a. Liner Research
b. Cover Research
c. Impoundment Research
U.S. Fin,•;•-.;.. '••-. • ! P.-.'/vl v»; Agency
Region -,'
230 So.'---.,! , • ', /
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USEPA Research Program:
Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Sites
by
Ronald D. Hill
Norbert B. Schomaker
Ira Wilder
Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory
Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio
INTRODUCTION
Incidents such as Love Canal and Valley-of-the-Drums have projected
the environmental significance of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites to
the forefront of public and EPA attention. Although these latest de-
velopments have resulted in a major commitment by EPA, the Office of
Research and Development has been responding to environmental problems
from uncontrolled waste sites for several years. Some of these activi-
ties are illustrated in Table 1. There are two types of actions that
may take place at uncontrolled sites: (1) short-term emergency re-
sponses, and (2) permanent long-term remedial actions. Short-term
emergency response actions are characterized as follows:
o A high immediate hazard is suspected and quick response action
is necessary.
o The expedience of prompt action is more important than the
cost-effectiveness of the remedial action employed.
o Threats to the public health and welfare require the correction
of obvious pollution problems, e.g., visible surface seeps,
failing dikes, spills threatening water supplies, imminent ex-
plosion hazards.
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o The rapid mobilization of remedial capabilities (especially of
mobile equipment) is desirable.
o The duration of intense, on-site response time is short-term
(weeks) and the remedial action is particularly important
during the early stages of site reclamation.
o Remedial actions will result in the amelioration or reduction
of the immediate hazard as opposed to permanent solution.
o The response is limited to small sites or equivalent portions
of large sites.
o The decision on the need for response relies upon a level of
information available only from reconnaissance investigations.
Permanent long-term remedial actions are characterized as follows:
o Significant hazards exist but acceptable response times are of
the order of months.
o The proposed action will result in a permanent closure of the
site or a long-term attenuation of the problem.
o Detailed site investigation and monitoring data are essential
to define the precise extent of the problem and to determine
site hydrogeology, waste characterization, and the nature of
the necessary remedial action.
o Cost-effectiveness and permanence of the solution are the
essential concerns.
o Remedial action must be applicable to all types of hazardous
sites and, especially, to major problem areas and complex sites.
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o The use of full-scale on-site containment measures, large-scale
modular field-erected treatment/destruction equipment, in-situ
treatment, and comprehensive monitoring systems are called for.
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division (SHWRD) of EPA's
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory, conducts research and
development to meet the needs of both modes of response. The Disposal
Branch (DB) focuses on permanent long-term responses, while the Oil and
Hazardous Materials Spills Branch (OHMSB) develops emergency response
capabilities.
Specifically, the R&D program focuses on the development of tech-
nology and techniques for the prevention, control, and concentration of
hazardous substances released to the environment from uncontrolled waste
sites, as well as the ultimate disposal of these toxic materials. The
program also provides for an assessment of techniques for the restora-
tion of the environment to a healthy state.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE R&D PROGRAM
OHMSB has historically conducted research and development on
methods to prevent, contain, separate or remove, and dispose of oil and
hazardous materials spills on the sea, inland waters, and land. In re-
cent years, it has been demonstrated that many of the techniques and
much of the equipment developed for spills are applicable to uncontrolled
hazardous waste site situations. The OHMSB1s uncontrolled site program
can be divided into seven primary programs as noted in Table 2. Also
shown in this table are various systems and items of equipment that have
been developed by OHMSB to meet the objectives. The following is a more
detailed discussion of some of the equipment and systems listed in
Table 2.
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o Mobile treatment equipment. OHMSB has developed two mobile trailers
that provide a variety of physical and chemical processing systems
for on-site treatment of contaminated water. These units have been
used to treat water at several uncontrolled sites. A mobile system
for regenerating activated carbon has been developed and is being
tested.
o Mobile analytical laboratories. Two mobile laboratories have been
assembled for on-site analysis of chemicals at uncontrolled sites.
One lab is designed for rapid identification of chemicals, enabling
investigators to make on-the-spot decisions about cleanup actions.
The other is equipped to provide more precise analytical capabilities,
o Portable containment agents. Portable containment systems developed
by OHMSB include units that create a barrier of polyurethane foam to
contain hazardous materials, and a gelling agent that turns liquid
materials into viscous substances that can be removed mechanically.
o Portable collection equipment. Two systems, each consisting of a
pump, hoses, and four collapsible reinforced plastic bags with a
total capacity of 7,000 gallons, have been used to collect and
temporarily store hazardous liquids in emergency situations. The
equipment can be used to collect liquid wastes stored in leaking
containers or pooled on the ground. One system has a spark-free,
battery-powered pump for use in explosive atmospheres.
o Acoustical monitoring. Historically, surface impoundments have been
the most common method of disposing of liquid hazardous wastes. Many
of these structures are diked or dammed areas that have the potential
to cause significant damage if the sides of the impoundment give way.
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To test dam stability, OHMSB developed an acoustical monitoring sys-
tem that senses the sounds that soils make under stress, enabling
investigators to predict potential failure. The system has been
used successfully at dozens of disposal sites. A microwave version
of this system is being designed to detect leakage paths.
o Field detection kits. Several field detection and identification
units have been designed by OHMSB. One such kit is used to monitor
concentrations of known constituents in a waste leachate stream or
in contaminated surface waters. Another field kit has been developed
to identify unknown hazardous materials by chemical class and, in
some cases, to specifically identify the hazardous materials. In
addition, laboratory and field units are available for monitoring
the level of metallic compounds in water and/or organophosphate
pesticides in water or air.
o Mobile water diversion system. This trailer-mounted pumping and
piping system can be used to divert surface water flowing toward
an uncontrolled waste site.
o Mobile decontamination station. A semitrailer, containing a clean
room, a shower room, and a "dirty" room, is available for decontami-
nating personnel exposed to toxic chemicals during investigation or
remedial action at uncontrolled sites.
o Air pollution control. OHMSB has tested and identified fire-fighting
foams that can be used to minimize the air pollution that occurs when
toxic liquid chemicals evaporate. In addition, a prototype system
has been built to spread pulverized dry ice over a volatile hazardous
liquid in order to reduce the rate of vapor release by cooling the
hazardous substance.
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o Mobile incinerator. Incineration - an important method of ultimate
disposal - has traditionally required the transport of wastes to
permanent treatment facilities. OHMSB will soon field test a mobile
incinerator that will enable toxic wastes and contaminated soil and
debris to be safely detoxified on-site.
o Soil treatment units. The treatment of heavily contaminated soils is
important for preventing or ameliorating ground and surface water
contamination. Three treatment units are currently being developed
by OHMSB. One is an in-situ soil washer that will literally cleanse
soils by forcing water or neutralizing chemicals through the soil at
high pressures, and collecting the wash water in wells or at well
points. The wash water can then be decontaminated by standard water
treatment methods. Another unit, a mobile grouting system, has been
built to confine the pollutants found in contaminated soils. The
system first envelopes the area of contamination with a grout curtain.
The soil is subsequently decontaminated by injecting appropriate
chemicals into contaminated areas. OHMSB is also in the process of
building a mobile full-scale unit for scrubbing hazardous wastes from
excavated contaminated soil. The unit will use water with additives
as required to process several tons per hour of soil from uncontrolled
waste sites.
o Sealing of earthen surfaces. Several low-cost methods for sealing
surface soil to prevent infiltration are being tested. These include
plastic sheets and materials that can be sprayed onto a site to form
an impervious layer.
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A major focus of the short-term emergency response research program
is the development and operational testing of the equipment, as well as
evaluation of its effectiveness under different hazardous waste situa-
tions. Specific hazardous waste site problems will be explored to pro-
vide opportunities for their evaluations. The ultimate goal is the
commercialization of the equipment and system and the development of
manuals of practice for those personnel involved in emergency situations
at hazardous waste sites.
The 1980-1984 research strategy specifies the following research
program:
a. Personnel Safety
o Define and update standard procedures and equipment
o Develop specialized safety equipment for exposure monitoring
protection, and decontamination
o Develop specially equipped vehicle for safe investigation of
waste sites
b. Situation Assessment and Analytical Support
o Develop/demonstrate rapid and accurate waste identification
equipment, techniques, and protocols
o Develop/demonstrate (pilot-scale) means to evaluate remedial
actions and establish a computerized file of such actions
o Develop/demonstrate field kits for determining waste characteri-
zation and mobile labs for situation analysis and assessment
o Develop/demonstrate equipment to analyze dike stability and
impoundment liner integrity
o Develop and update procedures manual for selection of remedial
action for uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
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o Develop and update procedures for identifying cleanup priorities
and for defining required extent of cleanup
o Develop/demonstrate equipment to locate buried wastes and to
detect groundwater movement
o Develop procedures for a uniform classification of hazardous
waste sites
c. Concentration and Separation
o Aqueous wastes, runoff, leachates, and groundwater
Demonstrate physical-chemical treatment using granular and
powdered activated carbon.
Demonstrate unconventional physical-chemical treatment with
powdered activated carbon (including treatment of volatiles).
Develop/demonstrate techniques for reverse osmosis treatment,
steam stripping, ultrafiltration treatment, and oil/water
separation.
o Sludges and sediment - Develop/demonstrate field dewatering
techniques
o Soils - Develop/demonstrate systems for separating contaminants
from soils, and use of contaminant levels to classify soils
o Mixed wastes - Develop/demonstrate techniques for separation of
heavy metals from mixed organic wastes and refractory organics
from biodegradable organics
o Gases, vapors - Develop/demonstrate techniques for separation of
heavy metals as vapors and particulates in incinerator stack
gases, and concentration of contaminants in air emissions from
hazardous waste sites
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d. Containment and Encapsulation
o Suppression of volatiles - Develop/demonstrate techniques for
temporary vepor suppression for open lagoons and highly contami-
nated soils
o Precipitation infiltration controls - Develop/demonstrate
emergency groundwater interception system and techniques for
rapidly emplaced emergency grout curtains
o Groundwater control
Develop/demonstrate emergency groundwater interception systems.
Develop/demonstrate rapidly emplaced grout curtain techniques
for emergency use.
o Drums
Develop/demonstrate systems/techniques for patching or recon-
tainerizing leaking or damaged drums.
Develop/demonstrate system for on-site emptying, washing,, and
crushing of drums.
Develop/demonstrate buried drum excavation procedures.
o Specialized encapsulation techniques - Develop/demonstrate tech-
niques to encapsulate heavy metals into low-leachability syn-
thetic matrices
e. Destruction Techniques
o Thermal
Demonstrate mobile systems for incineration and granular
activated carbon regeneration.
Evaluate large commercial thermal systems for off-site
destruction of waste.
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Develop novel, thermally-based mixed-waste destruction tech-
niques, such as in-situ pyrolysis by RF heating.
Develop/demonstrate feedstock preparation system for mobile
incineration system.
Develop/demonstrate large-scale transportable incineration
system.
o Biological
Develop/demonstrate microbiological techniques for on-site
treatment of aqueous wastes, runoff leachates, groundwater,
contaminated surface soils, sediments, sludges, and in-place
treatment of contaminated deep soils.
Develop/demonstrate genetically-engineered microorganisms for
rapid destruction of hazardous waste.
o Chemical
Develop/demonstrate advanced techniques for chemical destruc-
tion of selected wastes.
Develop/demonstrate wet air oxidation techniques for aqueous
wastes, runoff, leachates, and groundwater.
PERMANENT LONG-TERM REMEDIAL ACTION R&D PROGRAM
The Disposal Branch (DB) has historically conducted R&D programs
to deal with the land disposal of solid waste. The Branch's experience
in this area has proven valuable in determining long-term remedial
action alternatives at some critical uncontrolled sites (Table 3).
Many existing technologies, such as those currently being used for con-
struction, hydrological investigation, wastewater treatment, spill
cleanup, and chemical sampling and analysis, can be applied to
10
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uncontrolled waste sites. However, their application to uncontrolled
hazardous waste sites must be tested and, where necessary, modified.
Most needed are more rapid, less expensive, and safer methods for
analyzing, testing, and locating wastes; determining the extent of pol-
lution; controlling or eliminating pollution; and assessing public
health risks. It is the function of the Disposal Branch to evaluate
long-term remedial actions and to develop those modifications necessary
to make them most cost-effective for uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
In Table 3 some of the proposed remedial methods are summarized. These
methods, either individually or in combination, will be evaluated at
hazardous waste sites through direct DB-sponsored activities. The DB
has also been extensively involved in providing support and/or technical
assistance to EPA 311 actions via the EPA regional offices, as well as
enforcement activities. During FY'81 cooperative remedial action
activities with other Federal agencies on their hazardous waste problem
sites will be initiated. If Superfund legislation passes, opportunities
will be expanded to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial actions.
Some specific research activities of the Disposal Branch are:
o Monitoring the effectiveness of remedial action. As long-term
remedial action is initiated at various sites, the Disposal
. Branch will monitor the success of the various actions in re-
ducing environmental contamination. The cost and performance
of completed actions will be updated on an annual basis not
only for DB and OHMSB activities, but also for private industry
efforts where possible, State and local government actions and
other groups within EPA. The project will provide a central
11
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bank of state-of-the-art information on long-term remedial
action which will enable engineers to profit from previous
experience and will indicate future research needs.
o Evaluating remedial action alternatives. The Disposal Branch
is currently evaluating the results of a remedial action study
at a predominantly municipal landfill at Windham, Connecticut.
The contractor has studied technologies available for reducing
pollution at an existing municipal landfill, and implemented a
surface capping technique consisting of a sandwiched section of
sand, synthetic membrane, and soil. A guidance manual describ-
ing the various alternatives was also developed. The effective--
ness of this demonstrated technology, with the exception of cost
and safety considerations, is expected to be equally applicable
to uncontrolled hazardous, waste sites. In 1980, the Disposal
Branch will begin two similar projects to evaluate remedial
action technologies for a hazardous waste disposal site and a
surface impoundment.
o Estimating the costs of remedial action. The Disposal Branch
is conducting a project to determine the cost-effectiveness of
various remedial actions.
o Evaluating remote sensing technologies for site investigation.
In an ongoing project at an uncontrolled site in Coventry,
Rhode Island, the Disposal Branch is funding a study to test
the effectiveness of ground-piercing radar and other remote
sensing devices for determining the location and condition of
buried chemical wastes.
12
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The 1980-1984 research strategy for long-term remedial action
research and development describes the following program.
a. Full-Scale Corrective Technology Development
o Identify best practical technology for remedying water and gas
pollution from waste disposal sites
o Remedial action at an uncontrolled hazardous waste disposal site
o Remedial action at a hazardous surface impoundment/pit, pond,
lagoon
o Special studies relating to the site restoration program of the
Department of Defense (Army)
b. Survey, Assessment, Cost
o Survey of ongoing and completed remedial action projects
(annual update)
o Updating unit operations cost data for remedial actions at
uncontrolled sites
o Summary report of survey technologies
c. Support Technologies Evaluation
o Uncontrolled hazardous waste site capsule report and Agency
response related to "Superfund" legislation
o Remedial action at a pharmaceutical waste disposal site
o Remedial action at a chemical waste/drum disposal site
o Long-term effectiveness of remedial action at a chemical waste/
drum disposal site
d. "In-Situ" Technologies for Hazardous Waste Sites
o Identify chemical stabilizers best suited for fixating priority
pollutants
13
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o Evaluate chemical stabilization injection technology to increase
stabilization rates of waste materials
o Evaluate chemical stabilization injection technology relating to
waste stabilization by investigating various stabilizers
o Neutralize or modify contaminated soils by chemical/biological
in-situ treatment
e. Pilot-Scale Studies
o Develop pilot scale test facility to predict the effectiveness
of remedial action schemes
o Construct physical, hydrogeologic model to predict effectiveness
of groundwater cutoff systems
o Evaluate concentration as a treatment technology
o Construct a pilot test facility to predict the reactivity
with hazardous wastes of various construction materials used in
remedial action schemes
SUMMARY
The Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division is making a two-
prong attack on the uncontrolled hazardous waste site problems (emer-
gency response and long-term remedial action), which we feel will
result in a consolidated resolution to the uncontrolled hazardous waste
problem.
14
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Table 1
Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory Activities
at
Uncontrolled Dump Sites
Site
Hopewell, VA
Haverford, PA
Dlttmer, MO
Oswego, NY
Chattanooga, TN
Niagara, NY
Elizabeth, NJ
Bartlett, TX
Sharptown, MD
Aurora, MO
Niagara Falls, NY
Windham, CT
Charles City, IA
Wilsonville, IL
Saltville, VA
Coventry, RI
Verona, MO
Glassboro, NJ
Llangollen, DE
Edison, NJ
Problem
Kepone chemical plant
Pentachlorophenol contaminated
groundwater
Illegal waste dump
Discharge of mixed industrial
wastes
Bankrupt hazardous waste site
Discharge of mixed industrial
wastes
Bankrupt industrial dump site
Discharge of mixed industrial
waste
Leachate from industrial waste
site
Identify drum contents at a
bankrupt industrial dump site
Industrial waste chemical
lagoon
Abandoned dump site containing
PCB's and mixed industrial
wastes
Illegal dump site containing
dioxin
Minimize moisture infiltration
n li ii
Leachate generation
Leachate contaminment
Mercury discharge
Drum disposal site
Dioxin disposal
Leachate from co-disposal site
Leachate plume in groundwater
Leachate from co-disposal site
Remedial Action
Carbon treatment
Carbon treatment
Carbon treatment
Excavation of material
Carbon Treatment
Lagoon repair
Carbon treatment
Mobile lab
Carbon treatment
Mobile lab
Pilot plant
Mobile lab
Site explosion
Carbon treatment
Mobile lab
Mobile lab
Mobile contamination
unit
Surface capping
n [i
In situ stabilization
Clay liner
Surface impoundment
erosion control
Non-destructive device
for coating drums
Excavation and removal
Minimize moisture
and stream infiltration
Counter pumping
Surface capping and
erosion control
15
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17
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TABLE 3. PERMANENT LONG TEP'l REMEDIAL ACTION PROGRAM
FOR UNCONTROLLED HAZARDOUS WASTE SITES
Method
Character!sties/Remarks
Surface Water Control
Surface Seal (A)
Surface Water Diversion
& Collection
Dikes and Berms (A)
Ditches, Diversions,
Waterways (A)
Chutes and Downpipes (A)
Levees (A)
Seepage Basins & Ditches (A)
Sedimentation Basins/Ponds (A)
Expensive; high upkeep; very hard to
place; highly effective; approximately
20 year life
Diversion 1 collection of water to
avoid leachate production
Inexpensive; moderate upkeep; very easy
to place; fairly effective; temporary
structures: prevents excessive erosion
Inexpensive; moderate upkeep; very easy
to place; fairly effective; prevents
excessive erosion
Inexpensive; low upkeep, very easy to
place; fairly effective; temporary
structures, no special tools or
material required
Moderately expensive; high upkeep;
Permanent structures, guard against
flooding; effective
Moderately expensive; high upkeeo, easy
placement; fairly effective;
permanent structures, prone to clogging
Inexpensive; low upkeep; easy placement;
fairly effective; easy to design &
install, oermanent structures
Impermeable Barriers
Slurry Walls (A)
Grout Curtains (A)
Groundwater Controls
Rerouting of groundwater to avoid
leachate formation
Expensive; very low upkeep; fairly
effective; longlasting
Very expensive; very low upkeep; hard
to place; fairly effective; highly
technologic alternative; done by very
few companies
-------
TABLE 3 Continued
Method
Characteristics/Remarks
Sheet Piling (A)
Permeable Treatment Beds (A)
Groundwater Pumping
Water Table Adjustment (A)
Plume Containment (A)
Contaminated Water
Treatment (A)
Bioreclamation (A)
Inexpensive; very low upkeep; very
easy to place; fairly effective;
used to stop formation of H.W.
Expensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
marginally effective; prone to ponding;
sensitive
Lowering of water table to avoid leachate
formation and for treatment
Inexpensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
fairly effective; reliable when properly
monitored; has a large construction
flexibility
Expensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
fairly effective; very flexible as far
as design and operation
Expensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
fairly effective; highly flexible
and reliable
Inexpensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
fairly effective; fast, safe, doesn't
remove all contaminants
Subsurface Drains (A)
Drainage Ditches.(A)
Liners (A)
Leachate Control
Expensive; high upkeep; easy to place;
fairly effective; system requires
continuous and careful monitoring,
fairly reliable, considerable flexibility
available
Inexpensive; extremely high upkeep; easy
to place; fairly effective; requires
extensive maintenance; useful in
collecting side seepage and runoff
Expensive; moderate upkeep; very hard
placement; fairly effective; virtually
impossible to use on existing sites,
complicated and difficult to place,
approximately 20 year life
19
-------
TABLE 3 Continued
Method
Characteristics/Remarks
leachate Treatment (A)
Leachate Recycle (B)
Highly dependent on the method, strength
of the waste, and desired output
Still in the R&D stage; this is a form
of leachate treatment
Gas Migration Control
Pipe Vents (A)
Trench Vents (A)
Gas Barriers (A)
Gas Collection Systems (A)
Gas Treatment Systems (B)
Gas Recovery (B)
Moderately expensive; low upkeep; easy
to place; fairly effective; forced
ventilation is by far the most
effective method (over atmospheric
dissipation)
Expensive; moderate upkeep; easy to
place; fairly effective; induced
draft is by far the most effective
method (over atmospheric dissipation.
which is somewhat uneffective)
Highly dependent on the materials
used, expensive and not effective
(in general)
Single-fan/vent collection systems
are cheap, effective, & easy to
upkeep, but can only be applied to
a 5 to 6 acre site, manifold
collection system is more complicated,
costly, and requires a great deal of
upkeep
Highly dependent on the method used;
site specs will designate the method;
generally expensive
Recover methane, clean it, combine it
with natural gas, and use it for fuel,
in its infant state, state of the art
is yet to be fully developed
Direct Waste Treatment Methods
Excavation (A)
Hydraulic Dredging (A)
Operation that is undertaken to prepare
a site for waste disposal: backhoe &
dragline are typical excavation tools
This is an expensive undertaking;
utilizes well-established widely
available technology; effective; requires
a good deal of equipment
20
-------
TABLE 3 Continued
Method
Characteristics/Remarks
Land Disposal (A)
Incineration (A)
Wet Air Oxidation (A)
Solidification
Cement-Based Solidification (A)
Lime-Based Solidification (A)
Thermoplastic Solidification (A)
Organic Polymer
Solidification (B)
Self-Cementing
Solidification (A)
Classification (B)
Encapsulation (B)
Includes surface impoundments, land-
filling, & land spreading; controlled
by RCRA; most common disposal form
Very versatile; can handle waste in
solid, liquid or gaseous state;
expensive; causes air pollution;
substantial upkeep
Usually used with a biotreatment
unit; expensive; used to treat
wastewater & difficult to dewater
sludges
Involves sealing the waste in a hard
stable mass
Involves sealing waste in oortland
cement; effective; but tends to leach
Involves solidification of waste with a
lime based medium; creates a oorous
solid that must be either landfilled
or sealed
Involves sealing waste in asphalt bitumen,
paraffin, or polyethylene; forms a stable
solid which isn't leach prone; expensive
Involes solidification with urea-
formaldehyde; substance formed is
biodegradable and will readily release
pollutants
Has to be a desulfurized sludge that
contains a large amount of calcium
sulfate or sulfide in order to be
solidified; expensive; forms a stable
solid
Involves combining waste with molten
glass; very expensive; very stable
Complete isolation of the waste in a
synthetic encasement, very expensive
(requires skilled labor); very stable;
yet to be attempted on a large scale
21
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TABLE 3 Continued
Method
Characteristics/Remarks
In-Situ Treatment (C)
Solution Mining (C)
Neutralization/Detoxification
(C)
Microbial Degradation (C)
Other Direct Treatment
Techniques
Molten Salt (C)
Plasma Reduction (C)
Very limited application; site must be
well defined, shallow & the extent of
contamination small
Flood the land disposal area with a
solvent & collect the elutriate with
a series of shallow well joints;
inexpensive; only amenable to certain
wastes
Inject the land disposal area with a
substance that immobilzes or destroys
pollutant; must have a degradable
waste; expensive
Seeding a waste with microorganisms
to achieve degradation; sensitive;
expensive
Techniques used to control waste from
refuse sites
Combustion of wastes with salt; the
salt reacts with undesirable waste
by-products; expensive
Any organic waste may be destroyed;
done by severing bonds in waste material
Contaminated Water and Sewer Lines
In-Situ Cleaning (A)
Mechanical and Hydraulic
Scouring (A)
Bucket Dredging and
Suction Cleaning (A)
Chemical Treatment (B)
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Methods used to clean, inspect, &
repair clogged or leaking lines
Removal of pipeline obstacles with
devices such as a "snake" or high
pressure hydraulic influx
Buckets are drug along the base
of sewer pipes thus dredging them;
also suction can be used to clean
sewer lines of toxic liquid & debris
Foams & gels that absorb & bind
liquid pollutants; the matrix formed
Agencys then hydraulically flushed
22
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Lontinued
Method
Characteristics/Remarks
Repair (A)
Pipeline Inspection (A)
Grouting (A)
Pipe Relining & Sleeving (A)
Removal & Replacement (A)
Location - repairing methods
Several different techniques are
available; such as using dyes, audio-
phone leak detectors, etc.
In-situ treatment of repairing pipe
cracks or ruptures with a gel-like
grout
Very simple & inexpensive sealing
alternative; an in-situ operation that
coats the inside of pipes; effective
results
Very expensive; when no other alternative
is left
Contaminated Sediments
Mechanical Dredging (A)
Low-Turbidity Hydraulic
Dredging (A)
Dredge Spoil Management (A)
Dewatering & Transport (A)
Storage & Disposal (A)
Treatment (A)
Revegetation (A)
A viable alternative for shallow small
streams; if water flow isn't detoured
excessive turbidity results; limited use
This is an expensive undertaking;
utilizes well established technology;
effective; requires a good deal of
equipment
Methods for dewatering, transporting,
storing, treating & disposing of
contaminated sediments
Solidifying slurry & loading it on
barge, train, or truck such that it can
be transported to treatment
Pumped slurry is placed in a containment
basin for either permanent disoosal or
temporary storage
Dewatering & stabilization of slurry such
that it is suitable for land disposal
When marshland is dredged, it must be
refilled with clean fill & revegetated
to insure ecological integrity
KEY
A - Commercial Available
B - Research & Development Stage
C - Conceptual
End
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