-------
method to implement would most likely be landfilling with
refuse. However, land cultivation or burial may be desirable
in a given spill situation if, for example, the primary con-
tingency site is a sanitary landfill located far from the
cleanup site or the debris is well suited for land cultivation
at a convenient site. Thus, it is important to be familiar
with each alternative disposal method and the conditions under
which it is applicable.
DISPOSAL METHOD COMPATIBILITY WITH VARIOUS TYPES OF DEBRIS
The characteristics of oil spill debris can vary signif-
icantly depending on the spill location, cleanup method, oil
type, and other factors. Basic debris parameters important
in selecting a compatible disposal method include:
• Size distribution of the debris solid matter
collected during spill cleanup;
• Biodegradabi1ity of the debris constituents; and
• Oil content in the debris.
Table 6 presents a comparison between these characteris-
tics of spill debris and the available disposal methods.
Debris Characteristics and Land Cultivation
Land cultivation is best suited for debris comprised of
small particles such as oiled soils. The land cultivation
method entails rototilling, discing or otherwise mixing the
debris with site soils. Thus, land cultivated debris should
not contain particles larger than about 15 cm (6 in) to avoid
handling difficulties and ensure proper mixing. Vegetation
such as seaweed, brush, or leaves that can be readily broken
up and mixed with the soil can also be included in debris
intended for land cultivation.
Debris with some large, bulky items can be land cultivated
if the bulky items are segregated and either cleaned or dis-
posed of at a sanitary landfill or a burial site.
The basic intent of land cultivation is to promote
microbial degradation of the carbonaceous matter. Thus, land
cultivation should not be practiced if noticeable amounts of
inorganic, nondegradable items (such as plastics) are present
in the debris, unless the land cultivation is to be at an
exi sting landfi11.
33
-------
GO
i — l
C£
03
LU
Q
— 1
1
f — t
Q.
oo
_i
K— 1
O
LU
o
oo
LU
O.
>-
h-
1—
Z^
LU
C£
LU
Lu
LU
i — i
Q
O
h-
00
Q
O
n:
h-
LU
SI
1
<
oo
o
Q.
oo
1 — 1
Q
Lu
O
>-
1—
i — i
_J
i — i
CO
in
•i —
i-
to
•i—
S~
_Q
O>
0
4->
E
CU
-M
E
O
O
p—
•i —
O
>>
4->
• r—
r—
•i—*
_d
ro
"O
ro
S-
Ol
O)
•o
o
•f—
CQ
s_
-M
ro
2!
T3
•i—
i —
O
00
4-
o
CU
N
•i—
00
-o
o
_E
-M
O)
SI
rO
to
O
Q.
to
•r—
Q
•M
to
CU
_Q
C
o
4->
rO
>
-M
3
O
-o
E
rO
I
T3
C
ro
in
• 1—
o
>,
-M
c:
ro
C.
•I—
E
O
"O
CU
S-
Cu
•
1
ro
CU
S-
O>
_Q
TD
r~
3
0
-C
to
to
•r—
S_
JD
O)
Q
•
•o
C
ro
1
~o
,
•1 —
>
ro
O)
c-
S-
O
4-
T3 t/1
OJ -r-
4-> S-
•r- -Q
Z3 O)
to ~o
S-
1 O
c:
o to
^ +->
c:
cu
• JD
+-> S-
in o
OJ tO
JD
CD
OJ i—
S- J3
ro ro
T3
to ro
r— S-
•1- CT)
O CU
to "O
, X
» c
CU •!-
N
•r- l£J
to —
c E
•i— O
i — LO
r— r—
rO
E c
to ro
JZ
>>•!->
d) tO
> to
•r- CU
-(-> i—
C
o
[ *
fO
>
•1 —
+->
r—
3
O
-o
r>—
3
0
_c:
to
j^
to
ro
i_
•)->
r_>
•i^
C
ro
CD
S_
O
c:
•r—
•
to
t—
•p-
O
tn
-o
cu
P__
•I —
O
n
•
CD
•
CU
•
4->
C
CU
in
CU
S-
Q.
CU
-Q
+J
O
C
JZ
CO r—
03 r—
•r- tO •!—
-P JZ CU 4-
rO " in -Q T3
-P CU 3 E
CU t— S- >, ro
O5.Q J3 ro i —
O) ra £
> 4-> S- S_
CL O S- O
S_ O) CU 4-
o> o -o +->
CT) C_> CU +-> -O
S- ro (1) ro CU i —
rO S E 4J ro
i — CU (O ro to
-Q CU >> S- 0
O> to -i«i ro Q.
E >, r- Q. on
O ro to 3 CU T-
OO E ro CQ to "O
•
CU
C 4-> S- >>
O ro Ol i— +J
•i- >> S S CU C
•4-> • ro CU > O> •
rO+JE4--CC-r-toto
-ME O O1 -M CU T3
•r- CU to -i- ro ro S- T-
E-PCUr— J= r— Q. 3
•r- E ••— ro E O) O"
i — OOtOS-T-S-CO-r-
O E O O -i- i—
O CU Q. in CU
C r— cr> to TD T- S_ CUO)
•i— ro •!— CU S- CU to ^:
"O TDr— JO ^! 3 -M
i— E -r- CU S 4-
rOtOOOOTD CUJ3
S_ -r- -r- -M r— S- S-
CU S- -M >,-M r— O
E.Q ro-Mr— E-r- CU to
O) CUi — O 'i- CU<4_, — -o
C71T3 3 O) > 4-> T3 -M ro
OVr-7 ro E E -M
EECU^CUOrO-r-O
i— i OCtT O-E r_> r— r— -M
•
C
0
E
O
•r—
•M •
rO to
-M r-
•p- ro
E T-
•r- i-
i— CU
-M
O ro
^: E
•
.
o>
N
•r-
l/l
E
O
E
0
-M
ro
+->
*r—
E
f—
a
•
CD CU
E to
•r- 3
Lt
r '~ ^^—
•— cu
•p- S-
4-
-o ^:
E -M
ra •!-
—I S
r—
•1 —
o
E
o
E
o
•p—
•M
ro
-M
•i—
E
•r-
r—
O
^
•
E
O
E
O
-M
rO
-M
•r—
E
•r—
P—
O
^
•
at
N
•r~
to
O
E
t\
r—
ra
CU
E
ai
CD
E
I— I
•
P_
ro
S-
3
CQ
CU
•M
•P-
to
to
ro
O)
E
O
p—
tn
ra
-M
E
0)
-M
E
0
O
,
in
i —
ra
•p—
t.
CU
-M
ro
E
>>
.^
r—
3
CQ
•
E
O
•p-
-M
ra
-M
•r—
E
•r—
r^
.
O
ra
CU
i-
ro
to
E
0
•r-
-M
•P—
-o
E
O
O
t\
to i
CU r— tO
i — ra -i— O
o E -a >>-M
Q. O rO
•p- * E a>
tO -M O E
ro ro to to -i—
S- p— CU E
-E CU =t -C CU
U Q. o T3
3 O E T-
to • CU S
O) tn i-
" to E -M CU
to O O) S-
•1- Q.P— P- •!-
S- J2 rO 3
.a >> o in CT
OJ (O S- O O)
-0 E Q. Q- S-
•
to
CU
•M
•p™
>>
2
r—
3
_a
cu
-M
rO
T3
O
c
O
O
o
rO
34
-------
Debris Characteristics and Landfi11ing or Burial
Virtually all types of oil spill debris can be disposed
of by landfill ing with refuse or burial alone. Proper site
selection and preparation are needed to ensure that oil and/or
water do not drain from debris.
DISPOSAL METHOD COMPATIBILITY WITH SITES IN VARIOUS LANDFORMS
Table 7 identifies site locations (illustrated in Figure
4) which are most suitable for each disposal method.
In general, land cultivation can be adapted to sites on
all landforms except where slopes exceed about 6 percent.
Ravines and upland valley sites may be unacceptable. Wherever
a land cultivation site is situated on slopes of greater than
about 4 percent, a runoff catch channel or basin should be
installed downstream, especially in an area where heavy rain-
fall and high soil erosion potential are likely.
As a last resort, a land cultivation site may even be
suitable in a flood plain. Oily material is a definite threat
to water quality, but the land cultivation process will de-
grade oil into carbon dioxide gas, water, and cell matter
within several years or sooner. Thus, the oil would pose a
relatively short-term threat to water quality and may be
acceptable in a flood plain. However, the risks of a flood
occurring before the land cultivation operation has been
completed and the possibility of heavy metals migrating to the
waterway should be considered.
Debris disposal by landfill ing or burial is well suited
for any landform except flood plains and upland valleys. Oil
contained in debris disposed of by these methods will remain
undegraded for many decades. Thus, disposal sites located
where flooding or washout potential is high present a threat
to water quality.
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTION OF DISPOSAL METHOD
Degradation of oil by land cultivation proceeds best in
warm climates with moderate precipitation and evaporation.
The degradation process may stop when temperatures fall below
freezing. However, because the practicability of land cultiva-
tion has been demonstrated in even very cold climates such as
in northern Canada, this method should be considered applicable
to all climates in the lower 48 states and Hawaii.
Sufficient moisture is required in the oil/soil mixture
to support microbial activity at a land cultivation disposal
site. Except in very dry areas, adequate moisture is usually
naturally available. Land cultivation has been successfully
35
-------
00
0
Q
ic
i—
LU
2i.
i
- i— i
1— on
HH «C
_J >
1 — 1
CQ O£
< 0
1— U_
i— i
— \
—)
OO
r~-
LU
1
CQ
•=£.
t—
E
O
q-
"O
c
03
_i
T3
C
n3
C
^k. ••—
•^ "^
CD 03
r— CL
03
> -a
0
-o o
C i —
O3 U-
Q.
a>
o
03
S_
1-
£
a>
T3
oo
>,
0)
r--
03
>
CD
C
•1—
>
03
CC
4->
to
0)
s-
o
TJ
C
03
'OL
— i
+->
03
Lu
-a
c:
03
i—
a.
ZD
-o
o
-C
•M
a»
z:
r—
03
to
O
a.
to
•r—
Q
-X
x— ^
X
X XX
X XX
+ +
X X
X XX
X XX
c
o
-T>
03
>
4J 1^
•— >>••-
=J S- 4-
O 03 TD i—
•4-> C 03
-O -r- 03 M-
C C —I S_
03 03 3
_l 00 CQ
•
o>
_a
03
-M
Q.
O)
0
o
03
O)
i_
03
to
.^£
to
•r™
s-
cu
s-
to •
03 tO
0 03
OJ
I— J_
03 03
•^
0 t3
CU •!-
a. i~
to 03
c: c
•i~ "r~
>) >>
"c 'E
o o
* +
36
-------
employed in areas receiving less than 38 cm (15 in) of pre-
cipitation per year with more than 165 cm (65 in) of evapora-
tion without providing additional moisture.
Land cultivation may be difficult or impractical to
implement during periods of heavy rain or when snow covers
the ground, and temporary stockpiling may be required (Section
5).
DISPOSAL METHOD SELECTION
The particular disposal method selected will depend upon
the specific events surrounding an oil spill. Whenever
possible, the land cultivation method should be considered as
the first alternative to incineration since the oil will be
degraded and thus present no long-term environmental problems.
The landfilling and burial methods at appropriate sites are
acceptable if properly implemented when land cultivation is
not practical. Procedures for implementing each of these dis-
posal methods are presented in Sections 5, 6, and 7.
37
-------
SECTION 5
LAND CULTIVATION
Oil spill debris disposal by the land cultivation method
(also called landspreading, 1andfarming, and soil incorpora-
tion) is accomplished by mixing the debris with soil to pro-
mote aerobic biodegradation.
Land cultivation has been practiced by oil refineries for
many years. Often the same plots are regularly reused for dis-
posal and degradation of oily waste. The method is also
suitable on relatively level sites for oil spill debris that
contains no bulky or nondegradable sorbent materials and no
excessive concentrations of heavy metals.
LAND AREA REQUIRED
Area requirements for land cultivation of oil spill
debris depend on many factors, including:
t Depth of spreading;
• Local climate ;
•' Concentration of oil in the debris;
• Type of debris;
• Oil characteristics;
• Volume of oil;
• Equipment used.
Available information derived from land cultivation of
oily wastes from refineries can be used to estimate a land
area needed for debris disposal by this method. The following
hypothetical example shows how land area needs can be
estimated:
Given:
38
-------
t Debris type: Oily beach sand and seaweed.
• Oil content of debris: 1.0 to 1.5 percent.
Oil content cannot be precisely determined without
detailed analysis. A rough estimate can be cal-
culated by dividing the total volume of oil spilled
by the total volume of debris collected.
• Oil type: Fuel oil.
• Depth of mixing with soil: 10 cm (4 in).
t Climate: Moderate. For the purposes of debris
disposal climate can be related to temperature
extremes and duration of the growing season. A
moderate climate would have an average growing
season and a mean freeze-free period length of
between 150 and 210 days per yr.
• Volume of oil collected with debris: 38,000 I
(10,000 gal).
• Empirical data on oil land cultivating: 0.43
to 0.70 m2 of land per £ of oil (17 to 29 ft2 per
gal) is required for degradation.
Then:
About 2.1 ha (5.3 ac) ± of land is required for land
cultivating all the debris. (10,000 x 23/43,560 =
5.3).
Land area requirements would increase with increasing oil
concentrations and volumes, and would decrease with greater
mixing depths and a warmer, more humid climate. Crude oil
would require more area than refined oil products. In any
event, it may be possible to stockpile a portion of the spill
debris at the site and cultivate the entire mass in batches
over an extended period, thereby reducing overall land area
requi rements.
EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
The number of equipment units and personnel required
depends on the volume of debris to be disposed of, the area of
the site, and the need for other duties such as traffic and
unloading direction.
Equipment and Facilities
Land cultivation can be performed using almost any avail-
able heavy equipment unit capable of mixing oil with soil,
39
-------
such as :
• Track dozer or loader;
• Wheel dozer or loader; and
• Farm tractor.
Use of a rototiller, farm harrow, disc, or plow greatly
aids in mixing the oil and soil. In some cases, oil is mixed
with soil simply by the churning action of dozer tracks. A
dozer blade or steel bar fixed to the equipment can spread the
debris onto the soil. For most situations one tractor or
dozer and one mixing device would be sufficient.
The site should be provided with portable sanitation
facilities and drinking water. Also, fencing may be needed to
keep people and livestock off the area.
Personnel
At least one equipment operator is necessary for each
piece of heavy equipment used. Other personnel may be useful
to spot debris delivery trucks at the proper dumping location
and to direct traffic. It is usually advisable to have at
least two persons at a disposal site at all times when work is
going on so that one can aid the other in case of accidents.
PREPARATION FOR LAND CULTIVATION
A site to be used for land cultivation requires some
preparation prior to receipt of the first load of debris.
Access Road Construction
An access road from the highway serving the site should
be constructed to one end of the cultivation area. Land
cultivation equipment and debris transport vehicles will use
this road so it should be of suitable width, grade, and sur-
face (e.g., gravel may be needed in the wet season).
Grading and Removal of Rocks and Vegetation
All boulders, logs, rocks, and other hard materials
larger than about 15 cm (6 in) in diameter and any brush
should be removed from the intended land cultivation area.
These materials will inhibit proper soil/oil mixing. Grasses
and low shrubs need not be removed. The site should be
graded to a uniform one to two percent slope.
40
-------
Scarifying the Soil
The surface soil should be scarified using conventional
farm implements such as tillers, harrows, discs, or plows,
shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8. Depth of scarification
depends on local climatic conditions. In northern, cooler
areas, a shallow depth of 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) is preferable
In the warmer, subtropic areas of the U.S., depths of 20 to
35 cm (8 to 14 in) are common for oily waste land cultivation
at refineries.
Surface Drainage Diversion
Runoff diversion channels should be dug during site
preparation. Depending on site conditions and the volume of
runoff expected, half-round corrugated metal pipe may be
preferable to unlined earthen channels.
Berm Construction
It is unlikely that oil spill debris would contain much
excess liquid after being stockpiled and transported to the
disposal site. As a precaution, however, it may be desirable
to construct berms around the site to prevent water or oil
from flowing from the disposal areas. Also, a basin on the
downstream side would be desirable to contain any liquid run-
off and siltation.
Addi ti ves
Most agricultural soils contain sufficient amounts of
nutrients and moisture to support the growth of hydrocarbon-
consuming microorganisms naturally present in the soil. How-
ever, the nutrient status is generally poorer in the soil at
an oily waste disposal site compared to an agricultural soil
due to continued additions of oily wastes into the soil.
These wastes have high carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratios and very
low nitrogen content. As a result, the soil is invariably
deficient in nitrogen. Furthermore, most soils are low in
available phosphorus. Additions of nitrogen (as ammonium or
nitrate) and soluble phosphorus (e.g., superphosphate) are
necessary for the degradation of oily wastes at optimum rates.
Since the optimum pH for the activity of a large number of
soil microorganisms, including hydrocarbon-consuming bacteria,
is near 6.8 to 7.2 (neutral), maintaining the pH in this
range is advisable. Commercially available bacteria seeds are
available to accelerate oil degradation, but there is no
experimental evidence that seeding with bacteria is necessary.
To determine the levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus
and other pertinent parameters in soil, representative surface
samples (0 - 30.5 cm deep) should be taken from the disposal
41
-------
FIGURE s. EXAMPLE OF DISC TILLER.
FIGURE 6. EXAMPLE OF DISC PLOW.
42
-------
FIGURE 7, EXAMPLE OF DISC HARROW.
FIGURE a. BULLDOZER PULLING DISC HARROW.
43
-------
sites. Soil pH, nitrate-nitrogen or ammonium-nitrogen, total
nitrogen, total organic carbon, and extractable phosphorus are
determined by standard soil analytical methods. The nutrient
status of the soil is then evaluated and a proper fertilization
program is recommended. Generally, application of 56 to 90
kg/ha (50 - 80 Ibs/ac) each of nitrogen and phosphorus a year
should be sufficient to maintain favorable soil conditions for
biodegradation of hydrocarbons.
If the soil is strongly acidic, the first step would be
to apply lime to neutralize soil pH. Nitrogen and phosphorus
fertilizers should be applied when the soil is relatively dry
so they can be evenly incorporated into the soil. The disposal
area should be kept aerobic by constant discing to increase
microbial activity and to avoid denitrification and increased
mobilization of some heavy metals (e.g., manganese and iron).
When to Prepare Site
Site preparation can usually be performed after deciding
to land cultivate. However, if access road construction or
other aspects of site preparation are expected to require more
than one day, the contingency site should be readied prior to
its actual need.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
There are five basic steps in implementing land cultiva-
tion of oil spill debris:
t Receipt of debris;
a Spreading and mixing with soil;
• Cleanup of site;
o Periodic recultivation; and
• Return of land to original use.
Receipt of Debris and Stockpiling
Debris delivered to the land cultivation site may be
either deposited directly on the cultivation area or stock-
piled nearby for later spreading. Direct deposit is preferable
to eliminate double handling, but on-site stockpiling may be
required if available equipment cannot properly cultivate all
the debris as it is received or if insufficient land area is
available to enable cultivating all debris in one batch.
The debris stockpile should be located near the spread-
ing area, readily accessible to the landspreading equipment.
44
-------
If the amount of debris is small, it may be left in dumpsters,
garbage cans, 55 gal drums, or jiffy bags. If the amount is
large, it should be placed on an impermeable liner, surrounded
by an earthen berm and covered (to minimize runoff from pre-
cipitation). If the debris is very wet and the site soil is
porous, it may be advisable to line the stockpile area with
clayey or other fine-grained soils or a membrane liner to con-
tain or impede the outward flow of oily liquids from the area.
Liners may not be well suited for a stockpile area that is
intended to be reused. Equipment operating in the stockpile
area may inadvertently remove or puncture the liner with the
debris.
Table 8 summarizes available information concerning
membrane-type liners that may be applicable to oil spill
debris stockpile areas. The polymeric membrane liners appear
to have the greatest potential for containing oily wastes.
Yet, as shown on Table 8, even these materials do not have
extensive useful lives in the presence of hydrocarbons. Poly-
chloroprene liners appear to offer the longest life (some-
where over 1 yr) while chlorosulfonated and regular poly-
ethylenes are useful only for about one month at most, after
which they begin to lose integrity and leak. Most liners
degrade by swelling or hardening or will dissolve in the pre-
sence of many types of hydrocarbons. Asphalts, butyl rubbers,
and ethylene propylene rubber are particularly subject to
degradation and should not be considered for use at oil spill
debris stockpiling areas.
Use of membrane liners generally requires subgrading and
removal of angular objects that might puncture the liner
material. If the debris itself contains sharp objects such as
branches, a soil cover over the liner is required. Methods of
installing the various liner materials vary depending on the
type of liner and local conditions. Liners are generally
shipped in large rolls and are placed in position in the field.
Joints can be sealed by suitable adhesives or, in some cases,
by heat treatment at the site.
Manufacturers specifications usually require certain
liner section overlapping, installation temperatures, and
other procedures.
Research and development into liner technology, including
the integrity and longevity of membrane liners, is in its
early stages. New liner materials are currently under develop-
ment and further advances are expected. Consequently, it is
best to consult manufacturers and U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency representatives for up-to-date information on the avail-
ability and applicability of membrane liners for oil spill
debris disposal stockpiling areas.
45
-------
oo
^^
LU
C£
«=C
OO LU
Q: _i
LU i— i
•Z. Q.
h— i ^
_l 0
LU 1—
z. oo
^t
o; oo
CO i— i
s Q;
LU CO
s: LU
Q
!?**
O —I
E
^£ 1— H
1— CL.
<£. oo
Q
1
l i i i
0 0
>- cc
a: o
-
LU —1
_J —1
03 «C
? P
^^
LU
1—
CD
D.
1Q
O) «*
i — O) *
i— DTO
re E >>
•4-j re
to s- cr
E to
•i~ +-*
to S-
• O Ol
-l-> O Q
to
LU •fa'*-
-4-
-a >,
0) -4->
-I-) T-
o >
Ol Ol
X E
LU O
_J
to
E
Q
+->
3
re
o *
O) -M
S- E
Q- O)
E
Ol
o
re
r—
a.
*• — ••»
to
^—
in -i-
to E
O) >— -
E
\/ •
O i—
•r™ •!—
-E re
I— >
re
r—
re
• r—
s_
a>
-M
re
E
o>
a.
>^
i ^
Ol
E
re
jo
E
y
i—
uo re 10 o o r-. UD
UO -4-> i — LO LO CO LO
• E • • • • •
CO O) CM OO CO OO r—
i E i i i i i
LO •!- r-. o o co o
r-. S- i — LO LO co cr>
Ol
l£> Q. i — i — i — CM O
X
LU
s- s- s- s- s- o o
>, >, >, >, >> E E
A V V V V V V
Ol O) O) O)
^— 1— 1— ^^
Ol Ol -Q -Q -Q O) -Q
i— n— re re re i — re
JO JO IO (O tO JO IO
recreooore o
tO3tOQ.D-Q.tO Q.
Ot/IOXXXO X
Q. CL QJ QJ QJ Q- O)
XOXEEEX E
1 1 1 4~) 1 1 i — "^ ~~i ID 1 1 1 ~^
O O LO O
CD r^ oo o co ^- CM
co i o i i i
CD i— CD O O
•— r— CM I—
E
' — ^ O
S- 0 i—
1 '-» 0) > 0 >, 1
E S- •*-> D- > E >,
•r- O) 10 •— ^ D- i—
O) 4-> O) -E O
S- to >-, O) T3 -M Q.
~~^ 0) •— TJ C -i-
>) o •!- re S -a
O) i— Q. S- O)
E O O J= -0 -M
oi Q. u r— u o> re
S- -i- JZ 4-> O E Ol
Q.JC +-> O -i- i- O E
O 4-> 10 Q. O <4- O)
s- M- re •— 4- i— i—
OS-— >,S- E 30) >>
JZ~O O-i- 4-> Ol OO) +->
OO>E> S_S_r— Ol
>^ O ^- >^ r— Q >^ >^
i — s- oil — reoi — jzi —
OOJZ O O>J=4J O
0.4- H- 0. 0 Q. 001 Q-
0) 1
s- re
•r- S-
3 •(->
CTf—
01 3
S-
^} JO
re
E Oi
CD
-o re
E E
re re
-o
(/}
0 E
O 0)
s- >
O)
-a s-
E a.
re
0
10 -4->
u •—
•--5 O
o t/>
o
c—
Q-4->
S- T-
re 2
J=
tO "O
o>
4- S-
O O)
r— O
re o
O Ol
E -Q
0)
S- +->
to
^^ 13
JO E
E 00
O S-
•r- QJ
-M E
re •!-
S- r—
re
Q. O)
O) -—
C f^
Q. re
to
O) O
-o Q.
re x
CD E
JO =>
^
to
•
O) O)
S- IO
•r- re
3 JO
cr
O) i—
s- ••-
0
to to
S-
QJ O)
E to
•r- i.
i— re
o
•— u
=t re
*
• re
to to
Ol O O
4-> Q. 4J
to to
re ••- O
3d •—
•
to -a o
3 E -feO-
o re
-a — i E
S- 0
re >> s-
Nl JO *4-
ro
1C 4J O)
E CD
O Ol E
•M E re
o> s-
"O O>
oi re E
oo E re
o re o
a-s: •
X CM 00
LU i — O 4->
re i — to
O) T3 • O
JZ -i- Q.
3 00 •—
oi re
to a: • E
£_ ^D CD
a) «r^ T-
E E Ol 4->
•r- 3 i— -i-
01 •> "O
T3 o >> re
Ol Q. U
-M E E Ol
U Sj O) to
O) OO CD O)
1 ^ C"
0) -c h-
OO O E
S- O
• M- T3
4-> 01 O Ol
E E QJ Ol "O
re o ot. -M 3
E -r- O f—
•r- +J a. E
re 3 to -i-
4-> i— re r—
E re 3 re -M
o > •*-> o
0 LU to E E
3 O)
0 •> 0 E i- J=
•i- • -a E oi -t->
S- LU S- O > Q.
oi • re s- o oi
J= DC N T- OX)
Q. re >
to »OZ E i— M-
O O LjJ *r— O
E X Ol O
+-> re J= • to +->
re ic -M oo <4-
• xJ
-a E 4- ID E s-
E o o re O)
re s- •> Q.
4- tO LO O)
•4-> CDr— T3 T3
JT re c o >
CD •*->•!- 1 S-
*r- re ~o ^ CD cr
r— no Ol Ps^ ^* > a a> oo s-
00 -(-> O i— Ol
•r- s- o <4- a.
-P > Q. O O
Ol Ol ^O O
i — CD 1 -M LO
o E •• <: to •
•i- O E Q- O O
> _l i— i LU CJ **•
+ *
*
46
-------
Spreading and Mixing with Soil
Thorough mixing of oil spill debris with the site soils
is necessary to expose all oil to the available microorganism';
and oxygen. There is no one correct procedure to spread and
mix oily waste to promote degradation. Adaptation of the
following general procedures to local soil, debris, and
weather conditions and to equipment capabilities will be
necessary.
Spreading Debris--
Debris should be spread in thin layers over a previously
scarified soil. Layers of from 2.5 to no more than about 12
cm (1 to 5 in) will be adequate. If the debris contains
materials up to about 15 cm (6 in), the spreading will be
uneven but subsequent mixing should help disperse the oil.
As noted, debris with much material greater than 15 cm
(6 in) will be difficult to spread and mix. Such large lumps
and all bulky items must be removed to ensure proper land
cultivation. Disposal by land cultivation is impractical if
bulky items cannot be readily removed from the debris.
Weathering--
The layer of spill debris spread on the prepared land
surface should be allowed to weather until it no longer appears
wet or sticky. This may take several weeks in warm weather
and much longer in the cold season.
In addition, mixing the debris into the soil should not
be begun immediately after a rain, since equipment may become
bogged down. It is preferable to wait until the soil has
dried out reasonably well.
While the debris is weathering, an inspection should be
made of all berms around the site to ensure that they properly
contain any surface runoff from the site and to divert off-
site runoff.
Mixing Debris with Soil--
Spill debris should be mixed into the soil using locally
available equipment. The depth of mixing will depend on
local conditions. Depths of 5.0 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) in
colder climates and 20 to 35 cm (8 to 14 in) in warmer climates
should be adequate. Debris may be mixed to deeper depths in
granular soils, shallower depths in silty or clayey soils.
Equipment used for pulling mixing devices can be track
or wheel dozers or loaders, farm tractors, or any other type
47
-------
of suitable heavy equipment as shown in Figure 8. Rototillers,
harrows, discs, plows, or dozer blades may be used for the
actual mixing.
Tilling the soil and debris mixture should proceed
systematically, similar to procedures used in normal agricul-
tural soil preparation. For example, the debris and soil may
be tilled using a disc harrow in one direction first then
passing over the same plot again at right angles. Alternative-
ly, the site can be plowed to mix the oil and soil. Plowing
in one direction only is usually sufficient.
Sufficient mixing is achieved when the oil is dispersed
in the soil so it is no longer visually recognizable as oil.
No ponded liquid (water or oil) should be apparent. The
number of repetitive passes required to achieve this condition
depends on debris and soil characteristics. Usually at least
two passes will be necessary. Sometimes more than five passes
may be required.
Site Cleanup
After land cultivating all oil spill debris, the site
surface should look like recently plowed farmland. All evi-
dence of disposal activities should be removed, including
bulky debris and cleared brush. Access roads should be left
in place to enable subsequent mixing if necessary.
Subsequent Mixing Needs
It may be necessary to periodically re-mix the soil and
debris to aerate the material and expose more oil to microbes.
In general, when the surface of the land cultivation site
appears gray, the material should be mixed again.
Re-mixing can be performed at varying intervals. Weekly
tilling may be beneficial in the first month after initial
land cultivation where once each six months may be adequate
in the second year. In some cases, oil refinery waste land
cultivation sites are plowed only once every two to four
months year round until all oil is degraded.
Re-mixing is usually conducted for a period of six months
to several years. The period depends on the degree of degrada-
tion and varies significantly with climate, season, oil type,
and soil characteristics. The degree of oil degradation can
be estimated by visual inspection. If no oil is visible after
re-mixing, the process need not be continued.
48
-------
Revegetation of the Site
A plot used for oil spill debris land cultivation can be
kept available for contingency disposal use in the future, or
it can be returned to the owner for other uses. In either case,
grasses should be established to minimize erosion and improve
si-te aesthetics.
Native grass or other vegetation may establish itself
naturally, especially if nutrients have been applied to the
area to promote biodegradation. Introduced vegetation such as
crested wheat and rye grass have successfully grown from seed
on cultivated sites. However, sown grass may not germinate
during the first growing season.
While agricultural crops will grow on a cultivated site,
the health effects of human or animal consumption of the re-
sulting food products are not well defined. The effects will
depend on many factors including crop type and oil characteris-
tics. Until further information is available, it is safest
to advise not to plant the area with crops intended for human
or animal consumption, especially if the oil spill debris con-
tained any heavy metals.
A land cultivation site is generally suitable as a founda-
tion for building construction. However, if significant
quantities of vegetative or organic matter other than oil was
spread with the debris, more time is usually necessary for
degradation of all organic debris components.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Various operational problems may be encountered during
site preparation and land cultivation activities. Table 9
summarizes the possible problems and presents solutions that
may be applicable. Environmental monitoring procedures for
land cultivation and other disposal methods are explained in
Section 8. Solutions to environmental problems are discussed
in Section 9.
49
-------
•• oo
oo H:
i— i O
o; 1-1
QQ I—
UJ ZD
Q _J
o
_J OO
i
i—. Q
CL, "Z.
oo —I
I — I eX
h- Z
_J O
— \ | i
- J I""!
C_> 1—
eC
Q C£
2: ui
3
i —
O
oo
-o
CU
_1^
•!—
"O
«
T5 •
cu to
S- O)
re >
CL 0
CU i-
S- CL
Q. E
•i—
E
•r- S-
cu
to -E
•r- 4->
s- re
-Q CU
CU S
-o
r—
O) •!-
r— 4->
•r- E
CL 3
_i,i
o re
o cu
4-> S-
oo re
E
CL)
, —
J3
0
S-
Q-
CU
i —
_d
•r—
CO
to
O
Q-
cu
•1 —
I/)
en
E
•i— cn
S- E
CU ••"
-o x
E T-
•r" E
t~
i_
S- 0
cu -^
-E -0
4-> E
re re
cu
3 E
o
4-> -r-
E 4->
cu re
e s-
cu re
i— CL
(J CU
E S-
i— i CL
S-
O
cn-r-
E S-
••- CL
1 —
i — 00
3 CU
CL-O
re
S- •—
CU Jd
N
0 S-
"O CU •
CL cn
J*i CL E
O 'I- •!-
re s- o
S- tO
4-> CU -r-
i— T3
-E cn
4-> C S-
•1- T- O
S to
cn
CO S- E
r— 0 T-
3
o cu o
to i — i —
-d CL
CL 3
•r- O 0
C£ -0 4->
to
1 —
•1—
o
to
cn
c;
•r-
>,
M—
•1—
S-
re
o
to
E
•r—
>,
4->
I—
3
u
•r-
4-
M-
•r—
Q
cu
i_
o
E
cu
S-
3
4-)
X
•1 —
E
1 —
•1—
o
to
\
1 —
•1— •
0 >>
1 —
CU 4->
-C E
4-> O)
3
r— CT
•— cu
•i- S-
1— 4-
E
o
•I—
4->
•1—
to
o
CL
E
o
o
cu
-a
1 —
•I—
o
^
o
1 —
oo
-o
E
re
re
cu
S-
3
to
re
-E
o
3
to
n
to
s-
cu
N
•r-
r—
•r—
4^
S-
cu
4-
-a
•o
<
•
S-
QJ
4_>
re
2
s-
o
«\
to
cu
4_>
re
^:
CL
to
o
_E
CL
0
E
cu
E a.
•p- O
re r—
4~> (O
E
•i— 4->
re E
E cu
o
0 S-
4-> CU
CL
cu
O CNJ
re
4- 0
S- 4-1
3
to i —
cu re
_E
4-> E
re
cu -c:
~O 4-*
re
S- CU
en s.
cu o
ry' g
CU
O
re
t!
3
IO
-a
cu
4->
re
>
•r-
4->
i —
3
O
"O
E
re
i —
<4-
O
E
O
•i—
to
o
s-
LU
.
CU
o
re
M-
i_
3
to
CU
.E
4-J
CU
-a
re
s_
en
cu
cc:
i —
re
•i—
s_
cu
+j
re
E
>5
r—
•r-
O
If.
O
4-
M-
0
E
3
o;
i
E
5
O
•a
E
•i —
to
re
-Q
.E
O
4->
1/1 re
E o
S-
CU 4—
-Q 4-
O
JE E
1 "> ~^
i- S-
re
CU 4-O
O
CU 3
> s_
0 4->
S- tO
CL E
E 0
i— i O
.
re
cu
s-
re
cu
.E
4->
E
0
S-
tf_
E
re
cu
s-
4->
to
CU
4-> CU
re i-
S_ 3
cu to
<— o
CU CL
O X
O CU
re
cu
• « N
E -r-
0 E
•r- •!•—
4-> E
re T-
s_ E .
3 S-
-o o cu
40 4->
4-> 4->
s- cu re
o •— E
.E 3
to ~o to
CU 3
4- -C O
O 0 S-
to CU
>> 4-
•— cn-r-
i— E T3
re T- o
3 X
to T- 4-
^3 E 0
to
s-
0
-a
o
50
-------
SECTION 6
SANITARY LANDFILLING WITH REFUSE
Landfi11 ing with refuse differs from both land cultiva-
tion and burial in that an existing sanitary landfill is used
and few special arrangements need be made for disposal if the
site has been properly prepared and operated.*
The selection of a site already approved and prepared for
the receipt of wastes minimizes the need for pre-disposal
activities. The oil spill debris is mixed with the ordinary
refuse, which can act as an absorptive agent; the combined
debris is then compacted at the site usually without special
preparation of the subsoil or significant interruption of
normal daily operations.
LAND AREA REQUIREMENTS
Most sanitary landfills generally have sufficient area and
volume capacity to accept the volume of oil spill debris gen-
erated from even a large spill. A landfill's size could be
considered adequate if it has capacity for the debris and at
least 5 more years of wastes normally received. A problem
might arise if the sanitary landfill site pre-selected as the
debris disposal contingency area is nearing completion. Thus,
the site may not have sufficient cover soil or remaining
capacity to accept the debris. Sanitary landfills with ade-
quate remaining life should be selected to avoid this problem.
Also in the case of a large spill, several sanitary landfills
may be needed to accommodate the debris.
See manuals and guidelines available on sanitary landfill-
ing, such as, Brunner, D.R. and D.J. Keller. Sanitary Land-
fill Design and Operation. Rep-ort SW-65 ts, U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH, 1972, and
Sanitary Landfill, Manual of Practice No. 39, American
Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1976.
51
-------
EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Equipment Needs
Equipment normally employed at the sanitary landfill
should also be sufficient for disposal of the oil spill debris
The optimum amount of debris which a landfill will accept will
determine whether additional equipment or personnel are re-
quired. Arrangements can be made for the sanitary landfill
operator to obtain the additional equipment and personnel
needed for this increased volume of material.
Personnel
The normal contingent of employees at the selected land--
fill operation should be sufficient to handle oil spill dis-
posal. No special preparation of the site is usually neces-
sary, and disposal procedures are already established; as a
result, the need for additional personnel or outside expertise
will be minimal. If a significantly greater quantity of
debris is expected than the normal waste loading at a sanitary
landfill, additional personnel may be required.
As at any landfill site, certain tasks must be performed.
A typical sanitary landfill team and their roles in managing
oil spill debris is indicated below:
Title
Site Coordinator
Unloading Personnel
Tractor Operator
Function
To oversee all on-site activi-
ties including metering of
delivery vehicles, directing
drivers to proper debris place-
ment, and coordinating traffic.
To assist with unloading debris
from vehicles (e.g., using pitch-
forks or equipment such as fork-
1ifts).
To assure that oil spill debris
is thoroughly mixed and com-
pacted with refuse, and covered
with soil.
SITE PREPARATION
Subsoil Preparation
No subsoil preparation is usually required for this form
of disposal, unless normal sanitary landfill procedures at the
site involve special precautions. It may be desirable to line
52
-------
the section of the sanitary landfill intended for debris dis-
posal with fine-grained soils if the natural soils are relative'
ly permeable. Local regulatory agency officials should be con-
sulted prior to any subsoil work.
Traffic Control and Unloading of Debris
The projected increase of vehicular traffic at the
sanitary landfill may require some adjustments in personnel
allocations and vehicle routing. A systematic plan for unload-
ing of oil spill debris should be formulated in advance in
order to eliminate confusion.
It may be desirable to unload very wet oil spill debris
at different locations on the site to ensure that any single
area does not become oversaturated with water or oil.
Arrival of the debris at the fill will likely coincide
with arrival of regular refuse vehicles. Thus, mixing of the
refuse and debris can be conveniently accomplished and a
minimum of mechanical mixing will be required.
When to Prepare Site
Burial with refuse at an existing disposal site does not
generally require special land preparation prior to the actual
receipt of the oil spill debris. All arrangements with the
landfill owners should be planned at the time of site selec-
tion. It is, of course, desirable that a specific landfill be
selected before the need for oil spill debris disposal arises.
Therefore, operators of the contingency landfill should be
notified as soon after an oil spill as possible and advised of
the expected quantity of debris and of the anticipated time
of debris delivery. This early warning should enable the
operator to adjust his daily operations and to arrange for
any additional personnel that may be required.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Disposal of Oil Spill Debris
Disposal of oil spill debris at an existing landfill will
require few special adjustments. The operator should follow
EPA-approved or other accepted guidelines for landfill dis-
posal operations. Oily wastes should be mixed with other
refuse. Track dozers, wheel dozers, compactors, and other
equipment normally used at a landfill will be adequate for
mixing the refuse and spill debris.
As with standard sanitary landfill procedures, the oily
debris/refuse mass will require proper covering at the end of
each day. Ideally, the soil cover should have a high clay
53
-------
content to provide a relatively impermeable cap above the oily
debris/refuse mixture. However, most available soil is
sufficient as long as covered surfaces are graded to enhance
runoff, minimize erosion, and prevent ponding. Cover thickness
should be at least 15 cm (6 in). The amount of cover soil
used should constitute roughly 20 percent of the total volume
of refuse within the fill.
In sanitary landfilling the debris is sequestered under
cover, greatly reducing or eliminating the possibility for
aerobic microbial decomposition of oil. Sanitary landfilling
necessitates longer term monitoring, but less site preparation
(and none of the subsequent mixing) as compared to the land
cultivation disposal method.
Site Cleanup
Normal cleanup procedures for the sanitary landfill
should be followed. The refuse and oil spill debris should be
covered, and all evidence of waste disposal activity should be
removed. The landfill will most likely continue to receive
refuse; therefore, no special site cleanup activities should
be required. However, equipment used for mixing and spreading
the oil spill debris may require steam cleaning to remove any
buildup of oil or debris.
When all or portions of the landfill are decommissioned,
care should be taken to ensure that the surface is properly
graded and that planting to prevent cover soil erosion is
completed promptly. As with land cultivation, no edible
vegetation should be planted.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Several problems could arise during and after disposal of
oil spill debris by landfilling with refuse. A summary of such
problems and recommended solutions are listed in Table 10.
Section 8 presents environmental monitoring procedures and
Section 9 explains various possible solutions to potential
problems in more detail.
Ignition of Oily Debris/Refuse
Although the probability of refuse/oil ignition is small,
the potential does exist. If the oily debris has been stock-
piled or stored for any length of time, dispersion of the
volatile constituents will lessen the chance of ignition.
Precaution should be taken against operating any equipment
without proper spark arresters or exhaust pipes in the oily
debris/refuse disposal area.
54
-------
oo
1 — 1
Ct: 00
CO 2!
LU O
CD (— i
1—
1 ^D
_J 1
i— i O
D_ OO
00
CZi
_J 'Zi
t-, <
0
oo
Z LlJ
1— 1 ,_J
_J CD
_J O
Lu CL
CD
z: _i
E
3
QJ
CO
3
4- -a
QJ QJ
S- S_
3
-C O
4-> QJ
•r- CO
5
to
Cn-r-
c
•<- X
X •!-
•I— £j
E
QJ
QJ 4->
S- ro
o 3
s: o-
•
0 |
>- •— I
o; i —
<£. <
i — O£
^-H LU
;z: CL
i — OO
oo
LU O
_J CL
CO
o -M ro
co ro S-
-Q S— 3
ro 3 -t->
+-> ro
4-> ro co
O co I
E 1 S-
S- QJ
i — QJ "O
•i- > E
0 0 =>
1
i —
r— -a
ro E
4-> ro
to QJ
E 4-3 >
•r- E 0
OJ -Q
>, E ro
f") f)
•r- CO
4-> 3 S-
E CT QJ
QJ QJ i —
> <+~
QJ E <4-
S- 0 3
f\ £^
to
S- QJ
•• O >
QJ 4-> ro
E to jc
ro QJ
i— S- >,
4- i- QJ
ro -C
-E -4-1 •
CO ^ -4-3
•r- s- cn E
3 ro E QJ
cn a.-!— £
E to S- Q..
•I — 13 *r—
4J cn co 3
X E co cr
uj -i— ro QJ
•
CO
co
ro
E
QJ
CO
23
M-
QJ
S-
~~^
CO
•I—
S-
JD
OJ
-o
>,
, —
• i—
O
C4-
0
E
0
•r-
-I-J
•i —
C
cn
i — t
cn
E
•i —
.E -a
O E
E ro
QJ
S- r—
4-> ro
•i—
>> s-
o
i — ro
QJ E
>
QJ QJ
i— 4J
ro
s- >
QJ ro
4-> <_)
ro x
5 UJ •
-o s-
E QJ
3 • E
O cn-i—
S- E •—
cn-r-
CLi —
QJ E r-
o zs ro
Z3 Q.4J
~o to
QJ S- E
Di O •!-
•
s
S- 0)
CU CO
4-> 3
ro 4-
S QJ
-o s-
E
3 JE
O cn
s- rs
Cn 0
s_
O -E
4J 4^
E
•i— S
o
1 — , —
•1— H-
0
S-
14-
ro
cn S
E -O
•i- E
-E =3
0 O
ro s-
QJ cn
1 ^ ,
•
E
o
4->
-4-J
o
J3
1 —
ro
QJ
CO
QJ
i_
•a
E
ro
i —
i—
•i—
CI-
TS
c
ro
i —
CL
rs
cn
• r-
Q
•
S E
QJ cn
4-> 3
ro o
S S-
T3 -E
E 4->
3
O E
S- 3
cn o
"O
O
4J E
E O
•r- •!—
4->
r- ro
•i- S-
O cn
•i —
CK E
O
i —
cn ro
E U - — -
•r- -r- E
-C 4-> O
O S- 4->
ro QJ 4->
QJ > O
_J > — J2
i- O)
QJ cn
> ro
O S-
O 3
o
cn o
E E
•r- QJ
>
0 O
S- 4J
CL
E QJ
•r- CJ
ro
>-,C(_
-Q S-
3
E CO
O
•r- QJ
4-> CL
ro o
i — i —
o to
o
i_
0) ..
a.!—
ro •
QJ •!- <4-
O S- <4-
3 QJ O
T3 4-> E
QJ ro 3
cc E s-
•
S-
QJ S-
4-> OJ
ro 4J
2 ro
E
3 C|—
0 0
S-
cn E
O
0 T-
4-> 4->
E ro
•i- S-
4_>
i — i —
•1— •!—
O H~~ *^~ ^*
E S-
•
to
S
0
S-
cn
^: to
4-> CO
•t- ro
S t-
cn
E
2 i —
0 T-
10 4->
E
• " 3
i —
•i— 4->
O 0
to QJ
-4_>
i- 0
QJ S-
> Q.
O
o -a
c
QJ ro
i.
O "
E co
QJ
QJ tO
O tO
ro ro
r— i_
O_ cn
•
i —
•i—
O
CO
S-
QJ
>
O
O
M-
0
E
O
•r-
to
O
S-
LU
55
-------
Spontaneous combustion of buried oily wastes has not been
reported. Sanitary landfills are usually anaerobic and thus
would not present enough oxygen to support combustion.
56
-------
SECTION 7
BURIAL
Burial of oil spill debris without refuse usually re-
quires excavation or utilization of an existing pit or trench
for disposal. In some cases, however, the oil spill debris
can be contained within a berm mounded above ground and covered
with soil, with little or no excavation involved. Burial above
grade may be preferable since any lateral leakage can be
readily observed without subsurface exploration. Figures 9
and 10 depict cross-sections of below- and above-grade debris
burial sites. Alternative layering of oil spill debris and
soil is usually employed in any burial disposal operations.
As in sanitary landfilling, the debris is sequestered
under cover, greatly reducing or eliminating the possibility for
aerobic microbial decomposition of oil. Burial may involve
more site preparation and longer term monitoring but eliminates
the subsequent mixing required of the land cultivation dis-
posal method. See Section 3 for a discussion of site selec-
tion criteria.
LAND REQUIREMENTS
Land requirements for landfilling without refuse will
depend upon:
t The volume of debris generated by the oil
spill;
• The depth and lateral extent to which the
site can be excavated; and
• The particular burial method selected.
Land characteristics at some sites may allow excavation
equal to the volume of oil spill debris. At other sites,
debris may be deposited level with the existing relief and
covered. In such cases, land requirements will be determined
not only by available land area, but by the height to which
the debris can be mounded above grade. For example, local
planning agency requirements may limit final grades at the site
to a certain elevation to conform with adjacent land uses.
57
-------
OIL SPILL DEBRIS LAYER
(21 TO 41 TYP. )
SURFACE SLOPED
(2% TO 3%)
BERM CONSTRUCTED
OF FINE GRAINED SOIL
INTERMEDIATE SOIL COVER
(6" TO 12" TYP. )
FINAL SOIL COVER
(12" TO 36"')
SOIL OR MEMBRANE
LINER ^OPTIONAL)
NATIVE SOIL
FIGURE 9. TYPICAL CROSS-SECTION OF AN ABOVE-GP,ADE
DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE.
OIL SPILL DEBRIS LAYER
(21 TO 41 TYP. )
SURFACE SLOPED
(2% TO 3%)
INTERMEDIATE SOIL COVER
C6" TO 12" TYP.)
//*, ^
FINAL SOIL COVER
i
2%^3S&^
•~i tf' '"* "—^^^"^ i-i i i' •' * i "' " *™' i.. i "^ 'r
NATIVE SOIL,
PREFERABLY LOW
PERMEABILITY
FIGURE ioe TYPICAL CSOSS-SECTION OF A BELOW-GRADE
DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITE.
58
-------
EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS
Equipment Needs
Heavy equipment will be required to prepare the burial
disposal site and to receive, deposit, and cover the delivered
debris. The types of equipment needed will depend upon the
extent of excavation necessary and the distinctive geological
and topographic features of the disposal site. If extensive
excavation is required, equipment that can handle the types
of soil or rock at the site will be needed. Useful equipment
may include track dozers (equipped with one or two toothed
rippers), backhoes, self-propelled scrapers, or bucket cranes.
Disposal operations involving above-grade mounding may
require different equipment. Track dozers equipped with a
bucket or graders would be appropriate for constructing any
containment berms that may be required.
Track or wheel dozers would usually be adequate for
placing the debris in the disposal trench or area. The same
equipment can be used to apply intermediate and final cover and
to grade the filled site surface.
Personnel
The number and tasks of personnel required will vary
according to the quantity of spill debris, its rate of delivery
to the site, and the disposal burial method chosen. In general.
certain duties will need to be
dividual or by a team assigned
personnel categories and their
Title
Site Coordinator
Unloading Personnel
Heavy Equipment Operator
performed, whether by an in-
to a specific task. Necessary
tasks i nclude:
Function
.To oversee all on-site activi-
ties including metering of
debris, implementing proper dis
posal techniques, and coordin-
ating traffic.
,To assist in unloading debris
from delivery trucks, either
manually or using equipment.
, To move debris from the unload-
ing area, place it in the dis-
posal area, cover it with soil,
and grade the site surface
after site completion.
59
-------
PREPARATION OF SITE FOR BURIAL
Access Road and Drainage Control
Site access should be designed to fulfill the needs of
the selected burial method. Expected truck types, traffic
volumes, and routing of on-site vehicles should be considered
in the design of access roads. Ramps and/or soil and oil spill
debris stockpiling areas should be located near the disposal
area to preclude extensive road development.
Drainage control should be a major feature of site prepar-
ation planning. Drainage patterns at the site and adjacent
areas should be assessed to minimize surface runoff into the
fill area. Natural drainage channels emptying onto the planned
disposal area should be diverted so that the potential for
runoff to infiltrate the fill is minimized. Drainage channels
can be earth ditches, if low flows are expected. Lining with
asphalt or gunnite may be necessary to handle higher flows.
Half-round corrugated metal pipe is also used for drainage
channels.
Trench Excavation
Burial of oil spill debris may require the use of ex-
cavated trenches. These excavations should be situated in
the best possible position as determined during development
of the debris disposal contingency plan. The trenches should
not intersect groundwater or a permeable subsoil. Any runoff
from off-site should be readily controllable. The disposal
area should be easily accessible by vehicles delivering
debris. Designing the trenches in this manner will contribute
to the ease of disposal and guarantee minimal environmental
hazards.
Subsoil Preparation
Burial of oil spill debris at suitable sites will not
generally require special subsoil preparation. However, it
may be desirable to prepare the subsoil at a site where soils
would not otherwise be acceptable for debris disposal. For
example, preparation of an above-grade burial site might in-
clude lining the bottom and sides with a fine-grained soil
imported from off-site. This material would act to retard or
eliminate outward migration of oil from the debris that is
placed with soil liner enclosures. (See Volume II, Part 2,
Section 4, Case Study Site D for an example of this type of
burial site preparation.)
The need for a liner at a burial site, if any, will be
determined not only by the nature of the spill debris, but
also by geohydrological conditions at the disposal site. When
60
-------
evaluating suitable liner materials, the selective placement
of indigenous and nearby fine-grained soils should be con-
sidered before synthetic membrane materials, as discussed in
Section 5.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
Receipt of Debris from Delivery Vehicles
Transfer of oil spill debris from delivery vehicles to
the disposal area may require special handling. In ideal cir-
cumstances, the vehicles will deposit the material directly
into the trench or bermed area. Prevailing site characteris-
tics, however, may require that the debris be mechanically
removed from the vehicles and carried to the desired disposal
location. The volume and arrival rate of delivery vehicles
may require systematic traffic control so that stockpiled
debris is stored near the actual disposal area. This way,
subsequent movement, if any, will be minimal.
Spreading and Layering Debris
Oil spill debris can be spread and layered within a pit
or trench with most track or wheel dozers or loaders. The
total depth to which debris is spread will depend on the
method of burial and on local topographic limitations.
It is usually best to layer the debris into the disposal
trench or area. Each debris layer is compacted and then
covered with an intermediate layer of soil. This process im-
proves the overall compaction and prevents equipment from
becoming mired in the debris.
The depth of each intermediate layer depends on the size
of debris constituents. For beach sand and seaweed, without
bulky items, one to two feet of debris should be adequate.
Debris containing bulky brush or flotsam may necessitate use
of deeper intermediate layers. An intermediate layer of
soil may not be necessary if the equipment can operate satis-
factorily on the uncovered debris. Plan procedures for wet
weather in advance.
Site Cleanup
Cleanup procedures for oil spill debris burial sites are
similar to those used for land cultivation disposal. All
signs of disposal activities should be removed from the sur-
face and surrounding areas. Any areas used for stockpiling
should also be returned to their pre-disposal appearances.
61
-------
Final Cover Soil and Revegetation of the Site
The final cover over the completed burial area may con-
sist of soil excavated from the trenches, other on-site soils,
or material imported from off-site. Low permeability soils are
necessary to impede infiltration of precipitation. The cover
soil should be compacted and graded to a three to four percent
slope to further ensure minimum infiltration. Slopes greater
than about four percent may tend to erode. A final cover
depth of two to three feet is recommended.
Grasses should be planted over the burial site surface to
inhibit erosion and improve site aesthetics. Grasses selected
for cover plantation should:
• Germinate rapidly;
• Constitute a perennial strain; and
• Provide thick growth.
All vegetation should be protected until full grown.
Edible crops should not be planted.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS
The potential problems of burying oil spill debris with-
out refuse are similar to those expected from the previously
discussed debris disposal methods. Table 11 lists some po-
tential problems and their recommended solutions; a more com-
plete discussion will be found in Sections 8 and 9.
62
-------
LU
I
CQ
i — i
oo oo
oo z
0 0
Q. I— i
I—
^3
.. 1
LU O
OO OO
rs
U_ Q
I , i -yr
t-LJ ^_
cc
3
r—
O
oo
t.
O
en 4-
C • •!-
•r- CO
Q. CU CO
E-Cr-
3 o re
Q. C -r-
cu s-
>» i- CU
.Q 4-> 4->
re
r- S- E
CU O
> 4-> CU
CD Q- O
r— CU S-
O 3
S- S- 0
CD CD CO
•4-1 -(->
re c +->
2-r- C
-O •!-
c: s- o
3 O) Q. •
O 4-> >>
s- re cu i-
cn 3 •)-> re
~o re co
s- c > co
cu 3 re cu
S o o o
o s- x cu
_J CDLU C
•
E
CU
1 —
X3
O
S-
Q.
re
c
•1—
E
re
-(->
c
o
o
s-
cu
-l->
re
2
-o
c:
3
O
S-
C5
i
C
3
O
l_
Di
E
O
S-
C|—
CO
•I—
CU
O
s_
3
O
CO
c
o
•r-
4J
re
c
•1—
E
re
-t->
c
o
u
H-
* — i
•
C
o
•r-
-t->
re
c
•i—
E
re
4-)
c
o
CJ
S-
re
S
cu
u
re
14—
s-
3
00
T3
4— T3
i—i re
"
• 4-
CU 4-
> O
0 C
U3 3
re s-
co cu
re o
re
CO 4-
cu s-
i- 3
3 to
CO
re E
cu 0
E S-
4-
CD
co to
3 -r-
*
O
1- .
Q. CO
E cu
•t— •!—
4->
S»- T—
o •—
^v. *r-
"O 0
c re
re 4-
i— C
•r- 0
o -i-
CO CO
S-
s- cu
cu >
> T-
o -a
o
S-
O) CD
i- 4->
o re
E 2
i.
cu
>
0
o
r—
re
c
o
•1—
4->
• !—
-o
•o
re
4-J
o
re
Q.
E
O
o
-Q
c
re
•
O) CO
0 i—
re T-
r- O
QL. CO
•
i —
, —
•i—
4-
C|—
0
CD
C
•F—
D.
E
3
i —
oo
CO
CO
re
s-
CD
4-
O
CU
O
•i — •
O CU
.C S_
O 3
, —
CU T-
4-> re
re 4-
3
•— S-
re o
> 4-
re
c
• r—
E
S-
cu
CD
4-J
0
c
CO
CU
CO
CO
re
i-
CD
s-
cu
>
o
0
,
4->
to
3
•<~>
-o
re
i —
•i—
o
CO
1 —
re
o
-r-
E •
_Q
re
N >>
•i- re
<— E
•r-
4-> 4J
5- C
CU CU
l i j^
•
63
-------
SECTION 8
MONITORING THE SITE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
An oil spill debris disposal site may present the possi-
bility of environmental problems as long as the oil and other
waste materials are not thoroughly decomposed and pathways
from the disposal area to off-site locations are present.
Degradation may require hundreds of years or more for sites
where oil is buried, or only several years at aerobic land
cultivation sites.
Pathways for migration of oil spill debris constituents
can be inherent at the site or may develop after completion of
disposal activities due to natural causes or man-induced
alterations to the disposal site and its environs.
Depending on the particular agreements developed during
negotiation for use of a disposal site, it will be the response
bility of the agency coordinating oil spill cleanup operations,
the landowner, another agency, or a combination of these
groups to ensure that any environmental problems that do arise
will be detected early enough to enable implementation of
proper countermeasures. This section presents basic considera-
tions for disposal site monitoring. Section 9 discusses
available remedial actions should the disposal site monitor-
ing program indicate that an environmental problem may be
developing.
POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Any activity involving the disposal of a waste material
on land will present potential environmental problems. Both
short- and long-term pollution problems must be defined in
order that a comprehensive monitoring plan may be formulated.
An effective monitoring program will depend on the early
recognition of these potential problems and the design of a
system to facilitate their identification should they occur.
It is essential to obtain background data prior to disposal.
Possible environmental problems to expect at an oil spill
debris disposal site include the following:
64
-------
• Surface runoff of oily materials;
• Surface settlement and ponding of surface water;
• Contamination of groundwater with constituents
of the debris by:
Infiltration of groundwater into the debris,
or
Leaching of debris constituents from the
debris to groundwater; and
• Retarded oil degradation (at land cultivation
sites).
The symptoms and possible impacts associated with these
problems are briefly discussed below.
Surface Runoff of Oily Materials
Surface runoff of oil and other contaminants contained
in spill debris is a particular problem at land cultivation
sites where debris is purposely left on or near the surface to
enhance oxygen contact. In some instances, runoff could
possibly enter a debris burial or sanitary landfill area and
exit as a surface leachate downgrade. In any case, contamina-
tion of surface waters could result from such runoff or
leachate problems.
Surface Settlement and Ponding of Surface Water
Differential settlement of buried wastes at a sanitary
landfill or burial disposal site may adversely alter surface
drainage patterns or result in rupture of the cover soil.
Either of these events could in turn allow surface waters to
pond and facilitate infiltration into the debris. Also,
operation of heavy equipment or other activities on the sur-
face could create local depressions at any type of debris
disposal site, thus impeding the runoff of surface waters.
Contamination of Groundwater
Leaching of water containing oil and/or other contaminants
into groundwaters is a potential problem at most debris dis-
posal sites. Surface water can infiltrate the debris mass and
leach out the soluble constituents. Further migration of
this polluted water, called leachate, through subsurface soils
will remove some but not all contaminants. Any remaining
materials will be added to whatever groundwater basin the
leachate ultimately intersects.
65
-------
A less probable potential hazard exists if subsurface
waters infiltrate into sanitary landfill and buried debris.
The long time span required for anaerobic degradation of
sequestered oil spill debris makes this a particularly acute
problem. Fluctuations in groundwater levels causing leaching
of the debris may occur due to natural or man-caused events
during the 100-yr plus oil degradation period estimated for
burial and sanitary landfill disposal techniques. Groundwater
basin characteristics could also change during this period,
resulting in horizontal leaching of groundwater into the oil
spill debris.
Retarded Oil Degradation (At Land Cultivation Sites)
Observation of the surficial oil and soil mixture at a
land cultivation site may indicate that degradation is pro-
ceeding at a rate slower than originally anticipated. This
delay may in turn affect scheduled reclamation plans for the
si te.
Contaminated Vegetation
Also, it may be that vegetation growing at a disposal site
where the oily debris is not yet fully degraded could be in-
advertently or purposely consumed by animals or humans. Be-
cause available information on the safety of such vegetation
is meager, the safest course is to recommend that no animal
or human food crops should be grown on waste disposal sites.
If this recommendation is followed, monitoring of this vege-
tation is unnecessary.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MONITORING PROGRAM
The form and extent of the environmental monitoring to
be implemented at a particular oil spill debris disposal site
depends on the type of disposal operation and site geohydro-
logical conditions. Also, requirements of all Local regula-
tory agencies with jurisdictions covering water quality,
environmental protection, and solid waste management should be
met. Methods and sampling techniques for monitoring ground
and surface waters and soils are discussed below.
Groundwater Monitoring
Basic hydrogeological features at the disposal site should
be known from information gathered during the site selection
process. In general, a groundwater monitoring program will
entail placement of wells in the groundwater both upstream
and downstream from the disposal site. Thus, at a minimum,
knowledge of the following data is necessary for monitoring
we!1 design:
66
-------
• Depth of groundwater and expected fluctuations;
• Direction of groundwater flow; and
t Quality of groundwater in area before disposal
of debris.
Placement of Monitoring Wells--
When all available hydrogeological data has been evaluated
and monitoring needs established, details of the design pro-
gram can be specified. A groundwater monitoring system should
detect as early as possible any contaminants that may be enter-
ing the aquifer and define the contaminated zones. This can
be accomplished by a system of drilled wells both upstream and
downstream from the site. Depth, placement, and number of
wells will be determined by site-specific subsurface character-
istics and monitoring objectives.
Based on subsurface hydrology, the first wells can be
placed downgradient from the debris disposal area. Initially,
two or three wells may be aligned perpendicular to the antici-
pated direction of contaminant movement from the disposal area.
The wells should be situated as close as practical to the
limits of debris deposit to ensure that any contamination that
may occur is detected quickly. If one or more of these down-
stream wells detect any pollution, assessment of the degree
of contamination in each well will aid in defining the limits
of the contaminated zone.
At least one upstream well should be drilled to enable
sampling of background groundwater quality.
Wells should be constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
plastic pipe to minimize contamination of sampled water from
pipe materials. The pipe diameter must be sufficient to
accommodate sampling devices large enough to obtain a suffi-
cient sample volume in a reasonable number of bails. All wells
should be capped.
Depth of Monitoring Wells--
The depth of each monitoring well will be determined by
site hydrologic characteristics. Vertical fluctuation of
groundwater levels must be defined so that each well can be
installed to extend into the aquifer throughout the year even
in dry years. It is good practice to extend the well screen
1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) below the lowest expected level of the
aquifer and several feet above the highest estimated level,
as shown in Example B on Figure 11. Figure 11 also illustrates
the problems that may be encountered if monitoring wells are
not suitably screened.
67
-------
^^. HIGHEST ESTI MATED
GROUNDWATER
CONTAMINATED ZONE
LOWEST ESTIMATED
GROUNDWATER
CONTAMINATED ZONE
(A) IMPROPERLY SCREENED WELL
(B) PROPERLY SCREENED WELL
(C) IMPROPERLY SCREENED WELL
FIGURE 11. WELL SCREENING,
68
-------
Surface Water Monitoring
Any body of surface water less than 300 m (1,000 ft) down'
stream from an oil spill debris disposal area should be
periodically monitored to ensure water quality protection.
Surface drainage patterns in the site's vicinity should be
analyzed to assure that sampling stations are placed at the
most likely points of contamination. Surface water samples
should be taken as near to the disposal site as possible so
that contamination can be detected before it spreads to a
larger body of water (and becomes more diluted and harder to
detect) .
Monitoring of Land Cultivation Site
In addition to monitoring a land cultivation site for
ground and surface water pollution, it may also be desirable
to assess the extent of oil degradation occurring. Knowledge
of the extent of degradation can help determine when the land
is ready to be reclaimed for agricultural, industrial, or
other purposes.
If such a program is desired, periodic sampling of sur-
ficial soil and oil mixtures should be planned. Also, it
may be advantageous to obtain soil samples to a depth of
several feet.
Sampling Procedures
The goal of careful sampling is to obtain representative
soil and water samples from the disposal site. Sampling pro-
cedures should be designed to avoid altering the specimens in
any way. Later samples should be taken from the same loca-
tions to provide continuity of data and results.
The following types of samples should be obtained from
oil spill debris disposal sites as part of a routine monitor-
ing program:
• Groundwater samples;
• Surface water samples; and
• Oil/soil samples (from the surface of land
cultivation sites ) .
The depths and numbers of each type sample to be taken
will be site-specific, depending on local regulatory require-
ments and site geohydrological conditions. Also, the fre-
quency of sampling depends on local conditions. It is usually
advisable to sample a new disposal site several times each
year during the first two or three years after completion of
69
-------
disposal activities, since any liner leakage or oil migration
would not be immediately detectable. As shown on Figure 2,
permeabilities of fine-grained soils are 10~4 cm per sec or
less. For a soil with permeability 10-4 cm per sec, contamin-
ated water could move about 30 m (100 ft) in one year. If no
contamination or other problems are detected during the first
two or three year period, annual sampling should be sufficient
thereafter.
In general, a land cultivation operation will require a
short monitoring program on the order of several years, due
to the relatively rapid degradation of hydrocarbons. Much
longer time periods (tens and hundreds of years) may be
necessary to monitor landfill and burial sites, where oil
degradation will occur at a far slower rate, if at all.
During each sampling visit, personnel should both obtain
the necessary samples discussed below, and observe and record
general site conditions. Particular note of any abnormalities
should be made, such as surface settlement at a burial site,
ponded water, erosion, or oil sheens on any nearby waters.
Photographs are useful in documenting observations made.
Sampling Equipment and Materials--
Table 12 summarizes the types of equipment and materials
needed to sample and to properly store and transport the water
and soil to the laboratory. Ice may be unnecessary if the
laboratory will receive the samples within several hours of
sampling. Laboratory personnel should be consulted in this
matter.
Procedure for Groundwater Sampling--
Groundwater samples should be collected using a sampler
constructed of inert materials such as polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) pipe. A sampler of this type is illustrated in Figure
12. Whenever sufficient water is present, groundwater in the
well should be pumped out or bailed for several minutes before
taking samples. Sampling by pumping is preferred but bail-
ing may be the only practical method of obtaining groundwater
samples. In either case, the sampler should be rinsed in the
field between samples with distilled water or with additional
well water if enough is present. Water collected in the
device should be emptied into precleaned glass bottles.
Bottles should be prepared as follows: rinse bottles thorough-
ly with hot tap water and allow to cool; and rinse with 1:1
HC1 (reagent grade), with cold tap water; and finally with
double-distilled deionized water. Secure bottle caps to pre-
vent any future contamination. Note that no detergents should
be used to clean battles, since the phosphorus content could
affect sample analyses.
70
-------
FIGURE 12. GROUNDWATER SAMPLER IN USE.
FIGURE 13. SOIL SAMPLES TAKEN FROM AUGER.
71
-------
TABLE 12. BASIC EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS REQUIRED
FOR SAMPLING GROUND AND SURFACE WATER AND
OIL/SOIL MIXTURES AT OIL SPILL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITES
Water Samples
1. Glass bottles with caps for each water sample.
Approximately 2 liter (1/2 gal) size is sufficient.
2. Water sampler to obtain samples. Sampler should be
constructed of plastics to avoid contamination of
samp!e.
3. Distilled water for rinsing sampler between sampling
to avoid cross contamination.
4. Ice chest or box to contain sample bottles. Use
of ice may be necessary if delivery to the laboratory
will require more than a few hours.
5. Labeling tape for samples.
6. Waterproof marking pen.
Soil/Oil Samples (from the surface of land cultivation sites)
1. Rubber gloves.
2. Knife and trowel for sample trimming and digging.
3. Hand bucket auger (optional).
4. Plastic bags for storing sample. Plastic trash
bags and ties are suitable.
5. Blank well log forms.
6. Labels and a waterproof marking pen.
Miscellaneous Items for All Sampling
1. Clipboard and pen to record field notes.
2. Map of disposal site to locate and/or record
sampling points.
3. Camera and film.
72
-------
Procedures for Surface Water Sampling--
Surface sampling should be conducted as for groundwater
using inert sampling devices that can be rinsed in the field
with distilled water. Samples should be taken from the sur-
face of quiescent surface water nearest to the debris dis-
posal area.
Procedures for Sampling Oil and Soil Mixtures at Land
Cultivation Sites--
It is difficult to obtain samples of oil and soil mix-
tures that are "representative" of the entire cultivated
surface area. Often, it is expedient and sufficient to desig-
nate a sub-area for grab sampling and to obtain all samples
from that plot. Care should be taken to select a sampling
area that does not exhibit signs of either excessive oil or
lack of oil.
Rubber gloves and, if necessary, a clean trowel should
be used when obtaining samples. Alternatively, soil and/or
oil and soil mixtures can be taken from an auger used to drill
groundwater wells as shown in Figure 13. About 2 kg (5 pounds)
of the soil and oil mixture should be placed in a plastic bag
and labeled. Double bagging is suggested to preclude breakage.
For a more refined approach, sampling by the cone and
quartering technique developed in the mining industry may be
employed. Basically, this method would involve mounding a
mass of mixed oil and soil material into a cone shape several
feet high. One quarter of the cone would be segregated and
mixed thoroughly, after which another cone would be made.
This process would continue until the desired amount of sample
remains.
Laboratory Analyses to be Performed
The main purpose of monitoring an oil spill debris dis-
posal site is to determine to what extent contaminants are
leaving the site. Thus, the water and soil samples obtained
during the monitoring program should be analyzed for the con-
stituents known to be present in the original spill debris.
Also, the concentration of any known intermediate by-product
of decomposing debris material should be determined.
Table 13 shows the parameters that were analyzed during
case study investigations of four oil spill debris disposal
sites. This list was developed as part of a research effort
and may be more extensive than necessary for a routine monitor-
ing program aimed at assessing whether or not oil or other
contaminants are causing environmental problems. Also, many
73
-------
TABLE 13. WATER QUALITY AND SOIL PARAMETERS
ANALYZED DURING INVESTIGATION OF FOUR
OIL SPILL DEBRIS DISPOSAL SITES
Water and Soil Samples
• pH
• Organic acids
t Oil content
• Organic nitrogen
• Phosphate
• Lead
• Iron
• Chlorides
• Biological activity (plate count)
t Total extractable hydrocarbons
t Oil fractions, percent by weight paraffins,
aromatics, and polar hydrocarbons
Soil Samples Only
• Moisture content
• Permeabi1i ty
• Grain size distribution
74
-------
of the parameters in Table 13 may not be related to the debris
deposited at every site.
It is recommended that pH, oil content, and organic acids
should be analyzed as part of a routine monitoring program.
The solubilities of most elements, particularly trace metals,
are known to be greatly influenced by pH. Low pH (strongly
acidic conditions) increase the solubility and availability of
toxic heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Ni and Zn), thereby facilitating
their movement in the soil and aquatic environments.
Hydrocarbon-consuming bacteria, on the other hand, are favored
by pH's near the neutral range.
Data on oil content, in general, would indicate the ex-
tent of oil pollution and, if determinations are made over a
period of time, rate of biodegradation. Accumulations of
organic acids suggest incomplete decomposition of the hydro-
carbons and an anaerobic environment. When present in high
concentrations, the organic acids are harmful to plants and
fish.
75
-------
SECTION 9
CORRECTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
A properly designed monitoring system will enable the
source and extent of any contamination to be readily detected.
If contamination is found, measures to correct the problem
should be taken by the parties responsible. Corrective actions
should have two goals: (1) to remedy any damage that has
already occurred; and (2) to prevent the pollution problem
from recurring. It is helpful to briefly discuss possible
alternative solutions to various debris disposal site pollution
problems (summarized in Table 14).
GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
Once contamination of the groundwater has been detected,
a determination of both the pollutant source and the extent
of the affected area is necessary. Groundwater quality and
use need to be considered in order to assess the consequences
of contamination. Accurate information is essential to
guarantee selection of appropriate and effective corrective
measures. Once this information is assembled, alternative
solutions can be considered.
Groundwater pollution from an oil spill debris disposal
site can result from several events acting together or sep-
arately:
• Leaching of oil and other contaminants by
infiltration of surface water through the
debris;
• Drainage of the liquids contained in the
debris itself; or
• Flushing of the debris materials by ground-
water rising into the mass.
Vertical Infiltration
Vertical infiltration of waters from the surface into the
debris may leach the deposited oil spill debris, transporting
contaminants to the groundwater. Construction of diversion
76
-------
TABLE 14. CORRECTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Problem
Infiltration of groundwater
into debris mass
Leaching of oily matter
from debris mass to ground-
water
Surface runoff of oily
materials from site
Ponding of water on sur-
face of disposal site
Impeded oil degradation at
land cultivation site
2,
3.
1.
2,
1.
2.
1.
2.
2.
Possible Solutions
Pump out groundwater to drain
upstream area.
Construct diversion channels.
Construct peripheral subsurface
drains to intercept groundwater
flow.
Rebuild impermeable walls.
Intercept leachate with trench.
Pump out excess moisture from
debris mass; either recycle pumped
out water or remove for treatment
at an approved facility.
Rebuild impermeable walls.
Install impoundment dikes or berms.
Improve upstream diversion
channels.
Recycle runoff to debris disposal
area (if quantity is small enough).
Regrade surface; possibly apply
more cover soil.
Establish vegetation to both in-
crease evapotranspiration and re-
duce runoff velocities.
Rototill or disc the soil/oil
mixture more frequently.
Add nutrients or other amendments.
If above-noted remedial actions do not solve environmental problems,
check further to be certain that debris disposal site is actually the
source of detected contamination. If it is, removal of debris to
another site may be last resort to positively curtail pollution threat.
77
-------
trenches to minimize the volume of water draining into the fill
can prevent this problem, and should be included as part of
effective site design. The effectiveness of drainage diversion
trenches should be checked periodically and repaired when
necessary. Proper site revegetation to minimize water accumu-
lation and penetration will also reduce the possibility of
vertical infiltration.
Infiltration can be caused by ponding of precipitation due
to differential settling of the debris fill. Ponding can be
prevented by regrading the surface to a three to four percent
slope. Additional cover soil may be necessary when regrading.
Again, plants with high transpiration rates can be planted at
the site to reduce the amount of water available for infiltra-
tion.
A cracked or eroded portion of the cover soil may also
allow precipitation to infiltrate directly into the fill. In
the event of cover soil failure, it will be necessary to dis-
cover why such a failure occurred, though the addition of more
cover soil over the problem area may provide an adequate solu-
tion. Use of a different type of cover soil may need to be
considered, however, in order to prevent cracking and erosion
in the future.
Leaching of Oily Matter from Debris Mass
Groundwater contamination may also be caused by leachate
generated by the moisture present in the debris mass. A trench
can be constructed to intercept leachate before it penetrates
the aquifer, or excess moisture may be pumped out of the
debris mass to reduce the volume of leachate available for
groundwater infiltration.
When and wherever groundwater contamination occurs,
appropriate remedial actions will necessarily be site-
specific. If all other methods have failed, contaminated
groundwaters can be pumped from the water table and treated
appropriately. This procedure will require fairly accurate
knowledge of the boundaries and degree of contamination of the
leachate affected zone for efficient well placement. Where a
shallow aquifer exists, an interceptor trench may provide an
adequate solution. Figures 14 and 15 show several methods of
pumping hydrocarbon wastes from this type of trench prior to
treatment. Proper disposal site selection could preclude
groundwater contamination problems that require costly pumping
solutions.
Infiltration of Groundwater into Debris Mass
Contamination can result from the infiltration of ground-
water into the fill caused by local mounding or areal changes
78
-------
A
r
>
x; 7
> v
tu
o
M •
> a
UJ LU
O H
z
11 -S.
•s. o
£ £
1-1 IL
^
U) -1
I-H
0 O
_l
UJ O
•-« z
U. i-i
H
Q <
iu o:
w <
n Q.
> UJ
O V)
ft
a ct
s: o
t-H U.
UJ
cc
19
79
-------
SUPPORT
ROD
X
(
TO
SI
r- 1
POWER
SUPPLY
SUPPORT
CABLE
A FLOATING DEVICE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR
THE HANDLING CABLE OR ROD
TO SUCTION PUMP
FIGURE is.
THREE SYSTEMS FOR SKIMMING WATER SURFACE
IN DITCHES OR WELLS.
80
-------
in the groundwater level. Pumping a short distance up gradient
may lower the groundwater to a level no longer in contact with
the filled material. Diversion channels may also provide a
solution; such channels, lined with corrugated pipe, gravels,
or screened PVC pipe, would transport water away from the fill,
thereby preventing contamination. Peripheral subsurface drains
to intercept groundwater flow offer a third alternative. These
techniques are all intended to divert groundwater from the fill
If, after implementing the remedial actions noted above,
the monitoring system still indicates that groundwater pollu-
tion continues, more radical actions may be necessary. Ex-
cavation and removal of all oil spill debris from the offend-
ing site should be necessary only in the most extreme instances
of groundwater contamination. Such measures would probably be
needed only where inadequate site selection investigations
failed to reveal the potential for contamination. The ex-
cavated debris could either be relocated or temporarily stock-
piled until a low permeability soil can be installed in the
disposal area.
SURFACE WATER CONTAMINATION
Surface runoff of oily materials from a disposal site
presents another potential environmental hazard. Runoff can
be impeded by the construction of dikes or berms to contain
oily water within the site boundaries. Runoff could be re-
cycled through the debris material if the groundwater is pro-
tected and if net annual evapotranspiration exceeds precipi-
tati on.
If contact between surface waters and oil spill debris
is the source of contamination, replacement of cover soil at
the points of contact is the most direct corrective measure.
If erosion has caused the problem, a more thorough analysis
and possible variation of soil type should be undertaken.
On-site surface waters are particularly undesirable in
land cultivation operations, since cover soil is not utilized.
Maintenance of upstream diversion trenches will reduce the
flow of water into the area. Also, contour plowing (furrows
ploughed perpendicular to dominant drainage patterns) will
inhibit runoff from the land cultivation site. Collection of
contaminated waters down gradient of the site offers a far
less desirable alternative.
IMPEDED OIL DEGRADATION AT LAND CULTIVATION SITES
Impeded degradation of oil at land cultivation sites will
prolong use of the site for disposal purposes and can present
environmental problems such as readily available oil for
surface runoff. More frequent tilling and discing, together
81
-------
with nutrient supplements, can accelerate the degradation rate
of oil and thereby reduce the total time that the site poses
an environmental pollution problem. Also, consideration may be
given to seeding the land cultivation surface with commercially
available, oi1-degrading strains of bacteria.
OVERVIEW
The characteristics of any contamination problem at an
oil spill debris disposal area will be site-specific; appropri-
ate remedies naturally will have to be tailored to fit dis-
tinctive local features. If the above-noted remedial actions
do not solve environmental problems, removal of the debris to
another site will be the only means to positively curtail con-
tinuing pollution. Since removal and redeposition of the de-
bris at another site would be very costly, it is best to con-
firm through an extensive monitoring program that the disposal
site is actually the source of contamination before undertak-
ing relocation of the debris.
The disposal of oil spill debris is a necessary part of
oil spill cleanup programs. Until more detailed and in-depth
knowledge of oily water disposal becomes available, use of
the procedures presented here can aid in implementing proper
disposal operations to ensure environmental protection.
Additional assistance and information on more recent
developments may be obtained from your U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency Regional personnel.
82
-------
REFERENCES
1. Alexander, M. Biochemical Ecology of Soil Microorganisms.
Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 18:217-252, 1964.
2. Assimilation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Sulfate Reducing
Bacteria. Journal of Bacteriology, 47:447-445, 1950.
3. Bacteria which Use Methane as a Carbonaceous Energy Source.
Zenti Bakt Parastenk (German), pp. 513-517. 1906.
4. Bacteriology of the Decomposition of Cyclical Compounds in
the Reduction of Sulfates. Mikrobiologiya (Finnish),
3:360-369, 1958.
5. Becher, P. Emulsions Theory and Practice. Reinhold, New
York, 1965.
6. Bird, B. R., W. E. Stewart, and E. N. Lightfoot. Transport
Phenomena. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 1960.
7. Brunner, D. R. and D. J. Keller. Sanitary Landfill Design
and Operation. Report SW-65ts, U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1972.
8. Bushnell, L. E. and H. F. Haas. The Utilization of Certain
Hydrocarbons by Microorganisms. Journal of Bacteriology,
41:653-673, 1941.
9. Carl ton, H. et aj_. Support Systems to Deliver and Maintain
Oil Recovery Systems and Dispose of Recovered Oil. CG-D-
56-74, U.S. Coast Guard, January 1974. NTIS AD-778-941.
10. Carr, R. H. Vegetative Growth in Soils Containing Crude
Petroleum. Soil Science, 8:67-68, 1919.
11. Chakrabarty, A. M. Which Way Genetic Engineering.
Industrial Research, January, 1976. p. 47.
12. Composting of Municipal Solid Waste in the U.S. Report No.
SW-451, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington,
D.C., 1971. pp. 70-74.
83
-------
13. Control of Oil and Other Hazardous Material: Training
Manual, EPA-430/1-74-005, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C., June, 1974. pp. 15-3/15-4.
14. Cook, F. D. and D. W. S. Westlake. Biodegradabi1ity of
Northern Crude Oil. Arctic Land Utilization Research
Program, Dept. of Indian Affairs and Northern Development,
Government of Canada, February 29, 1976.
15. Crank, J. The Mathematics of Diffusion. Clarendon Press,
Oxford, 1956.
16. Davis, J. B. The Migration of Petroleum Products in Soil
and Groundwater: Principles and Countermeasures. American
Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C., December 1972. p. 7.
17. Davis, J. B. Petroleum Microbiology. Elsevier Publishing
Co., Amsterdam, 1967. p. 604.
18. Der, J. J. Oil Contaminated Beach Cleanup. Civil
Engineering Lab., Naval Construction Battalion Center,
Port Hueneme, California, 1967.
19. Dobson, A. L. and H. A. Wilson. Respiration Studies on
Soil Treated with Some Hydrocarbons. Proceedings of the
Soil Science Society of America, 28:536-539, 1964.
20. Dotson, G. K. , ejt aJL Land Spreading: A Conserving and
Non-Polluting Method of Disposing of Oily Wastes. Presented
at the 5th International Water Pollution Research Conference
and Exhibition, San Francisco, California, July 26-August 1,
1970.
21. Dracos, T. Experimental Investigations on the Migration of
Oil Products in Unconfined Aquifers (in French). VAWE
(Zurich, Switzerland), December, 1969. p. 48.
22. Frick, T. Petroleum Production Handbook. McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1962.
23. Grove, G. W. Use Gravity Belt Filtration for Sludge
Disposal. Hydrocarbon Processing, May 1975, pp. 82-84.
24. Guard, H. E. and A. Cobet. Fate of Petroleum Hydrocarbons
in Beach Sand. U.S. Naval Bio-medical Lab, Oakland,
California. Government Reports Announcements, 73(11):87,
1972.
25. Guire, P. E., J. D. Friede, and R. K. Gholson. Production
and Characterization of Emulsifying Factors from Hydro-
carbonoclastic Yeast and Bacteria. The Microbial Degrada-
tion of Oil Pollutants. Georgia State University, Atlanta.
1972.
84
-------
26. Harris, J. 0. Industrial Engineering. Chemistry, 58:65-69,
1966.
27. Haxo, H. E. Jr. Evaluation of Selected Liners when Exposed
to Hazardous Wastes. In: Proceedings of the Hazardous Waste
Research Symposium, Residual Management by Land Disposal,
Metracon, Inc. EPA-600/9-76-015, U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, Washington, D.C., 1976. p. 102.
28. Jacobs Engineering Co. and SCS Engineers. Assessment of
Industrial Hazardous Waste Practices: Petroleum Refining.
EPA-68-01-2288, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Washington, D.C., 1975.
29. Jobson, A., ejt al . Effect of Amendments on Microbial
Utilization of Oil Applied to Soil. Applied Microbiology,
27(1 ):166-171 , January 1974.
30. Jones, R. G. Disposal of Oil-Soaked Debris. In: Proceedings
of the Conference on the Prevention and Control of Oil
Pollution, American Petroleum Institute, Environmental
Protection Agency, and U.S. Coast Guard, San Francisco,
California, March 25-27, 1975. p. 231.
31. Jost, W. Diffusion in Solids, Liquids, Gases. Academic
Press, Inc., New York, 1960.
32. Kincannon, B. C. Oily Waste Disposal by Soil Cultivation
Process. EPA R2-72-110, U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Washington, D.C., December 1972.
33. Klug, M. J. and A. J. Markovetz. Thermophilic Bacterium
Isolated in N-Tetradecane. Nature (London), 215:1082-1083,
1967.
34. Lahermo, P. On the Behavior of Oil Products in Surficial
Deposits and Groundwater. Geological Survey of Finland,
23(8):105-110, 1971.
35. Leverett, M. C. and W. B. Lewis. Capillary Behavior in
Porous Solids. Trans. AIME, 142(107), 1941.
36. Lindsey, A. W. Ultimate Disposal of Spilled Hazardous
Materials. Chemical Engineering, 82(23):107, October 27,
1975.
37. Lindstedt-Siva, K. J. Oil in the Oceans. Engineer,
November 1975. p. 7.
38. Mechanisms of Fluid Displacement in Sands. Trans. AIME,
146, 1942.
85
-------
39. Muskat, M. and M. W. Meres. The Flow of Heterogeneous
Fluids through Porous Media. Physics, 7, 1936.
40. Odu, C. T. I. Microbiology of Soils Contaminated with
Petroleum Hydrocarbons. Petroleum Institute of London,
58(562), 1972.
41. Origin of Petroleum. Bulletin of the American Association
Of Petroleum Geologists, 4_3:925-943. September 1960.
42. Perry, J. H. Chemical Engineers' Handbook. McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1963.
43. Pierce, R. H., Jr., A. M. Cundell, and R. W. Trafler.
Persistence and Biodegradation of Spilled Residual Fuel
Oil on an Estuarine Beach. Applied Microbiology, 29(5):
646-651 , May 1975.
44. Pirson, S. J. Oil Reservoir Engineering. McGraw-Hill,
New York, 1958. pp. 69-73.
45. Plice, M. J. Some Effects of Crude Petroleum on Soil
Fertility. Proceedings of the Soil Science Society of
America, j_3:413-416, 1948.
46. Poliakoff, M. B. Oil Dispersing Chemicals. Contract No.
14-12-549, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
U.S. Dept. of Interior, Washington, D.C., May 1969.
47. Pollution Control Aspects of the Bay Marchand Fire. Journal
of Petroleum Technology, March 1972. pp. 241-249.
48. Pritchard, P. H. and L. J. Stair. Microbial Degradation of
Oil and Hydrocarbons in Continuous Cultures. Brockport,
New York, 1972.
49. Raymond, R. L., J. 0. Hudson, and V. W. Jamison. Assimila-
tion of Oil by Soil Bacteria. Refinery Solid Waste
Disposal. In: Proceedings, 40th Midyear Meeting, API
Refining, American Petroleum Institute, Washington, D.C.,
May 14, 1975. p. 2.
50. Raymond, R. L., J. 0. Hudson, and V. W. Jamison. Cleanup
of Oil in Soil by Biodegradation. API Project OS 21.3,
21.4, American Petroleum Institute, March 26, 1975. 100 p.
51. Saint, P. K. , ^i aj_. Effect of Landfill Disposal of
Chemical Wastes on Groundwater Quality. Paper presented at
the Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America,
Minneapolis, November 14, 1972.
-------
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
Sanitary Landfill, Manual of Practice No. 39.
Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1976.
Ameri can
Schatzberg, P. and K. V. Nagy. Sorbents for Oil Spill
Removal. In: Proceedings of API/FW-PCA Joint Conference
on the Prevention and Control of Oil Spills, American
Petroleum Institute, New York, 1969.
Schuylkill Oil Spill II, June-October 1972, Pottstown,
Pennsylvania Area: On-Scene Coordinator's Report. EPA OHM
74-03-001, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washing-
ton, D.C. , March 1974. 87 p.
Schwendinger, R. B.
Oi 1 . Journal of the
April 1968.
Reclamation of Soil Contaminated with
Institute of Petroleum, 54:182-197,
SCS Engineers. Study of Sewage Treatment Solids Disposal
by Subsurface Land Application. EPA 68-01-3108, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., 1976.
Sharpley, J. M. Elementary Petroleum Microbiology.
Gulf Publishing Co., Houston, 1966.
Smith, J. E. Torrey Canyon: Pollution and Marine Life.
Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association of the
United Kingdom, 1968. pp. 6-2, 6-3.
Stone, R. J., M. R. Fenske, and A. G. C. White. Micro-
organisms Attacking Petroleum and Petroleum Fractions.
Journal of Bacteriology, 39:91-92, 1940.
Van derLinden, A. C. and G. J. C. Thiisse. Mechanisms of
Microbial Oxydations of Petroleum Hydrocarbons. Advances
in Enzymol., 27:469-546, 1965.
Van Wylen, G. J. Thermodynamics. John Wiley and Sons,
Inc., New York, 1965. pp. 444-446.
Waksman, S. A. and R. L. Sturkey. The
Microbe. Yearbook of Agriculture, U.S
Office, Washington, D.C., 1931.
Soil and the
Government Printing
Walker, J. P., H. F. Austin, and R. R. Colwell. Utilization
of Mixed Hydrocarbon Substrate by Petroleum Degrading Micro-
organisms. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology,
21:27-29, 1975. NTIS/AD A016 324/6WP. p. 39.
87
-------
64. Weaver, D. E. The Diffusivity and Solubility of Nitrogen
in Molybdenum and the Trapping of Nitrogen by Carbon in
Molybdenum. U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Contract No.
W-7405-Eng-48, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Livermore,
California, October 25, 1972.
65. Westlake, D. W. S., et_ aj_. Bi odegradabi 1 i ty and Crude Oil
Composition. Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 20:915-928
1974.
66. Wyllie, M. R. J. Relative Permeability. Reservoir
Engineering. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1938. pp. 25-1 to
25-13.
67. Zobell, C. E. Action of Microorganisms on Hydrocarbons.
Bacteriological Review, 10:1-49, 1946.
88
-------
APPENDICES
Page
Appendix A Preliminary Outline - Oil Spill
Debris Disposal Course 90
Appendix B Example Site Survey Form 94
89
-------
APPENDIX A
PRELIMINARY OUTLINE - OIL SPILL DEBRIS DISPOSAL
TRAINING COURSE
I. Course Opening
A. Introduce instructor(s) and course attendees
B. Explain perceived need for course and course goals
C. Distribute copies of manual
D. Emphasize that questions and comments about personal
experiences from course attendees should be en-
couraged by instructor.
II. Film
III. Description of Oil Spill Debris
A. Chemical, physical, and handling characteristics
B. Volumes expected/difficulties experienced in hand-
1 i ng
IV. Instruction on Site and Method Selection
A. Site selection criteria and their rationale
B. Arrangements with site owner
C. Selecting the method to match site conditions and
debris characteristics
1. Description of acceptable methods
a. Land cultivation
b. Landfilling
(1) with refuse
(2) alone
90
-------
APPENDIX A (continued)
2. Discussion of site conditions and debris vs.
methods applicable
V. Instruction on Site Preparation
A. Access roads, grading, facilities, etc.
B. Laying a liner, if required
1. Clay or soil additive
2. Artificial, e.g., plastic
C. Arrangements for equipment and qualified labor
VI. Instruction on Disposal Activities
A. Land cultivation
1. Land requirements
2. Personnel assignments
3. Equipment duties
4. Receipt of debris
5. Spreading techniques
6. Site cleanup
7. Requirements for subsequent rediscing.
8. Potential operational problems and suggested
solutions
9. Guidelines for return of land to previous or
other uses
10. Expected costs
B. Landfill ing with refuse
1. Land/volume requirements
2. Locations for disposal
3. Equipment and personnel needs
91
-------
APPENDIX A (continued)
4. Traffic control and unloading debris
5. Recommended filling procedures
6. Application of cover material
7. Cleanup/completion of disposal area
8. Potential problems and corresponding solutions
9. Expected costs
C. Landfilling without refuse or burying
1 . Land requirements
2. Optional burying methods
3. Location of disposal area
4. Equipment and personnel needs
5. Receipt of debris
6. Filling methods
7. Covering methods
8. Site completion and cleanup
9. Potential problems and recommended solutions
10. Expected costs
VII. Instruction on Environmental Monitoring Procedures
A. Reasons for monitoring/potential environmental
problems
B. Factors to be monitored
C. Monitoring techniques and rationale
D. Laboratory analyses of samples
VIII. Instruction on Correcting Detected Environmental
Problems
92
-------
APPENDIX A (continued)
IX. Overview and Course Conclusion
A. Solicitation of comments and questions from
attendees
1. Comments based on personal experiences with oil
spill debris disposal
2. Questions regarding practicality of suggested
procedures
B. Refer attendees to Summary of Literature Review and
complete bibliography for further related informa-
tion
C. Request that attendees notify EPA of future oil
spill debris disposal practices and problems en-
countered so that manual can be updated and improved
D. Course adjournment
93
-------
APPENDIX B
EXAMPLE SITE SURVEY FORM
I. Site Background Information
(Disposal site name and address)
City State Owner/Operator and Phone No
InvestigatorDate(s)of visit to site
Total site acreage
Available on-site structures or facilities
Water yes no
Telephone yes no
Electricity yes no
Access Road yes no
Condition of on-site roads
Paved
Dirt
II. Geology
Any outcrops visible on site? yes no
Dominant geologic features on site? i.e., hill,
sink, depressions, etc.
Slope of land? 3° 5° 10° 15°
94
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
On-site landslide or slippage potential
Site geology: description of subsurface formations,
depth to bedrock, etc.
III. Soils
Permeability of on-site soils
Depth of soils
Soil horizons (i.e., sand 0-3', clay 3-10', etc.)
Sieve analysis results/soil classification
IV. Hydrological Data
Groundwaters
Existence of aquifer beneath site? yes no
What kind? artesian
unconfined
Estimated depth to aquifer
Quality of water - potable yes no
nonpotable yes no
Is nearby water used for -
irrigation yes no
drinking yes no
95
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
Direction of groundwater flow
Fluctuations in groundwater depth
Nearest wells using aquifer
Upgradient or downgradient of site
Is site in either - discharge
recharge area?
Are there on-site - springs? yes no
streams? yes no
ponds? yes no
lake? yes no
Surface Waters
Distance to nearby surface waters,
upgradient
downgradient
Uses of these waters,
upgradient _
downgradient
V. Regional topographic description (rolling hills,
flat, etc.)
Topographic category which best defines location
Upland flat
96
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
Convex summit
Ravi ne
Valley side
Terrace
Does topographic expression lend to on-site flooding
or ponding?
VI. Land use
Previous use of land
Present use of land
Projected site use
VII. Vegetation
Description of surrounding vegetation
Description of on-site vegetation
VIII. Climatological Data (Annual)
Evaporation data
Transpiration data
Rainfall
Snow
Temperature
97
-------
APPENDIX B (continued)
IX. Seismic Data
Presence of on-site fault
Activity, if any, of fault
X. Comments:
98
-------
INDEX
Access, 9, 16, 28
Access Road Specifications,
28-39, 40, 60
Additives , 41, 44
Agricultural crops, 49
Agricultural land, 14, 41
Agreements, 29
Berms, 41, 45, 47, 81
Biodegradation, 33, 34-35,
41, 44, 50, 64, 66, 69,
77, 81
Chemical sorption, 19
Citizen reaction, 3
Clay soil , 19, 21, 22
Cleanup procedures, 3, 48,
54, 61
Climatological factors, 17,
25, 27, 35, 37, 39, 50
Contingency disposal site
plan, 8, 9
Cover soil , 53-54, 78, 81
Debris oil content, 34, 39
Debris solids, 2, 6, 33, 34
Dust, 14
Equipment, 39-40, 47-48,
52, 59
Existing disposal sites, 12
Facilities, 39, 40
Flooding, 25, 27, 35
Geohydrological factors,
17, 19
Geologic conditions, 24
Faults, 24
Landslide, 24
Seismic activity, 24
Slump, 24
Government property, 13
Groundwater, 17, 21
Contamination, 55, 63, 65-66,
76, 81
Depth, 21, 67
Flow direction, 22
Fl uctuation, 21, 66, 67
Monitoring, 66-67
Monitoring wells, 22, 67
Recharge areas, 27
Sampling, 70
Test wells, 22
Laboratory analysis, 73, 74,
75
Lagoon ing, 31
Land
Data sources, 14-16
Physical conditions, 17
Potentially available, 13
Topography, 25
Land area requirements, 39, 51,
57
Land disposal methods
Debris burial, 19, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 36, 37, 57-63
Land cultivation, 14, 19, 31,
32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,
50, 69-73
Sanitary landfill, 14, 19,
28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35,
36, 37, 51-56
Landowner, 12, 29
Land use compatibility, 14, 16
Landspreading (see land
cultivation)
Landfarming (see land cultiva-
tion)
Landforms, 25-27, 35
Leachate, 65-66
Lease agreement, 30
Liners, 21, 45-46
99
-------
INDEX (continued)
Maps, 11
Monitoring, 64
Noise, 14
Odors, 50
Oil spill debris disposal,
Environmental impacts,
3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 64
Institutional problems, 9
Legal problems, 9
Practices (procedures),
3, 4, 6, 44-49, 53-54,
61-62
Problems, 2, 9, 49, 50,
54-56, 62, 64-66, 73, 76-82
Social problems, 9
Personnel, 40, 52, 59
Physical sorption, 19
Private property, 13
Recreational area, 14
Regulatory agencies, 29
66
Report organization, 6
Residential area, 14
30,
Silt, 19, 21
Site location, 28
Site monitoring, 66, 75
Site preparation, 44, 53,
60-61
Site sampling procedures,
69-73
Site selection procedures,
6, 8-29
Soil
Aci die, 44
Grain-size distribution, 19
Permeability, 19, 70
Soil conditions, 17
Soil conditioners, 41-42
Soil data, 19, 21
Soil incorporation (see
land cultivation)
Soil sampling, 73
Spontaneous combustion, 54,
55, 56
Stockpiling, 44-45, 50, 61
Subsoil, 21
Surface runoff (drainage), 25,
35, 41 , 50, 60, 65, 69, 77,
78, 81
Surface settlement, 65, 77
Surface water contamination, 81
Surface water monitoring, 69,
73
Topography, 25
Transportation, 28
USDA, Soil Conservation
Service, 15, 19
U.S. Geological Survey, 11,
15, 19
U.S. Weather Service, 15
Vegetation, 25, 49, 54, 62, 63,
66
Water pollution, 14, 25, 55, 63,
70
Water quality, 14, 16, 24
Water table, 22
100
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/2-77-153a
3 RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION1 NO.
4. TITLE ANDSUBTITLE
Oil Spill: Decisions for Debris Disposal
Volume I - Procedures Manual
5. REPORT DATE
Auqust 1977 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
Robert P. Stearns, David E. Ross, Robert Morrison
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
SCS Engineers
4014 Long Beach Boulevard
Long Beach, California 90807
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1 BB041
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-03-2200
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory-Cin., OH
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final June 1975 to Aug. 1976
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/12
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
A 15-minute color, 16 mm training film is also available.
16. ABSTRACT
This report was prepared to guide persons responsible for disposing of oil
spill debris in selecting suitable methods and sites, and in carrying out effective,
environmentally safe disposal operations.
Volume I is a procedures manual useful both in office and field. Topics
covered include site selection and preparation, method selection, implementation of
three alternative disposal methods, site monitoring requirements, and correctional
measures for possible environmental problems. All available land disposal methods
(other than systems employing incineration) were investigated prior to selecting
the three recommended alternatives: land cultivation (also called landspreading),
burial, and sanitary landfill ing. An outline for a training course on oil spill
debris disposal is also included.
Volume II presents a bibliography and a summary of the current literature
relating to oily waste decomposition, migration through soils, and interaction
with the environment. Calculations are provided to indicate the theoretical
limitations on degradation. Case studies of two sites where the land cultivation
disposal method was used to aerobically decompose the oily debris, and at two
other sites where the debris was buried in specially constructed cells, are
described and the effectiveness of each operation is evaluated.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS C. COSATI Field/Group
Waste disposal
Refuse disposal
Leaching
Anaerobic processes
Biodegradation
Oil spills
Oil disposal
Oil pollution
Oil spill disposal
Oil spill cleanup
Disposal site monitoring
13B
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
115
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
A U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1977- 241-037:79
101
-------