United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of
Research and Development
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/N-93/016
September 1993
Vol. 13
ORD ENGINEERING
HIGHLIGHTS
Tt
Enmonment*' *>9in**ring ana
SITE
<
As$tst$ DOE Hanford Stpefood 8ft*
Site
White House ErwiranmejifaJ Audit
Inierageney Agreement with JS8ST
Air
Stationary Combustion
New Patent Issued
Aft- Quality
ToxteHy Testing of Carpet emissions
Transfer
«ife Gy.cfe Des^n Manual Now Available
* ™artoiri0 Assistance Available for Small Public
Water $y$t0m$
«szardows Waste
» Incineration Research Facifity Conducts Tests
* Pacific Basin Consortium for Hazardous Waste
Regional or State Assistance
» Joint EPA-MEinnesota Evaluation of Soil Mound
Technofogy
* - Pollution preventtan A$sj$tane$ t» City «f
'
Bioremediatlon
* Sioremediafiort ProtocoJs
» bUMnatfoflftf Work$hop on Oil
HVAC System Reduces Indoor Radon
Radon-Resfstant School Construction
To
N SITE
EPA Provides Remedial
Action Support for the
Selma Wood, CA,
Treating Site
EPA'si Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL)
helped the remedial i:echtxology vendor develop new
stabilization mixes that meet the performance
specifications on the penlachlorophenol, chromium
copper, and arsenic contaminated soil at the Selma'
Wood, CA, treating site. The vendor's initial
stabilization mix had produced a 60% volume
increase, which needed to be reduced because the
onsite disposal cell can accommodate only a 40%
increase. Since treatment costs are based on the
number of cubic yards that are finally treated a
savings of several million dollars will be achieved
(Edward R. Bates, RREL, 513-569-7774)
EPA Assists Department of Energy (DOE)
Hanford Superfunid Site ;
The EPA Mobile Soil Washing System was set up and
operated in an uncontaminated area of the DOE
Hanford site located in Richland WA
Approximately 44 tons of soil were passed through
the system which was assembled specifically to meet
the needs of the radiologically contaminated "300
Area.
The preliminary tests were successful, and the system
will be assembled in the contaminated zone for
further testing. These tests are considered representa-
tive for nearly 1 million cubic yards of contaminated
soils. (Frank Freestone, RREL, 908-321-6632)
Printed on Recycled Paper
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ORD Engineering Highlights
Pollution Prevention
determine the best approach for
513-569-7683)
^^
* for incorporating pollution prevention
.
RREL, 513-569-7509)
Ninth Meeting of the EPA-Sponsored .American ^tjt^
The AIPP meeting was held in Washington DC, ^^^S^p^eitdng the American Electronics
representing the Water Environment Brfaritfn- ^e^nce McMa ^ ^ ^merican chemical Society
Aisociatiorv were elected Chair and Vice-Chair. ^^^^ ^ ^ 2 ears in these roles. Tlie AIPP
tractive discussions between AH>P ^bers and v^^
Environmental Leadership ^^^^^^^^^ a new AIPP document, "Primer for
and industrial opportunities in pollution PJ^^^^nSd This primer was designed by AIPP for use
Financial Analysis of Pollution ^^^^^^S^^ Emphasis is oh the basic economic
methyl ethyl ketone; (2) a vacuum heat-pump
(3f a ^mission vapor degreaser that reduced
Methods to Reduce Hazards of
RREL researchers recently ^^^
These methods are (1) a batch sull (880
throughput (560 lb steel parts/hr).
Typically, hazardous releases of organic .Iven, are
furtive emissions during use and
do not utilize current hardware and
costs, energy consumption, operating
three methods are approximately 2, 2 .
with coming regulations were not included
569-7718)
ee
S^L«/oo*effecttvely. Considering capital
dispOSal, the payback periods for using these
A benefits of lower liability and compliance
provided to small companies interested in
pollution prevention program aimed at
™ Z&* * 1995)- (Ivars
September 1993
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ORD Engineering Highlights
\ Air
EPRI/EPA 1993 Joint
Symposium on Stationary
Combustion NOX Control
The Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
(AEERL) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
jointly sponsored a symposium to discuss technical
issues associated with the control of nitrogen oxides
from stationary sources. Approximately 540 participants
attended from across the United States and six foreign
countries including representatives from utilities,
industries, and equipment manufacturers, as well as
researchers and regulators. Researchers presented 70
papers covering a wide range of topics including results
of full-scale demonstrations, new developments in
control technology, and regulatory and cost issues. The
symposium was successful as a forum for the exchange
of technical information related to stationary combustion
NOX control, and continues to be the major conference on
stationary source NOX control held in the United States.
(Charles A. Miller, AEERL, 919-541-2920)
New Patent issued
U.S. Patent No. 5,217,511, entitled "Enhancement of
Electrostatic Precipitation with Electrostatically
Augmented Fabric Filtration," was issued June 8, 1993.
The patent describes the replacement of the final
electrostatic precipitation (ESP) section with an array of
fabric bags and charging wires that combines the best
features of ESP (low pressure drop) with fabric filtration
(no dust escape or reentrainment emissions). The
combination of charging and fabric collection also
dramatically reduces emissions due to fabric leaks and
fabric penetration by up to 99% versus fabric filtration
alone. This invention could have a major impact in
reducing toxic metals emissions and PM-10 from
stationary combustion sources such as power plants,
furnaces, and incinerators. (Charles B. Sedman, AEERL
919-541-7700)
Indoor Air Quality
Mouse Bioassay Tests
Used to Evaluate
Carpet Emissions
AEERL and the Health Effects Research Laboratory
(HERL) initiated a study to replicate results of
emissions tests released in 1992 by Anderson Labs a
private testing company. The Anderson test method
had used mice to evaluate respiratory irritation from
carpet emissions, and significant numbers of the mice
exposed to samples of carpet died or showed signs of
severe neurotoxicity.
HERL researchers conducted independent toxicity
tests at EPA facilities. They observed some effects on
the mice, but were unable to replicate the toxicity and
deaths reported by Anderson or to distinguish
between exposures to carpet emissions and emissions
from empty test chambers in double-blind tests.
AEERL's extensive analysis of the vapors emitted
from the carpets under test conditions corroborated
the HERL findings. The test animals were exposed to
more than 200 different compounds, none of which
approached concentrations known to be toxic to
humans. Extensive microbiological analysis of the
carpets confirmed the complex nature of used carpet
but did not reveal known toxic organisms.
Further efforts to understand the relationship between
the test procedure, carpet emissions, and toxicity to
test animals may be pursued through intensive
investigation at Anderson Labs, and through a
workshop that would bring together researchers who
are investigating carpet emissions and health. (Mark
Mason, AEERL, 919-541-4835; Robert Dyer, HERL
919-541-2760)
September 1993
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ORD Engineering Highlights
Technology Transfer
Life Cycle Design Manual Now Available
RREL has issued a guidance manual on life cycle design. The systems-oriented approach to
design based on a product life cycle includes raw materials acquisition, bulk and engineered
Sals processing manufacturing/assembly, use/service, retirement, and disposal The
ranual is entitled, "Life Cycle Design: Environmental Requirements and the Product
System." Its publication number is EPA/600/R-92/226.
of life cvde design is to promote environmental impact and health risk reduction through design.
Snual SdesTframework for integrating environmental, performance cost, cultoal, and legal
™nts^ntoeffective design Pollution prevention and resources conservation design strategies for achieving
Sc^n are^so presented. Designers are encouraged to specify environmental requirements at the
reduction are m y ^—& resources on end-of-pipe solutions. The product, process,
components of the design should be addressed concurrently.
569-7837)
that can direct the reader to further assistance. (Susan Campbell, RREL, 513-
569-7426)
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ORD Engineering Highlights
Hazardous Waste
EPA's Incineration
Research Facility (IRF)
Conducts Tests for DOE
n™ u » * laSt °f a ***" of tests in suPP°rt
DOE s Savannah River Laboratory (SRL) The 22-test
program involved the incineration of simulated waste
feeds (designed to represent typical SRL low-level mixed
waste) in the IRF .rotary kiln system. Specific test
objectives included (1) measurement of flue gas
particulate load function of test variables, (2) collection of
kiln bottom ash and flue gas particulate for further
characterization by SRL, (3) measurement of waste
volume and mass reduction, (4) measurement of organic
constituent destruction and removal efficiencies and (5)
evaluation of the fate of trace metals. SRL expects to use
the information generated by the tests to support the
design of the Consolidated Incineration Facility (GIF) a
rotary kiln incineration system to be installed at SRL'
(Greg Carroll, RREL, 513-569-7948)
the Pacif jc
for Hazardous Waste
Research (PBCHWR)
OEETD has an interagency agreement- with DOE's
TO™£ Nati°nal 1Laborat°ry (ANL) to support the
80 ™ £ TheP?CHWRta currently composed of
°rSaraZations from 16 countries around
Periodic technical meetings are held to conduct
training courses in hazardous waste management to
present technical papers on hazardous waste^Sarch
activities within the region, and to plan collaborative
PR?-™P7JeCtS- ANL C00rdinates efforts with
PBCHWR to organize the conferences and initiates
planning for research activities among its member
organizations. The fifth technical conference will be
held on November 8-12, 1993, in Honolulu, HI.
Through the interagency agreement, EPA provides
financial support and technical guidance for
hazardous waste research to countries in the Pacific
2482) reS1°n' (Charlotte Bercegeay, OEETD, 919-541-
Regional or State Assistance
Etfalua«°n o* Soil Mound Technoloav
some 40 to 60 are currently under remedial investSation M^nr ^ *** °perated b? ** Mn°O
from these sites. Criteria for selecting ^^^0^^ C°Tt^ *? *"* ** contami^ted soils
and public perception. RREL's Edison, NJ S SprovSe ^S±! ^ , ° ^'Q^' IOW C°St' size
design, field process monitoring rne^ods'o^L^^^^^' 1Ochf nS ^ ™
evaluation. (Chi-Yuan Fan, RREL, 908-906-6924) mstruments specifications, jmd system performance
demonstrating how a major city Sn utilize
industrial development, id enhance ^
other wastes. (Dave Stephan, RREL, 513-569-7896)
-
dty and is aimed a*
* "" """""^ moma^
the generation of hazardous and
September 1993
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ORD Engineering Highlights
Bioremediation
Application Center (MJTAO of *\«™^°^TBfoKc hnologyonjun e28-29,
protocols was announced at me EF™™"S5* 1 ^gh a cooperative effort of the public,
1993. These protocols have bear under ^lopmer« *^^££ ^R^rcr. Laboratories (ERL) a. Gulf
invested by the HRL lab,
provide an initial se, of procedure, for
agents behave in the
Emergency Response Division, are intended
of ^remediation agents as spiU response
n of new environmental
s been a primary goal of OKIXs
development, have been compdec I m a ^m
<«— * *« ,1
615 wffliam Htt Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
Mas-cci, OEEm, 202-260-8,33,
international Workshop °n °"
The tendency of many crude ous w
a ^ ^ ^ rel into ^ „.
deanup schemes. Whether the operauon ,s onshore or
P-cHca, sSuUons have been elusive.
This —p. he,d in Alberta, C^na da ^wasinitiated toassj
emulsmcation problems as presently ?£
breaWng water-in-oil ermusions as re'^ '°
retard, or reverse the ™ulsificanon process that
P. Kenard, RREL, 908-321-4355)
Third EPA/industry Meeting:
The join, EPA/Industry f
technology; (2) develop practical means to prevent,
„, sigrincar? increases in cleanup efficiencies; and (3)
^ atw a more effecBve u
meeHng on June 28-29, 1993,
rowner addressed *e more than 100 parttapants
, pubUc interest, and industrial organ-zafon
Ms. Browner acknowledged the accomplishments ofthe
^
™
"hat'tteOinSn 'Idministration is com-
toeise the use of biotechnology for pollution prevention.
September 1993
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ORD Engineering Highlights
Remediation Technologies Development Forum (RTDF)
The RTDF is an industrial-level initiative that has developed over the past year to identify innovative ways to clean
up contaminated hazardous waste sites at lower costs. Representatives from chemical, automotive oil,
pharmaceutical, and electrical manufacturing industries, from several universities and from EPA, DOD, and DOE
participated at a series of meetings investigating in situ soil and water remediation technologies.
Two working groups were formed, and several technologies are currently being considered for field evaluation.
The legal mechanisms for forming the necessary partnerships are also being resolved. The first working group
defined a project that will utilize electro-osmosis as a liquid pump for washing contaminants from the soil into
treatment zones for sorpfion/degradation. Electrodes flank the contaminated soil and the treatment zones, which
are approximately one inch thick and located about one foot apart. The zones are created between the electrodes
by introducing appropriate materials, such as sorbents, catalytic agents, microbes, or buffers, into highly permeable
areas. The second working group defined four priority research areas and is currently preparing experimental
plans for each. The priority areas of interest are natural attenuation of chlorinated solvents, delivery systems,
bioventing, and anaerobic in situ bioremediation.
It is expected that an electro-osmosis project and another in situ remediation project will be started in the spring of
1994 under the auspices of the RTDF. (Kurt Jakobson, OEETD, 202-260-0594)
\ Radon
HVAC System Has
Significant Impact on
Indoor Radon
AEERL researchers are studying
large-building HVAC systems in
Florida to determine the impact of their operation on
indoor radon levels. Data collected in two buildings
indicate the operation of the HVAC system and outdoor
air delivery (ventilation) ratio to the occupied space
significantly reduces indoor radon concentrations. The
HVAC systems are typical of many large-building
systems with continuous operation during occupied
hours and the capability of delivering outdoor air.
Radon levels were first measured with the HVAC
systems off, then with the systems providing varied
outdoor air rates. Compared with the HVAC systems
off, radon levels in the buildings were reduced by 71%
with the systems on and delivering minimal outdoor air;
71-86% with outdoor air delivery of 5 cfm per person;
and 86-89% with outdoor air delivery of 15 cfm per
person. The radon reduction was attributed primarily to
dilution, although at the higher ventilation rate
pressurization reduced the entry of radon through the
ground contact floors. (Marc Menetrez, AEERL, 919-
541-7981)
EPA to Demonstrate Radon-Resistant New
School Construction in Tucson, AZ
The Tucson, AZ, Unified School District incorporated
radon mitigation systems into two new schools to be
built during the next 15 months. The Valencia
Middle School consists of seven buildings (90,000 ft2)
built around a courtyard, and the Mary Robins
Elementary School consists of two buildings (50,000
ft2). Soils at both sites contain significant quantities of
uranium, and researchers expect elevated indoor
radon levels. Architectural firms designed the two
schools using AEERL's new technical guidance
manual, "Radon Prevention in the Design and
Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings."
A Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) project
with AEERL and Region 9 will provide for diagnostic
testing of the schools both during and after
construction to determine the effectiveness of the
radon prevention systems. The Western Regional
Radon Training Center (WRRTC) will conduct tests,
with technical assistance provided by AEERL. The
architects incorporated innovative designs of the
active soil depressurization (ASD) systems, making
the project valuable to the radon mitigation R&D
program. (A. B. Craig, AEERL, 919-541-2824)
September 1993
£u.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1993 - 7*7I/800«3
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United States
Environmental Protection Agency
Center for Environmental Research Information
Cincinnati, OH 45268
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
S300
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT No. G-35
EPA/6QO/N-93/016
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