3EPA
             United St
             Environmental Protection
             Agency
           Off ice of
           Solid Waste and
 DIRECTIVE NUMBER:  9443.03(85)
 TITLE: Reactivity Test Methods

 APPROVAL DATE: 4-22-85
 EFFECTIVE DATE: 4-22-85
 ORIGINATING OFFICE: office of Solid Waste
 0 FINAL
- D DRAFT
  LEVEL OF DRAFT
    DA — Signed by AA or OAA
    D B — Signed by Office Director
    D C — Review & Comment
 REFERENCE (other documents):
  OSWER     OSWER     OSWER
VE   DIRECTIVE   DIRECTIVE   Dl

-------
PART 261  SUBPART C - CHARACTERISTICS
                                                DOC:  9443.03(85)
Key Words:    Test Methods, Reactive Wastes

Regulations: .
Subject:

Addressee:


Originator:


Source Doc:

Date:

Summary:
Reactivity Test Methods

Michael J. Sanderson, Chief, RCRA Branch, Waste Management
Division, Region VII

Alan S. Corson, Chief, Studies and Methods Branch,
Characterization and Assessment Division

//9443.03(85)

4-22-85
     The Agency is currently evaluating new methods for testing wastes which
are capable of detonating.

     Until further studies are completed, OSW supports the use of a battery of
tests to determine reactivity due to explosive properties.

-------
                                                               9443.03 (85)


                             APR  22 1985
MEMORANDUM


SUBJECTi  Reactivity Test Methods

PROMi     Alan 8. Gorton, Chief
          Studies and Methods Branch
          Characterisation and Assessment Division  (MH-562B)

Tot       Michael J. Sanderson, Chief
          RCRA Branch
          Waste Management Division, Region VI1


     Development of reactivity test methods for those waste
materials which are capable of detonation is underway.  In an
interagency agreement with the Bureau of Nines Laboratory (BOM)
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, O8W sponsored a study  which evaluated
the U.S. Card Gap Test and the U.S. Internal Ignition Test as
tools for determining if a given waste is an explosive which
could undergo detonation under reasonable mismanagement conditions.
Samples of sludge from several explosives processing waste treatment
facilities were collected and analysed as well as a series of
standard explosives for calibration use.  Because of the incon-
clusive nature of the results of the BOM work, further evaluation
is needed before any decision is reached as to the-  applicability
of these tests to RCRA wastes.

     In the interim OSW has supported the use of a  battery of
tests to determine reactivity due to explosive properties.  This
battery is outlined in the enclosed test plan submitted by the
U.S. Army.

     Please contact David Friedman or Florence Richardson on
PTS 382-4770 with any additional questions regarding this aspect
of reactivity.

Enclosure

ccs  D. Friedman
     P. Richardson
     OWPE

-------