REPORT TO THE CONFEREES OF THE THIRD SESSION OF THE
CONFERENCE IN THE MATTER OF POLLUTION OF THE
INTERSTATE WATERS OF THE ESCAMBIA RIVER BASIN
(ALABAMA-FLORIDA) AND THE INTRASTATE PORTIONS
OF THE ESCAMBIA BASIN WITHIN THE STATE OF FLORIDA
WASTE SOURCE STUDY
AND
REVIEW OF WASTE TREATMENT AND CONTROL PRACTICES
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
May, 1972
Environmental Protection Agency
Surveillance and Analytis Division
Athens, Georgia
-------
The planning and operation of this project was carried out under
the supervision of B. H. Adams, Chief, Engineering Services Branch.
Mr. C. A. Sweatt was Project Engineer and principal author of
this report.
All Environmental Protection Agency personnel are attached to the
Surveillance and Analysis Division located at Athens, Georgia. The
Division is under the direction of J. A. Little.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page No.
INTRODUCTION 1
PROBLEM SUMMARY 2
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 3
RECOMMENDATIONS 9
PLANT DESCRIPTION 12
GENERAL 12
PLANT PROCESSES 12
WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES 15
PREVIOUS WASTEWATER STUDIES 20
REPORT REVIEWS 20
SOURCE CONTROLS 23
STUDY FINDINGS 26
GENERAL DISCUSSION 26
COMPARISON OF 1969 AND 1972 DATA 29
Biochemical Oxygen Demand 29
Phosphorus .30
Nitrogen 30
Metals 31
Organic Compounds 31
Ground water < . 33
DNT, Urea and Ammonia Nitrate Waste 34
Ammonia Waste 38
Amines Waste 38
ii
-------
PVC and Nitric Acid Waste 39
Well Water 39
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES AND SUGGESTIONS 41
TREATMENT METHODS 42
Ion Exchange 42
Spray Irrigation 43
Deep Well Disposal 43
Ammonia Stripping 43
Biological Treatment 44
REFERENCES 45
APPENDIX A, PROJECT PERSONNEL
APPENDIX B, ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY AND STUDY PLAN
APPENDIX C, WATER SAMPLING DATA
APPENDIX D, CORRESPONDENCE
iii
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page No.
I SAMPLING STATIONS AND LOCATIONS 27
II AVERAGE ANALYTICAL DATA FOR INPLANT
WASTE STREAMS 28
III ORGANIC COMPOUND DATA 32
IV MONTHLY SUMMARY OF AIR PRODUCT
MONITORING DATA 35
V WELL WATER NITROGEN DATA 40
iv
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title Page No.
1 PROJECT STUDY AREA 13
2 LAYOUT AND TREATMENT FACILITIES PLANT. ... 14
3 TOTAL NITROGEN (LBS/DAY) LOADS 36
4 NITROGEN WASTE LOADS 37
-------
INTRODUCTION
This report presents an evaluation of waste treatment and waste
control practices at the Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. plant located
near Pensacola, Florida. The study, conducted by the Environmental
Protection Agency during March 6-12, 1972, was requested by the con-
ferees of the third session of the Federal-State Escambia Bay Enforcement
Conference held on January 24-25, 1972.
The study objectives outlined in this report are to:
Characterize and quantify all plant wastes discharged into
receiving waters;
Evaluate and document current waste treatment and control
practices, and
Propose alternatives for the best available technology
for waste treatment.
The assistance and cooperation of the Florida Department of Pollution
Control, Escambia County Health Department, and Air Products and Chemicals,
Inc. are gratefully acknowledged.
-------
PROBLEM SUMMARY
As a result of continuing numerous fish kills and general degradation
of the water quality in Escambia Bay, the State of Florida in mid-1969
served Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. a citation and orders specifying
a 90 percent minimum treatment of their liquid discharges. At a Federal-
State Enforcement Conference held in January 1970, the company was directed
to further reduce carbonaceous and nitrogenous wastes by 94 percent and
phosphorus wastes by 90 percent.(1) During the February 1971 session of
the enforcement conference, allowable daily limits of 17 pounds of 5-day
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (8005), 477 pounds of total nitrogen and 35
pounds of total phosphorus were established for compliance by December 31,
1972.(2) It was also recommended that should the specified reductions
fail to minimize the problems of excessive enrichment of Escambia Bay,
plans should be developed to remove all waste discharges from the bay.
The Florida Department of Pollution Control (FDPC) concluded that complete
removal was necessary and on December 15, 1971, issued an order to Air
Products and Chemicals, Inc., advising the company that no wastewaters
containing pollutants or contaminants would be discharged into Escambia
Bay after December 31, 1972.(3)
-------
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
1. Wastewater discharges into Escambia Bay from Air Products and
Chemicals, Inc., Escambia Plant, do not presently meet conference
established limits. It is very doubtful that the company will meet
the conference recommendations by December 31, 1972. Significant
reductions in waste loads have been accomplished through source con-
trols and the closing of two plant processes (NPK and methanol).
However, pollution abatement efforts within the past three years
have been partially offset by a two-fold increase in the production of
nitrogenous materials. The success of pollution abatement efforts,
as they relate to conference recommendations, are demonstrated by
the following comparisons:
Waste Load (Ibs/day) Percent Removals
1969 1969
Parameter Base Load Study
Conf.
Limits
Present
Study
Base Conf,
Load Recom.
I/ 21 21
Total 15,100^-
Nitrogen
BOD5
Total
Phosphorus
5,650
290
320
477
17
35
(3,190)-
2,610
185
39
(79)-'
83 94
94
90
Since
1969 Study
21
(44)^
54
40
88
Flow (MGD) 5.2 1.84
I/ The 1969 base load was established by the company in correspondence
with the State of Florida Department of Air & Water Pollution Control.
2] Estimated added effect on the plant effluent of wastes presently being
retained in Echo Pond, assuming a 60 percent nitrogen removal.
-------
2. The dominant pollutants in the plant effluent are nitrogenous com-
pounds. The final waste effluent is a neutral, unheated liquid con-
taining relatively low concentrations of carbonaceous material and
nonfilterable residue. Relatively low concentrations of organic com-
pounds from the dinitrotuluene operations were detected in the discharge
into Escambia Bay. Some of these compounds are known to be toxic to
fish at concentrations greatly in excess of levels found in the
effluent and the effects of other compounds on aquatic life are unknown.
Other contaminants observed in the effluent were in low concentrations
and are not believed to adversely effect water quality in Escambia Bay.
3. Process wastes at the Escambia Plant are collected in a network of open
ditches flowing to treatment ponds consisting of four biological ponds
(total area - 65 acres), two settling ponds (total area - 4 acres), and
one percolation pond containing 14 acres. Wastes from the treatment
system flows through a common discharge into Escambia Bay.
4. Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Ponds are unlined ponds constructed on pervious
material and, therefore, unsuitable for the treatment or storage of
concentrated nitrogenous waste. However, the ponds do intercept a
portion of the contaminated groundwater and surface drainage and provide
limited regulation of pond discharge. The ponds are located in the
natural drainage of a small watershed which tend to flush out during
periods of heavy rainfall. Flood gates have been installed on Bravo and
Charlie Ponds, creating approximately 75 additional acre feet of storage
for discharge regulation.
-------
5. Nitrogenous wastes are difficult to treat effectively and the problem
is compounded by contaminated groundwater. Contaminated groundwater
seepage, the most complicated aspect of the problem, accounts for over
50 percent of the total nitrogen in the plant effluent. Study data
showed a 720 percent increase in the total nitrogen concentration from
the effluent of Charlie Pond to the effluent of Alpha Pond no wastes
are discharged between these points. The groundwater contamination is
primarily due to past waste control practices; however, the amines waste
percolated through George Pond and the DNT waste seepage from Delta Pond
are existing contributors. This problem must be controlled to signif-
icantly reduce the nitrogen discharged into Escambia Bay. Although the
company has previously installed approximately 85 shallow well points
for monitoring groundwater quality, additional investigations will be
required to determine the dispersion of wastes in the contaminated
groundwater zone and feasibility of corrective methods.
6. The diverse nature of the various plants operated within the complex
complicates the development of an effective treatment system. Several
methods of waste treatment were examined in preparation of this report.
Some of the methods examined include those previously investigated by
Air Products and reported to the FDPC. Methods investigated were ion
exchange, spray irrigation, deep well disposal, ammonia stripping, and
biological (nitrification-denitrification) treatment. The following
conclusions were reached:
-------
Ion exchange would produce a waste stream unusable for product
recovery due to high concentrations of salts other than ammonium
nitrate. Disposal of the concentrated waste stream would present
a difficult problem.
0 Spray-irrigation has limited use in the area due to heavy rain-
fall during the growing season. Over applications of nitrogen
wastes would leach rapidly through the pervious soil causing
groundwater contamination.
Deep well disposal was determined by the company to be unsuitable
for the total plant effluent due to the large volume of waste and
the 90 percent reduction requirement of the FDPC. Although EPA
does not encourage this disposal practice, this method could
possibly be used for disposal of the treated process wastes,
which would not include seepage, runoff, etc.
Stripping of ammonia with air or steam may be suitable for treat-
ment of the amines and interceptor ditch waste. Steam stripping
with ammonia recovery or distillation may be necessary for air
quality protection.
Biological denitrification for nitrate removal in combination
with ammonia stripping is considered to be the best alternative.
7. In-plant survey data and discussions with company personnel indicate
that it would be feasible to reroute the following plant waste streams
for more effective treatment:
-------
The amines plant waste stream is a very alkaline waste (pH 11.4)
with high nitrogen and carbon concentrations. This waste,
presently discharged at an average rate of 225 gpm into the
percolation pond and contributing to the groundwater contamination
problem, could probably be effectively treated in Echo Pond. The
excess alkalinity could be used for neutralization of the acidic
DNT waste, now being neutralized by caustic. This stream would
also provide a carbon source necessary for biological treatment.
The high ammonia concentration should be reduced, possibly by
stripping prior to neutralization.
The ammonia plant waste stream, a very alkaline waste (pH 11.9)
now flowing into Charlie Pond at an average discharge of 88 gpm,
could be combined with the amines waste, piped to the DNT plant
for neutralization and treated in Echo Pond.
Wastes from the PVC plant could be routed through Echo Pond pro-
viding a necessary phosphorus supply for the microbial population.
This arrangement appears to be suitable for treatment of the combined
streams for nitrogen and carbon removal in Echo Pond plus utilization
of the alkalinity and acidity of individual streams for neutralization.
The combined flow would average approximately 600 gpm with a COD:N03:
T^tal P ratio of 230 to 31 to 1. One potential problem with this
scheme of treatment is the unknown biological treatability problems
associated with the nitroCompounds in the DNT waste. If these com-
pounds greatly retard biological action, as might be suspected, extended
-------
8
holding periods or removal of the compounds at the source may be
required. Activated carbon adsorption, a method previously tested
by the company, would probably be an effective method of removal.
Studies to determine the compatibility and treatability of these waste
streams can be accomplished through the use of jar studies now being
conducted by the company and through plant-scale operations with Echo
Pond which was recently placed into service.
8. At the present rate of discharge, the BOD5 effluent concentration would
have to be reduced to 1.1 mg/1 to meet conference recommendations. A
seven-day average effluent 6005 concentration of 10 to 15 mg/1 (155 to
230 Ibs/day), with maximum daily fluctuations of 125 percent, is a much
more reasonable, achievable limit.
-------
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The company should intensify their source control program which has
accomplished significant results to date.
2. Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Ponds should be operated primarily as polish-
ing ponds and not for the treatment of concentrated nitrogen wastes.
3. All untreated DNT waste leaks should be eliminated from Delta Pond.
4. The use of George Pond, a percolation pond treating wastes from the
amines plant, should be discontinued.
5. The company should investigate the following compatibility and treat-
ability modifications and submit a report of the findings to the con-
ferees by June 1, 1973:
Combine the waste streams from the amines and ammonia plants.
Air strip or otherwise remove the ammonia from the combined stream
and pipe the treated stream to the DNT plant to neutralize the
acidic DNT waste. Treat the combined waste in Echo Pond for nitrate
removal. The amines and ammonia waste should provide a necessary
source of carbon. Treatment of the amines discharge in this manner
would also eliminate George Pond, a percolation pond which is
contributing to the groundwater contamination problem.
Divert Fox Trot Pond effluent to Echo Pond. This stream will
provide part of the phosphorus necessary for proper microbial
growth in Echo Pond.
-------
10
Investigate the treatability of the nitro compounds in Echo Pond.
If these compounds prove to seriously inhibit microbial growth,
consideration should be given to removal at the source by use of
activated carbon or other methods.
Additional clay-lined ponding capacity may be required. An
aerated treatment pond or another form of aerobic treatment may
be desirable following treatment in Echo Pond.
6. The company should conduct an investigation of the groundwater con-
tamination problem and submit a report of the finding to the conferees
by June 1, 1973. The report should include:
The extent of the contaminated groundwater zone showing vertical
and horizontal concentration profiles.
Flow patterns of the contaminated groundwater.
Alternatives for reducing or eliminating this nitrogen contri-
bution to the Bay.
A specific implementation schedule for the selected alternative.
7. A groundwater monitoring system should be established to determine
the long-term changes in groundwater nitrogen concentrations. Monthly
samples should be collected from a minimum of three points located
between Area "B" and the bay. Samples should be analyzed for TKN,
NH3, N02~N03 and reported to the FDPC.
8. In general, all surface water runoff from the drainage basin should be
routed around the treatment system. An exception should be made in any
-------
11
immediate plant areas where runoff contains high nitrogen concentra-
tions or other contaminants. Wastes from these areas should be col-
lected and treated with process waste.
9. The conferees should increase the allowable BOD 5 effluent limit from
17 to 200 pounds per day. Established loadings should apply as seven-
day average values with average daily loads permitted to vary up to
125 percent of this value. The following effluent criteria would
apply:
Maximum Effluent Loadings (Ibs/day)
Parameter 7-day Average Maximum Daily
5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand 200 250
Total Nitrogen 477 600
Total Phosphorus 35 44
10. Spray irrigation appears to be one of the most promising schemes for «££>
utilizing the waste and should receive further consideration in spite
of apparent problems.
-------
12
PLANT DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
The Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Escambia Plant, was originally
constructed in 1955 on a 1600-acre tract of land located north of Pensacola
near Pace, Florida (Figure 1). The plant produces ammonium nitrate, ammonia,
nitric acid, amines, urea, dinitrotoluene, and polyvinyl chloride. Total
plant production of nitrogenous materials has approximately doubled in the
past three years. Since the 1970 Enforcement Conference, the methanol and
mixed fertilizer (NPK) plants have been closed. The company reported that
the methanol operation was temporarily shut down because of a shortage of
natural gas and the NPK operation was terminated because of the difficulty
and expense of controlling the nutrient waste load. Treated process wastes
are discharged through a common outfall into the upper northeastern area
of Escambia Bay (Figure 1). Domestic wastes are treated in several septic
tank systems and discharged to subsurface drain fields.
Operations are grouped into two separate areas approximately one
mile apart (Figure 2). The complex of plants to the north are con-
tained in Area "A" and the plants to the south in Area "B". Separate
grouping of the processes was required by insurance companies for
safety reasons.
PLANT PROCESSES
Ammonia - Natural gas is reformed and reacted with atmospheric nitrogen
to produce ammonia which is used in other plant processes. Additional
ammonia is shipped in to augment plant usage.
-------
13
FIGURE I
<'<
PROJECT STUDY AREA
VICINITY MAP
I ,i MARfMO COUftTt WTP
s
1
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 13
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
MARCH, 1972
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
ATHENS GEORGIA
-------
14
FIGURE 2
PLANT LAYOUT AND TREATMENT FACILITIES
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
Cloy Pit ond Sonilory Landfill
AREA "A" PLANT SITE
iNeutralization 8
"7 \ Phosphorus Removal
Main Administration Building
Sul Acid Cone
DNT
Once Through Cooling Water
Escombio Boy
SCALE IN FEET
500 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
US. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION Iff
ESCAMBIA BAY STUDY
MARCH, 1972
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
ATHENS GEORGIA
-------
15
Amines - Methanol and ammonia are used to produce mono-, di-^ and tri-
methylamines. These are intermediates used by other companies in pro-
duction of various products*
Nitric Acid - This product is a major component in the production of
ammonium nitrate, and is produced by oxidizing ammonia.
PVC - Vinyl chloride is imported, polymerized and shipped to other pro-
cessors. This operation is not integrally connected with other plant
operations since nitrogenous materials are not utilized.
Ammonium Nitrate - Ammonia and nitric acid are reacted to form ammonium
nitrate, which is used principally for fertilizer.
Urea - Ammonia is reacted with carbon dioxide to form urea. This product
has a high nitrogen content and is used for fertilizer, protein feed
supplement and other uses.
Dinitrotoluene - Toluene is imported and reacted with a mixture of nitric
and sulfuric acid to form dinitrotoluene. The product is sold for use
in the production of urethane products.
NPK - The NPK plant is now permanently closed, but formerly produced
mixed agricultural fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphate and potash.
WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES
The existing treatment facilities (Figure 2) consist of a system of
settling, percolation and biological treatment ponds. Waste is conveyed
-------
16
from Area "A" to the treatment ponds by two paved ditches. Prior to con-
struction of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Ponds in 1971, the total plant
effluent, with only source control treatment, was discharged into the
swampy area where the ponds are now located. Echo Pond was recently con-
structed for aerobic/anaerobic biological treatment of the concentrated
waste from the DNT plant. Delta and Fox Trot ponds were designed primarily
for settling while George Pond was designed for percolation.
Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Ponds encompass 9, 33, and 16 acres,
respectively. Construction on the ponds began in late 1970, and the
system was placed in service during March 1971. The ponds, constructed
in the natural drainage of a watershed, were formed by constructing
dikes on the typical lowland muck. Bottom material permits a free inter-
change of groundwater and wastewater. Waste streams discharge into Charlie
Pond through two paved ditches from the PVC and ammonia plants; each carry
100 to 150 gptn of waste. The company reported that approximately 700 gpm
of once-through cooling water from Area "B" also discharges into Charlie
Pond. These are the only surface discharges flowing into the three ponds;
however, a considerable amount of contaminated groundwater apparently does
infiltrate into this system. Groundwater infilteration is evident by both
the increased volume of wastewater and the increased nitrogen concentration
levels as the waste flows through the pond system. At the present time,
Echo Pond is being filled and has no discharge. When it begins overflowing
later this summer, the discharge will be into Charlie Pond.
These ponds are located in the natural drainage of a watershed and
are susceptible to flushing from heavy rainfall. To help alleviate this
-------
17
problem, the State of Florida required the company to install floodgates
above the weirs in Charlie and Bravo Ponds which increases the storage by
approximately 75 acre feet. The installation of floodgates has prevented
complete flushing; however, the flow varies considerably with rainfall.
The failure to clear the pond area of trees and other vegetation
prior to construction has initiated a need for the frequent removal
of floating debris. However, the vegetation removal accounts for some
nitrogen reduction. The heavy growth of algae and duck weed in the
ponds cause a noticeable green color. Prior to pond construction,
the total plant effluent flowed across the muck area where the ponds
are now located. Leaching of waste materials from the pond bottoms
will continue to occur until the system is stabilized.
Delta Pond, a two-acre asphalt-lined pond, provides a holding period
for the DNT waste. At the time of the survey, the lining above the liquid
level was badly cracked. The yellow color of the waste in the interceptor
ditch below Delta Pond and the presence of toluene compounds in the
effluent of Alpha Pond indicated that seepage was occurring. Water from
Delta Pond is pumped into Echo Pond for biological treatment. An emergency
overflow is provided from Delta to Charlie Ponds.
The interceptor ditch is a shallow excavation immediately above the
northwest portion of Charlie and Bravo Ponds. The pond dikes form the
lower bank of the collection ditch (Figure 2). The primary purpose of
this ditch is to intercept contaminated groundwater which seeps from the
slope below Area "B". Approximately 70 gallons per hour of waste discharged
from the urea and ammonia nitrate operations flow into this collection
-------
18
ditch along with surface runoff frpm Area JIB" and some groundwater seepage.
A pump, installed in the northwest end of the ditch, pumps waste into Echo
Pond. It appears that a large portion of the infiltration into Bravo and
Charlie Ponds comes from the collection ditch. Since the water level in the
ditch is normally higher than the water surface in the ponds, a positive
head is available for flow through and under the dike. An emergency
spillway is provided from the ditch to Bravo and Charlie Ponds.
The company has approximately 85 shallow monitoring wells distributed
around the property. Company information indicates that nitrogen levels
within the wells are very sporadic, varying from trace concentrations up
to 1,000 mg/1. This condition was probably caused by former indiscrim-
inate discharge practices, including leaking flumes, plant leaks, spills,
leakage from Delta Pond and the amines percolation pond.
Echo Pond is a newly constructed 7.2 acre, clay-lined pond. Wastes
from Delta Pond and the collection ditch are pumped through a common
four-inch header to this new facility. At the time of this study, the
pond was being filled and had no discharge. The pond is designed for
nitrification-denitrification, neutralization and biological oxidation
of the concentrated nitrogen waste. After treatment, the effluent will
flow into Charlie Pond.
Fox Trot Pond is a two-acre, clay-lined pond designed to settle
material from the PVC operation. Pretreatment of this waste is
accomplished by the addition of magnesium oxide for phosphate precipi-
tation. The polymers and magnesium oxide slurry from this operation
-------
19
settle rather easily, and the first section of the pond has a pronounced
blanket of white solids visible through the water. Cooling water from
the nitric acid plant is also discharged to this pond. After settling
and biological treatment, the waste flows via a paved ditch into
Charlie Pond.
George Pond is an unlined, 14-acre pond constructed of sand. It
is designed, as a percolation pond for the amines waste and undoubtedly
contributes heavily to the nitrogen problem in the groundwater. Although
the upper end of the ditch conveying the amines water is lined, the
lower portion is unlined permitting loss of some of the waste before it
reaches the pond.
Waste from the ammonia plant flows into Charlie Pond through a
concrete-lined ditch. This ditch is in need of repair and permits
the loss of some waste before it reaches Charlie Pond.
-------
20
PREVIOUS WASTEWATER STUDIES
REPORT REVIEWS
Two wastewater studies were performed for the Company by Black,
Crow and Eidsness, Inc., consulting engineers, located in Gainesville,
Florida.(4)(5) The first report, dated October 8, 1969, resulted from
a citation issued by the Florida Air and Water Pollution Control Board
charging the Company with the pollution of Escambia Bay. The directive
required the company to submit to the Board within 45 days an engineering
report on proposed waste treatment. Major conclusions and recommendations
of this report were:
Treatment facilities at Air Products consisted of source
controls, a percolation system and an impoundment.
Process wastewater flow was about 5.0 MGD with nitrogen and
Chemical Oxygen Demand loadings ahead of source controls about
14,800 and 58,900 pounds per day, respectively.
Estimated treatement removals, in percent were:
Nitrogen COD
Source control equipment only 62 59
Overall system 62 97
Recommended additional studies:
A. Wastewater characterization
B. Evaluation of treatment methods, including:
1. Additional source controls
2. Spray percolation
-------
21
3. Spray irrigation; and
4. Subsurface disposal
C. Treatability and pilot plant studies.
D. Design, engineering, construction, and startup.
f The proposed program could be accomplished in 35 months with a
target date of October, 1972.
The second report, dated June 12, 1970, was in response to a
directive from the Florida Department of Air and Water Pollution Control
to report on accomplishments and proposed further actions. Major con-
clusions were:
* All improvements proposed for installation by January 1, 1970
had been accomplished,
Existing waste control improvements afforded 89 percent nitrogen
removal from plant wastewater streams,
Overall nitrogen removal at the outfall had been reduced to
about 68 percent due to seepage.
Estimated loading due to seepage were:
Amount
Flow 1.3 MG
Nitrogen (total) 3,400 Ibs.
Phosphorus (total) 250 Ibs.
Potassium 410 Ibs.
The Company, with the assistance of their consultant, Investigated
and reported findings on various waste treatment methods in a 1971 report
-------
22
to the FDPC.(6) Listed below are the conclusions taken directly from
the report.
Spray Irrigation Problems
1. Nitrogen must be applied at rates vegetation can assimilate it.
Water volume must be applied at rates that can hydrologically
be handled.
2. In the case of the Escambia Plant, hydrological considerations
will govern irrigation application. The land area and reservoir
requirements make the entire approach impractical.
3. The Escambia Plant area experiences some 80 inches of rainfall
per year. The greater portion of this rainfall coincides with
the local agricultural growing season.
Ion Exchange Application Problems
1. Ion exchange of the outfall would generate 28,800 gallons per
day of 15% salt solution which cannot be disposed of.
2. Ion exchange results in a 50-fold increase in ion concentration.
3. Chloride concentrations in the outfall exceed permissible limits
for safely concentrating the regenerant stream.
4. The regenerant solution would contain 60% of salts other than
ammonium nitrate, excluding recycle to process.
Subsurface Disposal Application Problems
1. Escambia must inject its entire outfall to achieve desired
treatability.
-------
23
2. Based on data developed from Monsanto's injection well, limited
receiving aquifier permeability precludes subsurface disposal of
Escambia's entire outfall.
3. Recent legislation may require 90% treatment prior to injection.
Ac t ivated Carbon Applj.cation Problems
1. The removal of DNT plant wastewater COD load was achieved.
2. Activated carbon did not significantly reduce the total nitrogen
load of the wastewater.
3, The expanded biological pond system is anticipated to require
this carbon source to achieve the maximum nitrogen treatability.
4. A source-control project has resulted in a 50% reduction of the
DNT plant total N-load.
SOURCE CONTROLS
This report will not attempt to discuss fully the in-plant controls
which have resulted in waste load and flow reductions; however, a listing
of the controls and resulting reductions are shown. This listing was
provided by a company letter dated April 24, 1972, which is included in
Appendix D.
Escambia Plant Source-Control Program
Timetable Proj ec t
Pre-1970 1. Cooling towers.
2. Catalytic combustion on HN03 plant.
3. Ammonia recovery from copper liquor system.
-------
24
4. Aqua ammonia stripper and vaporizer system,
5. Methanol by-product disposal (to boilers).
6. Compressor building oil recovery and disposal.
7. Amines by-product disposal (flare).
8. Nitric acid oil recovery and disposal.
9. Methyl methacrylate effluent pH control.
10. Methyl methacrylate effluent stabilization basin.
11. Ammonium nitrate remelt and reclaim system.
After Jan.
1970 1. NPK recycle pond,
2. Recovery of weak aqua ammonia from percolation.
3. HNOg concentrator recycle and reclaim system.
4. HN03 plant start-up weak acid recovery and recycle.
5. NPK plant shutdown.
6. DNT organics recovery and recycle.
7. Ammonia condensate stripper.
8. Ammonia cascade cooler on cooling tower recycle.
9. Nitric acid recovery and recycle from DNT spent acid
stripper.
10. Methanol distillation system put on reboilers.
11. Methanol still bottoms recycled as cooling tower makeup.
12, Ammonium nitrate solutions recovery and recycle.
13. Totally enclosed ammonium nitrate prill loading and
bulk conveyor system,
14. NPK gypsum pond removal for agricultural use.
15. Cooling towers.
-------
25
Load reductions reported by the Company in their 1971 report to
the FDPC from source control werei
Flow 1.31 mgd
COD 50,300 Ibs/day
Total Nitrogen 12,800 Ibs/day
Heat 3.5 mm BTU/hr
Because of difficulties in treating nitrogen waste and in particular
a mixture of nitrogen waste from several different processes, this area
merits careful study for possible further development. Air Products and
Chemicals reported, in the 1971 report to the FDPC, that 99.706 percent
of the total nitrogen handled is contained as product and 0.294 percent
is lost to the effluent.(6)
-------
26
STUDY FINDINGS
GENERAL DISCU SSION
Sampling began on March 7, 1972, and continued for five consecutive
days. Twenty-four hour composite samples were collected with automatic
sampling equipment provided by the company at seven in-plant stations.
Station locations are described in Table I and plotted in Figure 2.
Automatic samplers and flow measuring equipment are permanently installed
at these stations since the company routinely samples these locations.
Equal aliquots of samples were collected at roughly 30-minute intervals
and pumped into a 2-1/2 gallon jug packed in ice. The sample collected at
Station AP-4 was an exception since it was collected by a dripping faucet
via a tube attached to the glass jug. This arrangement was necessary
because the sample was taken from a force main, and conventional automatic
samplers could not be used. All samples were divided at the point of
collection for duplicate analysis by the company. Samples collected at
Stations AP-1 and AP-4 were also split with the FDPC. Two grab samples
of well water were collected. The study plan listing the sample stations
and analysis for each sample is included in Appendix E. Table II contains
the tabulated data obtained from this study.
Weather conditions were variable during the study, typical of spring-
time. Temperatures averaged 4°F below normal with a maximum temperature
of 72°F and a minimum of 40°F. Rainfall recorded at the Pensacola air-
port totaled 0.58 inches and occurred on March 8. The company reported
0.55 inches of rain on March 7 and 0.07 inches on March 8 at the plant
-------
27
Table I
SAMPLING STATIONS AND LOCATIONS
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC,
AP-1 Effluent from Alpha Pond
AP-2 Effluent from Bravo Pond
AP-3 Effluent from Charlie Pond
AP-4 Open ditch in Area "B" between the plant and ponds
AP-5 East ditch flowing from Area "A" to the ponds
AP-6 Ditch flowing from Amines Plant to George Pond
AP-7 Effluent from Fox Trot Pond
AP-8 Well water supply
site. Waste flows during the first part of the study were still being
influenced by runoff from a 1.85 inch rain which occurred on March 2.
The flood control gates installed above the weirs on Bravo and Charlie
Ponds provide a considerable amount of extra storage (up to approximately
1.5 feet head) which slowly drains out with the normal plant effluent.
This condition makes the flow measuring devices installed at the discharge
of Bravo and Charlie Ponds inoperative. It also creates a non-steady state
condition which makes it difficult to relate influent to effluent for the
three pond system.
Chemical analysis of samples split with the company were in good
agreement with the exception of the nitrogen series, particularly the
N02-N03 concentrations. Subsequent resampling of AP-1 through AP-7
-------
TABLE II
AVERAGE ANALYTICAL DATA FOK INPLANT WASTE STHEAMS
» AIR PHOOUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC. *«
MARCH 7-12. 1972
STATION
AP-1
AP-2
AP-3
AP-4
AP-S
AP-6
AP-7
Ap-a
.
AP-l
AP-J
AP-3
AP-4
AP-5
AP-6
AP-7
AP-B
***
STATION
AP-1
»P-<4
AP-5
AP-6
AP-7
AP-1
AP-4
AP-S
AP-b
AP-7
FLOW
RATE
GPM
1372
_.
119
88
225
124
~
RESDUE
DISS-105
C MG/L
755
463
340
5906
769
769
399
21
'*»**'
FLOW
RATE
GPM
1273
130
88
225
124
RESOUE
DISS-105
C L6/D
11829
9606
35<*0
1993
444
T Acorn
CAC03
MG/L
36
32
10
115
0
0
0
14
RESOUE
VOL FLT
MG/L
366
131
49
954
100
100
83
9
»*«>4B**>
T ACUITY
CAC03
LH/0
549
152
0
0
0
BESDUE
VOL FLT
LB/0
6173.0 1
1307.6
315.0
265.4
122.6
T ALK
CAC03
MG/L
23
30
43
73
2553
1664
121
9
N03-N
TOTAL
MG/L
B3.4
67.4
9.8
556.0
9.2
1.0
6.3
1.8
«»***»»«
T ALK
CAC03
LB/0
351
127
2094
4435
179
N03-N
TOTAL
LB/0
280.32
845.90
a. 23
2.70
9.22
BOD
5 OAY
MG/L
11.4
24.5
41.0
107.3
57.0
_-
134.5
"
WATER
TEMP
CENT
14.5
16.0
17.4
23.1
46.9
20.2
>*****«»*
BOO
5 DAY
LB/0
184.6
146.7
62.7
233.4
COO
HI LEV
MG/L
52
49
27
4B7
119
1974
51
6
PH
SU
6.6
6.7
7.1
5.8
11.9
11.4
9,6
5.8
»*«»**«*»»»
COO
HI LEV
LB/D
800
823
126
5476
77
T ORG C
C
MG/L
13.4
12.0
7.4
161.8
64.8
662.4
11.8
"
»«*»»»«»
T ORG C
C
L8/D
206.9
266.2
53.5
1823. 2
17,8
PrtOS-T
P-WET
MG/L
2.64
3.69
1.95
5.14
1.00
0.05
12.09
PHOS-T
P-WET
LB/D
38.71
7.22
1.03
0.12
17.92
RESDUE
V NFLT
MG/L
12
9
B
22
15
-
9
BESDUE
V NFJ.T
LB/D
190
38
18
13
HESOUE «ESDUE BESOUE
T NFLT TOTAL T VOL
MG/L MG/L MG/L
17 772 398
9 470 135
8 348 56
56 5962 971
44 3672 398
14 783 100
19 314 90
21 7
HESDUE RESDUE RESCUE
T NFLT TOTAL T VOL
LH/0 LB/D LH/D
260 12089 636Z.93
91 9698 0362.93
52 3592 332.59
37 2030 265.36
22 466 131.94
T KJEL
N
MG/L
86.2
67.9
13.7
231.1
26.4
269.7
9.1
1.8
T KJEL
N
LH/D
1326.23
132t>.22
36.54
734.78
14.09
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
84.9
65.9
11.0
230.6
23.8
139.6
6.2
1.6
NH3-N
TOTAL
LB/0
1305
1305
33
380
9
10
00
-------
29
produced comparable results between the two laboratories and also compared
very closely with company results on the original surveys EPA and company
sample collection and laboratory procedures were thoroughly reviewed and
no explanation for the wide variation could be determined. Since the
original company results agreed very closely with both EPA and company
results from a sample collected later at each of the sampling locations,
it was decided to use company results for the nitrogen series.
COMPARISON OF 1969 AND 1972 DATA (PLANT EFFLUENT)
The 1969 Federal report identified Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
(formerly Escambia Chemicals) as a major contributor of nitrogen and
phosphorus wastes discharged into Escambia Bay. A comparative tabulation
of data is shown below:
Total Total
Flow BOD5 TOC TKN-N NH3-N N02-N03-N N Phos-P
mgd Ibs/day Ibs/day Ibs/day Ibs/day lbs/d_ay_ Ibs/day Ibs/day
1969 5.2
1972 1.84
290
ife
-105
194
207
+13
Biochemical
3,
1,
-1,
,270
,327
,943
Oxygen
2,
1,
-
280
306
974
2
1
-1
,380
,281
,099
5
2
-3
,650
,608
,042
320
if
-281
Demand
Considerable variation (2.0 to 23 mg/1) was noted in the BOD5 dis-
charged into Escambia Bay. The final daily discharge contained 185 pounds
of BODij 168 pounds greater than the conference recommended limit. At
the present rate of discharge (1.84 MGD), the BOD5 effluent concentration
would have to be reduced to 1.1 mg/1 to meet the 17 pounds per day limit
recommended. A seven-day average effluent BOD5 concentration of 10 to 15
-------
30
mg/1 (155 to 230 pounds per day), with a maximum daily fluctuation of 125
percent, is a much more reasonable, achievable limit.
Except for the amines plant discharge, BOD5 concentrations generated
by plant processes are rather minor. Concentrations of BOD 5 in excess of
800 mg/1 were noted in the amines plant discharge into George Pond, the
percolation pond. The discharge from Fox Trot Pond, which receives the
PVC plant waste was the largest single direct contributor of BODc (233
Ibs/day) to the pond system. The urea and ammonia nitrate operation
(Station AP-4) was the second largest contributor with an average of 147
pounds of BOD 5 discharged daily into Echo Pond.
Phosphorus
Significant reductions have been achieved in phosphorus removal
(88 percent). The total phosphorus load has been reduced from 320 pounds
per day to 39 pounds per day. Reductions have resulted primarily from
closing the NPK operation. Pretreatment of the PVC waste with magnesium
oxide before discharge to Fox Trot Pond also reduced the effluent phos-
phorus load. At the time of the recent study, the average phosphorus
load from all plant processes was 26 pounds per day.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen reductions for the same period have been less dramatic than
phosphorus reductions. A complicating factor in comparing the two sets
of data is the waste being retained in Echo Pond. Since this pond was
recently (November 1971) placed into operation and is not yet full, the
-------
31
plant effluent measured at Station AP-1 did not reflect this waste., Waste
from the two ponds and the collection ditch which receives waste from the
urea and ammonium nitrate operations plus groundwater seepage is diverted
to Echo Pond. During the survey, the flow into Echo Pond averaged 0.173
MGD with the following loads in pounds per day: BOD - 138; TOC - 266;
TKN - 295; NH3 - 359; N03-N - 1,154, and total phosphorus - 7.2. It is
impossible to accurately predict the effect of the Echo Pond discharge
on the total plant effluent. However, for comparison purposes, it is
assumed that 60 percent of the nitrogen entering Echo Pond will be removed,
resulting in an adjusted plant effluent of 3,214 pounds per day or a
43 percent reduction from the 1969 load. This reduction is attributed
to closing of the NPK and methanol plant, additional source controls, and
treatment in the biological pond system.
Metals
Analyses were made for specific metals by atomic adsorption on
samples collected from Stations AP-1, AP-4, and AP-8. In addition, a metals
scan was performed by the spark source mass spectrometer on samples from
Stations AP-1 and AP-4. The plant effluent (Station AP-1) contained
1.2 pounds per day of chromium, 1.5 pounds per day of zinc, and 3 pounds
per day of manganese as well as many other metals in low concentrations.
The contribution of metals from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., to
Escambia Bay is very small.
Organic Compounds
An organic scan was performed on samples collected from Stations
-------
32
AP-1, AP-4, and AP-8 (Table III). Results indicated low concentrations
(.03 mg/1) of organic compounds from the DNT operation in the plant
effluent.
Station No.
AP-1
AP-4
AP-8
Table III
ORGANIC COMPOUND DATA
Compound
Concentration
(mg/1)
0-Nitrotoluene 0.012
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 0.02
15 other unidentified compounds were
observed in the 0.01-1.0 mg/1 range.
0-Nitrotoluene 7.8
P-Nitrotoluene 8.8
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 190
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 150
3,4-Dinitrotoluene 40
10 other organic compounds were also
detected in the 0.01-5.0 mg/1 range.
No compounds greater than 0.01 mg/1 detected.
Concentrations of organic compounds in the plant effluent were low;
however, the waste from Station AP-4 is presently being retained on site
in Echo Pond. When this pond starts overflowing later this year, an
increase in the concentration of organics from the DNT operation may be
observed. Although fish toxicity for dinitrotoluene is unknown, concen-
trations of 0-Nitrotoluene in the range of 18 to 40 mg/1 were observed
to be lethal for minnows.(7)
Nitro compounds are subject to biochemical oxidation in dilute con-
centrations; however, higher concentrations retard biological growth.
-------
33
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) has a deleterious effect at concentrations greater
than 1.0 mg/l.(5) The biological toxicity limits for nitrotoluene and
dinitrotoluene are not known, but it is likely that toxicity will occur
at relatively low concentrations. This may severely limit the treat-
ability of this waste in conventional biological ponds requiring much
greater retention times.
Groundwater
Groundwater seepage was a major factor in the total nitrogen load
discharged from the plant. Studies performed by the company have shown
that nitrogen concentrations in the upper zones of the groundwater in
Area "B" ranged up to 1,000 mg/1 of total nitrogen. This situation is
caused by poor waste control practices in the past. Source controls,
waste treatment, better materials handling, and awareness of groundwater
contamination problems by company personnel should greatly reduce this
problem in the future. The U. S. Geological Survey reports that the
average rate of movement of groundwater in the Fensacola area is approx-
imately 100 feet per year. (8) The distance from Area "B" to the upper
dikes of the ponds is approximately 1,000 feet, and the approximate
distance to the final pond effluent is 3,000 feet. It is theorized that
water in the upper ground water zone should move considerably faster than
100 feet per year. Contributions of nitrogen from the ground water will
likely be present for several years.
The groundwater problem becomes apparent when a flow or materials
balance is attempted on the treatment system. Data, reported by the
-------
34
company to the FDPC, tabulated in Table IV and plotted in Figure 3,
illustrate this problem. These data show approximately a 60 percent
increase in flow and 240 percent increase in total nitrogen through the
three pond system. Results of the recent EPA survey indicated a 28
percent increase in flow (1.3 vs 1.83 mgd) and a 4,000 percent increase
in nitrogen (66 vs 2,603 pounds per day of total nitrogen) (Figure 4).
These figures do not include the 694 pounds per day discharged into the
percolation pond or the 1,515 pounds per day retained in Echo Pond.
The 1 MGD of once-through cooling water from the DNT operation was not
sampled; however, company spokesman stated that no additives or con-
taminants were added through the process.
DNT, Urea, and Ammonia Nitrate Waste
During the survey, the pump in the interceptor ditch ran continuously
while the pump in Delta Pond ran intermittently. The two composite
samples collected at Station AP-4 on March 9-10 and 11-12 represent only
waste from the ditch since the Delta Pond pump did not operate during this
period. Data indicate a considerable difference in the character of the
two wastes (Appendix C). Waste from Delta Pond, which receives the DNT
waste, is a concentrated dark brown liquid containing approximately
15,000 mg/1 of total residue and 1,500 mg/1 of COD. Most of the nitrogen
discharged from this operation is in the form of nitrate nitrogen with
concentrations of about 1,000 mg/1. The high solids concentration is due
primarily to the soda ash wash operation used to purify the dinitrotoluene
and to caustic neutralization of the wastes. A 380 rag/1 dinitrotoluene
concentration was observed in the combined flow at Station AP-4.
-------
TABLE IV
MONTHLY SUMMARY OF AIR PRODUCTS & CHEMICALS. INC.
JUNE 1970 THROUGH FEBRUARY 1972
MONTORING DATA
FLOW *
COD
NITROGEN:
AMMONIA
ORGANIC
MTRATE
NITROGEN TOTAL
PHOPHORUS TOTAL
POTASSIUM
FLOW
coo
NITROGEN:
AMMONIA
OPOAMIC
NITRATE
NITROGEN TOTAL
PHOPHORUS TOTAL
POTASSIUM
(1970)
JUNE
INF EFF
4.13 6.39
7763 4357
841 3755
286 894
1658 3304
2735 7909
134 676
160 993
(1971)
JANUARY
" INF EFF
3.73 5.26
6683 3960
478 4314
317 243
982 4139
1797 8597
128 604
31 833
JULY
INF EFF
3.55 5.97
3714 2563
571 2886
204 329
465 2329
1232 5490
50 478
61 466
FEBRUARY
INF EFF
3.87 5.74
7508 4586
396 3960
153 208
811 4905
1360 8817
112 348
42 366
AUGUST
INF
4.07
8113
583
340
532
1399
113
71
EFF
6.87
2422
3063
318
2764
6064
581
609
MARCH
INF
3.03
7471
894
283
1380
2558
55
174
EFF
4.42
2341
4066
217
4646
9010
402
733
SEPTEMBER
INF
3.82
9553
487
456
513
1457
124
72
EFF
6.07
1944
2406
273
1985
4665
492
485
APRIL
INF
2.28
7811
1936
466
1203
3604
249
122
EFF
3.69
3175
3393
319
2981
6687
359
537
OCTOBER
INF
4.50
11843
639
253
964
1B58
343
75
MAY
INF
2.27
7992
1463
109
2415
4649
290
167
EFF
7.94
3847
4963
362
3561
8886
581
678
NOVEMBER
INF
3.98
14511
576
508
238
1323
95
36
ENF
7.68
4486
5003
167
3509
8684
409
693
JUNE
EFF
3.77
2323
3039
233
2744
5893
441
404
INF
2.32
. 18336
247
213
1128
1588
8
19
ENF
3.78
2649
1742
282
1094
3109
185
195
DECEMBER
INF ENF
3.49 6.98
5107 3721
540 4465
224 374
546 3682
1611 8521
65 957
36 408
JULY
INF ENF
2.24 3.91
5529 2184
287 1691
168 343
871 961
1323 3005
36 168
27 205
(19731
PLOW
coo
NITROGENS
AMMONIA
ORGANIC
NITRATE
NITROGEN TOTAL
PHOPHORUS TOTAL
POTASSIUM
AUGUST
INF EFF
2.39 4.05
8191 1956
684 1956
146 221
833 1659
1521 3S36
23 138
59 246
SEPTEMBER
INF EFF
2.29 5.06
7033 2177
877 2352
318 297
777 2408
1959 5049
__ __
* .
OCTOBER
INF
i
__
__
__
_.»
__
~
EFF
2.43
1144
1248
90
1290
2628
__
~
NOVEMBER
INF
__
--
_-
_.
--
--
*~
EFF
1.58
967
1174
46
1161
2362
DECEMBER
INF
--
-
--
EFF
1.75
938
1209
45
1231
2484
--
JANUARY
INF
--
~
ENF
1.89
903
1493
64
1211
2764
FEBRUARY
INF ENF
~ 2.05
858
1469
21
-- 1272
2759
__
u>
On
FLO* REPORTED AS MGO» ALL OTHER VALUES ARE LBS/OAY
(DATA THROUGH AUGUST 1971 WAS TAKEN FROM COMPANY REPORT
OATEO OCTOBER 1« 1971 TO THE FOPC. LATER DATA WAS
OBTAINED FROM COMPANY PREPARED REPORTS TO THE FOPC.)
-------
FIGURE 3
TOTAL NITROGEN (LBS/ DAY) LOADS
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
10,000
I
"V
CD
GO
o
cc
5,000
~~ \
-ALPHA, BRAVO 8 CHARLIE
PONDS PLACED IN OPERATION
ECHO POND PLACED IN OPERATION
TOTAL PLANT DISCHARGE TO BAY
U>
-WASTE STREAM INFLUENT
TO TREATMENT SYSTEM
\
NOTE: Doto Obtained from Company Reports to the FDPC and Included in Appendix C
ALLOWABLE LOAD - 477 LBS / DAY
I I I
8 9 10 II
1970
12
23456
MONTHS
1971
8 9 10 II 12 I
1972
-------
37
FIGURE 4
NITROGEN WASTE LOADS
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
1,000 r
3,000
2,500
Z.OOO
,
i
I.5OO
1,000
500
Escambio Bay
355
Total Nitrogen - N
NOj-N
NH3-N
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION 1C
ESCAMBIA BAY STUDY
MARCH, 1972
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
ATHENS GEORGIA
-------
38
Considering the time that each pump was. in operation, a concentration of
700 to 800 mg/1 of dinitrotoluene in Delta Pond was estimated.. The inter-
ceptor ditch receives approximately 500 gallons per hour of condensate
waste and barometric condenser condensate from the urea and ammonia
nitrate operations with the remainder of the flow being surface runoff
and ground water infiltration. This waste had an approximate ammonia and
nitrate concentration of 350 mg/1 and 385 mg/1, respectively, with an
average flow of 84 gpm. Since the combined flow from Delta Pond and the
interceptor ditch represents 67 percent of the total nitrogen load from
process discharges, the company has isolated this waste for additional
treatment in Echo Pond.
Ammonia Waste
The ammonia waste flows through the concrete lined East Ditch to
Charlie Pond (Station AP-5). This is a highly alkaline waste (2,550 mg/1
as CaC03) with an average pH of 11.9. The average total nitrogen concen-
tration is relatively low at 26 mg/1 with 23 mg/1 as ammonia. This waste
stream contains 2 percent of the total nitrogen waste loading from process
operations.
Amines Waste
Waste from the amines plant is clear with an average temperature of
47°C and pH of 11.4 (Station AP-6). Average concentrations are:
alkalinity - 1,664 mg/1 as CaCC^; BOD5 - greater than 808 mg/1 (company
reported one value of 2,463 mg/1); COD - 2,368 mg/1; TOC - 750 mg/1;
-------
39
and total nitrogen as N - 694 mg/1. This source accounts for 30 percent
of the total nitrogen discharged from plant processes and is probably
a large contributor of nitrogen seepage into the lower pond system.
The 1969 report by Black, Crow and Eidsness, Inc., states that "The
data tend to indicate that the Amines plants effluent, discharged into
the percolation area with an estimated nitrogen loading of 872 pounds
per day, appears at the outfall."
PVC and Nitric Acid Waste
The discharge from Fox Trot Pond (Station AP-7) is slightly alkaline
with an average pH of 8.8. The waste is well settled and presents no
significant nitrogen load to the lower pond system. Nitrogen contributions
from this source represent one percent of the total from process operations,
This stream is the only direct process discharge of phosphorus to Charlie
Pond. The load is 18 pounds per day.
Well Water
Air Products is presently using three 150-foot deep wells to supply
the plant's water requirements. One well, located in Plant Area "B",
supplies the cooling water requirements of this area. The other two wells
are located east of the Area "A" (Figure 2). Two grab samples were col-
lected from these wells during the survey (Station AP-8). Because of
discrepancies in the nitrogen data, two more grab samples were collected
in April. All Parameters analyzed, other than nitrogen, were in good
agreement with well samples taken from the same general area. Nitrogen
-------
40
concentrations were higher than concentrations in samples taken outside
the plant area.
Analysis of well water samples taken at American Cyanamid's Santa
Rosa Plant, located only a few miles away, showed nitrogen concentrations
less than 1 mg/1 of total nitrogen. By contrast, these results indicate
that nitrogen waste from the Air Products Plant have spread through a
relatively large area of the ground water (Table V).
Table V
WELL WATER NITROGEN DATA
Well No. 1 Well No. 3 Well No. 5
4/13 4/14 4/13 4/14 4/13 4/14
TKN (mg/1) 4.2 3.7 1.1 1.0 0.6 0.0
NH3-N (mg/1) 4.2 3.7 1.1 1.0 0.4 0.0
N03-N (mg/1) 0.7 0.6 5.1 3.6 0.2 0.2
Total N (mg/1) 4.9 4.3 6.2 4.6 0.8 0.2
-------
41
TREATMENT ALTERNATIVES AND SUGGESTIONS
The major objective in waste treatment considerations at Air Products
is further reduction in the nitrogen discharge. Nitrogen in the plant
effluent originates from two principal sources the total discharge from
the individual plant processes and contaminated groundwater seepage into
the treatment system. During the recent survey, 46 pounds per day of
nitrogen were discharged into the three-pond system, and 2,610 pounds
were discharged from the ponds. However, process wastes being stored in
Echo Pond accounted for the unusually low nitrogen load (46 Ibs/day) dis-
charged into the ponds. During the study, water was being released from
stors ,e in the three-pond system; however, the major portion of this
difference must be attributed to groundwater seepage. It is reasonable
to assume that roughly 700 pounds per day comes directly from the per-
colation pond and the remaining 1,800 pounds per day comes from contami-
nated groundwater and seepage from the Delta Pond.
Because of geophysical characteristics of the plant area, such as the
porous surface sand zone, the shallow water table, and existing problems
encountered with contaminated groundwater, all waste transmission and
treatment facilities should be as leakproof as possible. The following
are suggestions for improving waste handling procedures:
Eliminate George (percolation) Pond.
Reline Delta Pond.
Line future ponds with clay or other impervious materials.
-------
Use unlined Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Ponds only for polishing
pretreated wastes.,
Transport all waste (especially from Area "A") in water-tight
pipes or channels.
Re-evaluate in-plant handling procedures to prevent any nitrogen
spillage of intermediate or finished products.
TREATMENT METHODS
The following alternative methods of waste treatment were considered:
Ion exchange
Spray irrigation
Deep well disposal
Ammonia stripping
Biological ponds
Ion Exchange
Initially, the ion exchange process designed by Chemical Separations
Corporation for Farmers Chemical Association, Inc., in Chattanooga,
Tennessee, appeared to provide a possible solution for the problems at Air
Products. After discussions with Chemical Separations and Air Products
personnel, it was learned that methods have been studied to adapt this
system. However, the high concentrations of salts, other than ammonium
nitrate, would produce a waste stream unusable for product recovery.
Disposal of this unusable waste stream (estimated by Air Products to be
28,800 gpd) would present a problem of the same magnitude as disposing
of the original waste.
-------
43
Sgray Irrigation
Spray irrigation provides some possibilities; however, it needs
additional study. It is doubtful that this method could be used for
disposal of the total plant effluent, including ground water seepage to
the ponds, because of the large volume (2 to 4 MGD); however, it could
possibly be used for ultimate disposal of the process waste.
Deep Well Disposal
The company has determined that deep well disposal is not suitable
for disposal of the total effluent because of the large waste volume and
the 90 percent FDPC reduction requirement. This method could, however,
be used for disposal after treatment of the process waste.
Ammonia Stripping
Stripping appears feasible for removal of the 355 pounds per day of
ammonia in the amines plant waste. The existing high pH and temperature
make this waste suitable without pre-conditioning for stripping. Steam
stripping or distillation with ammonia recovery may be necessary in order
to prevent air pollution problems. Any of these methods should remove
virtually all of the ammonia which accounts for roughly 50 percent of the
total nitrogen in this stream. Ammonia stripping of the other large
source of ammonia waste (DNT and the interceptor ditch) would require pre-
conditioning since the pH is 5.8. If ammonia stripping is used, it would
probably be advantageous to separate these two wastes streams since the
major portion of the ammonia comes from the interceptor ditch. The pH
of the waste in the interceptor ditch averaged 4.4.
-------
44
Biological Treatment
Air Products has placed in operation a system of biological ponds
for treatment of the total plant waste. Because of the problems encoun-
tered with previously-discussed treatment methods, biological treatment
combined with ammonia stripping appears to be the more promising. For
example, Dr. William Oswald has stated that "Input-output balances show
disappearance of up to 80 percent of the total input nitrogen in a single
faculative pond treating domestic waste."(9) Laboratory results from the
report prepared by Associated Water and Air Resources Engineers, Inc.
for Farmers Chemicals Association, Inc., indicated that 80 to 85 percent
of the nitrate nitrogen could be removed in an anaerobic unit in 10 to 35
days providing the proper nutrient balance was maintained for bacterial
growth.(10)
The organic nitro compounds from the DNT operation will probably
retard biological growth in Echo Pond. If given sufficient time, these
compounds will break down; however, a sizable increase in ponding
capacity may be required.
-------
45
REFERENCES
1. Proceedings of the . .Confer ence_ jln tjieMatter of Pollution of Inter-
state Waters of the Escambia River Basin (Alabama-Florida) and the
Interstate Portions of the Escamb.ia B_as_in_Wi_l:hin tine State of Florida,
USDI, FWPCA, Gulf Breeze, Florida, January 21-22, 1970.
2. proceedings of the Second Session of the Conference in the Matter oj^
Pollution of Interstate Waters of the Escambia River Basin (Alabama-
Florida) and the Interstate Portions of. j:jie_ Escambia Basin Within
the State of Florida, EPA, Pensacola, Florida, February 23-24, 1971.
3. Case No. IW-226-69, Order No. 356, "Orders for Corrective Action,"
the Florida Department of Pollution Control, December 15, 1971.
4. Preliminary Report to^ Escambia Chemical Corporation on Wastewater
Treatment, Black, Crow and Eidsness, Inc., Engineers, Gainesville,
Florida, October 1969.
5. Report to Escambia Chemical Corporation on Wastewater Studies, Black,
Crow and Eidsness, Inc., Engineers, Gainesville, Florida, June 1970.
6. Report to the Florida Department of Pollution Control on Final Phase
of Wastewater Studies, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., October,1971.
7. Water Quality Criteria, California Water Resources Control Board,
Publ. 3-A, 2nd Ed., 1963.
8. Water Resources of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, Florida. U. S.
Geological Survey, Report of Investigation No. 40, Tallahassee,
Florida, 1965.
9. Oswald, William J., "Status of Oxidation Pond Processes." Presented
at the conference, Southeast Water Laboratory, Athens, Georgia,
"Advances in Treatment of Domestic Wastes." October 18, 1972.
10. Laboratory Investigations into the Removal and Control of High Con-
centrations of Nitrogenous Compounds^ Associated Water and Air
Resources Engineers, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee, May 1970.
-------
APPENDICES
-------
APPENDIX A
ACKNOWLEDGMENT & PROJECT PERSONNEL
-------
APPENDIX A
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Appreciation is expressed to Mr. Phil Doherty and his staff at
the FDPC Gulf Breeze Laboratory for their able assistance in conducting
this study by providing laboratory space and field personnel for
assisting in sample collection. Company reports provided by the FDPC
were very useful in obtaining background information on previous
pollution abatement activities. Company assistance and cooperation
were outstanding. Mr. Roy Duggan and his crew made available the
Company's automatic sampling and flow measuring equipment for this
survey.
EPA FIELD PERSONNEL
Rod Davis - Field Chemist
Charles Sweatt - Sanitary Engineer
Tom Bennett - Chemist
Pat Lawless - Chemist
FDPC FIELD PERSONNEL
Ron Breeding - Technician
-------
APPENDIX B
ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY
-------
B-l
ANALYTICAL METHODS
All chemical analysis will be done in accordance with those methods
listed in Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971.
1. Acidity - Listed on page 5, uses a NaOH titration to an end-
point of pH 8.3. Results are reported as mg/1 CaC03.
2. Alkalinity - Listed in Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater. 13th Edition, p. 52, Method 102 (1971).
3. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (3005) - Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater, 13th Edition, p. 489, Method
219 (1971).
4. Chemical Oxygen Demand - Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Wastewater, 13th Edition, p. 495, Method 220 (1971).
5. Cyanide - EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis _o_f_Wa_ter_and_Wastes
1971, p. 42.
6. Metals - EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971,
p. 83.
7. Nitrogen-Ammonia - (Automated Method) EPA Methods for^ Chemical
Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 141.
8. Nitrogen - Total Kjeldahl - (Automated Phenolate Method)
EPA Methods of Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 157.
9. Nitrogen, Nitrate-Nitrite - (Automated Cadmium Reduction Method)
EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes^ 1971, p. 175.
10. Oil and Grease - Hexane Extraction - EPA Methods of Chemical Analysis
ofChemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 217.
11. Total Organic Carbon - Carbonaceous Analyzer - EPA Methods of
Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 221.
-------
B-2
12. Phenolics - (Automated 4-AAP Method with. Distillation)
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
13th Edition, pp. 501-510, Method 222 through 222E (1971),
Modified for Automation.
13. Phosphorus - (Automated Single Reagent Method) Ej?AJMethpds of
Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 246.
14. Solids, Filterable (Dissolved) - EPA Methods of Chemical Analysis
of Water and Wastes 1971, p. 275.
15. Solids, Total - EPA Methods of Chemical Analysis of Water and
Wastes 1971, p. 280.
16. Solids, Non-Filterable (Suspended) - By difference between total
and filterable solids.
17. Solids, Volatile - EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and
Wastes 1971, p. 282.
-------
B-3
PROCEDURE FOR ORGANIC ANALYSES
Samples AP-1, AP-4, and AP-8 were approximately neutral pH
when received. They were extracted with 15% methylene chloride
in hexane, made strongly basic with KOH and re-extracted with 15%
methylene chloride in hexane, acidified with sulfuric acid and
extracted for the third time with methylene chloride. The samples
were dried by passing through glass wool and then concentrated to
1 ml in a Kuderna-Danish concentrator. The acid extract was esterified
using diazomethane. All extracts were injected into a gas chromatograph
equipped with a flame ionization detector. The column was glass
6'x2.5 mm I.D. packed with 3% SE-30 on Chromosorb W, HP. The oven
was programmed from 75°-240° @ 10°/min. We attempted to identify any
peaks detected using the Finnigan GC/MS Model 1015 system. The com-
pounds listed were confirmed by injecting a known standard into the
GC/MS. Quantitation was done on the gas chromatograph.
All samples were extracted in duplicate and the concentrations
found represent the average of the duplicates. Concentrations found
should be considered minimum concentrations as the percent recovery
of each compound from water is unknown.
-------
METHODS OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES
PARAMETER
Acidity
Alkalinity
Ammonia
Biochemical Oxygen
Demand
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Chromium, To tal
Cobalt
Copper
Dissolved Solids
Cyanides
Manganese
Nitrate-Nitrite
Oil and Grease
PH
Phenols
Water and Wastewater
METHOD REFERENCE
Volumetric, NaOH Titration 1
11 H2S04 Titration 1
Automated Phenolate Method 2
Winkler D.O., 5-day 1,2
Acid-Dichromate Oxidation 2
Atomic Absorption 1,2
Atomic Absorption 1,2
Atomic Absorption 1,2
Difference Between Total and
Suspended Solids
Pyridine-Pyrazolone 1,2,4
Atomic Absorption 1,2
Copper-Cadmium Reduction, Automated 2
Solvent Extraction 1
Electrometric 1
4-Aminoantipyrine 1
MODIFICATION
Potentiometric Endpoint
None
Azide Modification Formula "C"
Dilution Water w/Sewage Sed.
None
HC1-HN03 Digestion
HC1-HN03 Digestion
HC1-HN03 Digestion
CO
Distillation Cleanup
HC1-HN03 Digestion
None
None
None
Distillation, Automated
Colorimetric Analysis
-------
(Con't)
PARAMETER
Phosphorus
Suspended Solids
Thiocyanates
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Total Organic Carbon
Total Solids
Turbidity
Volatile Suspended
Solids
Volatile Total Solids
Zinc
Titanium
Vanadium
METHOD
Ascorbic Acid Method
Gravimetric
Ferric Nitrate Complex
Automated Phenolate Method
Carbon Analyzer
Gravimetric, 105°C
Hellige Turbidimeter
Gravimetric, 550°C
Gravimetric, 550°C
Atomic Absorption
Atomic Absorption
Atomic Absorption
REFERENCE MODIFICATION
2 Automated, Manual Digestion
1 None
3
2 None
2 None
1 None
2 None
1 None
1 None
1,2 HC1-HN03 Digestion
1,2 HC1-HN03 Digestion
1,2 HC1-HN03 Digestion
t
Ui
References
1. Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, 13th Edition, 1971.
2." EPA Manual of Methods for Chemical Analyses of Water and Wastes, 1971.
3! Colorimetric Methods of Analysis, Vol. 11A, 1959, Snell and Snell.
4. ASTM Book of Standards, Part 23, 1971.
-------
APPENDIX C
WASTE SAMPLING DATA
-------
ST03ET RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
641050
ESCAMBIA R. AIR
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
1113SOOO
00058 00435
DATE TIME DEPTH FLOW T flCDITY
FROM OF RATE CAC03
TO OAY FEET GPM MG/L
72/03/07 09 27
CPIT1-G 1382.00 28
72/03/08 08 00
72/03/08 09 30
CP(T)-G 1382.00 38
72/03/09 09 30
72/03/09 09 35
CP(TI-G 1417.00 39
72/03/10 09 30
72/03/10 09 35
CPU1-G 1208.00 46
72/03/11 09 15
72/03/11 09 45
CP(T)-G 972.00 27
72/03/12 09 15
00500 00505
DATE TIME DEPTH RESIDUE RESIDUE
FROM OF TOTAL TOT VOL
TO OAY FEET MG/L MG/L
72/03/07 09 27
14 45
72/03/07 09 27
CP
-------
RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
6*1053
AP-02
r-i13-47
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
ESCAM8IA R. AIR PRODUCTS 4 CHEH.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
1113SOOO 2444220
DATE TIME DEPTH
FROM OF
TO DAY FEET
72/03/07 09 SO
CP(T»-G
73/03/08 08 05
72/03/08 09 45
CP-6
72/03/08 08 05
72/03/09 09 45
72/03/08 09 45
CPIH-G
72/03/09 09 45
72/03/10 09 45
72/03/09 09 45
CP
-------
STORE! RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
641054
AP-03
F-U3-48
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
ESCAMBIA R. AIR PRODUCTS & CHEM.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
1113SOOO 244<>220
00058 00435 00410
DATE TIME DEPTH FLOW T ACDITY T ALK
FROM OF RATE CAC03 CAC03
TO DAY FEET GPM MG/L MG/L
72/03/07 10 13
CP(T)-G 8 52
72/03/00 10 05
72/03/OB 10 08
CP-G 252 72 13.900
72/03/08 10 05
72/03/08 10 08
CP(T)-G 260 66 13.600
72/03/09 09 15
09 50
72/03/10 10 00
72/03/09 10 00
CP(T)-G 250 36 lb.000
72/03/10 10 00
72/03/11 10 05
72/03/10 10 05
CP«T)-G 234 60 13.900
72/03/11 10 05
72/03/12 10 15
72/03/11 10 15
CP(T)-G 245 44 12.200
72/03/12 10 15
00310
BOD
5 DAY
MG/L
72. OK
68. OK
41.0
65. OK
68. OK
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
11.600
11.100
11.600
10.500
10.000
00340
COO
HI LEVEL
MG/L
17
24
26
35
32
00515
RESIDUE
DISS-105
C MG/L
241
254
244
226
233
00660
T ORG C
C
MG/L
6.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
00520
RESIDUE
VOL FLT
MG/L
64
61
36
53
33
00665
PHOS-T
P-WET
MG/L
1.65
1.70
2.30
1.69
2.00
00620
N03-N
TOTAL
MG/L
8.60
9.70
11.30
10.40
9.10
00535
RESIDUE
VOL NFLT
MG/L
8
5
5K
7
11
00010
WATER
TEMP
CENT
17.0
18.5
18.0
15.5
17.0
17.5
18.5
00530
RESIDUE
TOT NFLT
MG/L
9
6
6
a
12
00403
LAB
PH
SU
7.2
7.3
7.1
6.9
7.2
o
I
OJ
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
641056
AP-04
F-113-49
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
ESCAMBIA R. AIR PRODUCTS S. CHEM.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
11135000 2^44220
DATE TIME DEPTH
FKOM OF
TO DAY FEET
72/03/07 10 35
CP(T)-G
72/03/08 10 20
72/03/08 10 25
CP(Tt-G
72/03/09 10 10
72/03/09 10 20
CP(T)-G
72/03/10 10 15
72/03/10 10 20
CP(T)-G
72/03/11 10 20
72/03/11 10 30
CP(T)-G
72/03/12 10 20
DATE TIME DEPTH
FROM OF
TO DAY FEET
72/03/07 10 35
CP(T)-G
72/03/08 10 20
72/03/08 10 25
CP t T ) -G
72/03/09 10 10
72/03/09 10 20
CP
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 73/06/10
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
641058
AP-05
ESCAM8IA R. AIR PRODUCTS
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
1H3SOOO 2444220
F-l13-50
CHEM.
DATE
FROM
TO
72/03/07
CPUI-G
72/03/08
72/03/08
CPIT)-G
72/03/09
72/03/09
CPCTJ-C
72/03/10
72/03/10
CP(T)-G
72/03/11
72/03/11
CPtT)-G
72/03/12
DATE
FROM
TO
72/03/07
72/03/08
72/03/07
CPtT)-G
72/03/08
72/03/09
72/03/08
CP
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
641060
AP-06
F-113-S1
ESCAMBIA R. AIR PRODUCTS «. CHEM.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
1113SOOO
00058 00435
DATE TIME DEPTH FLOW T ACDITY
FROM OF RATE CAC03
TO DAY FEET GPM MG/L
72/03/07 11 12
CP«T)-G 245.00 0
72/03/08 11 25
72/03/08 11 33
CP(T)-G 240.00 0
72/03/09 11 20
72/03/09 11 25
CP(T)-G 217.00 0
72/03/10 11 05
72/03/10 11 10
CP-G 282 30
72/03/10 11 05
72/03/11 11 00
72/03/10 11 10
CPlTJ-G 1430 103
72/03/H 11 00
72/03/12 IQ SO
72/03/11 11 10
CP(T)-G 1660 201
72/03/12 10 50
00410
T ALK
CAC03
MG/L
810
1810
1600
2200
1900
0062S
TOT KJEL
N
MG/L
255.600
356.500
369.200
249.500
117.500
00310
BOD
5 DAY
MG/L
830. OL
810. OL
820. OL
740. OL
840. OL
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
127.500
179.100
214.600
117.500
59.300
00340 00680
COD T ORG C
HI LEVEL C
MG/L MG/L
3210 800.0
2570 1000.0
1960 600.0
1730 600.0
402 312.0
00515 00520
RESIDUE RESIDUE
DISS-10S VOL FLT
C MG/L MG/L
251 80
261 84
272 30
1415 103
1648 201
00665 00535
PHOS-T RESIDUE
P-WET VOL NFLT
MG/L MG/L
0.01 5K
0.03 5K
0.0 IK 5K
0.02 5K
0.13 SK
00620 00010
N03-N WATER
TOTAL TEMP
MG/L CENT
44.0
40.0
1.50
43.0
1.10
44.5
0.80
56.0
0.70
S4.0
0.80
00530
RESIDUE
TOT NFLT
MG/L
22
9
10
15
12
00403
LAB
PH
SU
11.2
11. 0
U.I
11.7
11.9
o
I
-------
ST.ORE.1
OME 12/06/10
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
AP-07
F-113-5Z
ESCAMBIA R. AIR PRODUCTS & CHEM.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAHBIA RIVER
11135000 2444220
DATE TIME DEPTH
FROM OF
TO DAY FEET
72/03/07 11 50
72/03/08 11 50
CP
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 72/06/10
641064
AP-08
F-113-53
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS INC.
ESCAMBIA RIVER STUDY
CSCAMBIA R. AIR PRODUCTS & CHEM.
12 FLORIDA
SOUTHEAST
ESCAMBIA RIVER
11135000 2444220
DATE TIME DEPTH
FROM OF
TO DAY FEET
72/03/09 11 45
72/03/10 11 25
00058
FLOW
RATE
GPM
00435
T ACDITY
CAC03
MG/L
14
14
00410
T ALK
CAC03
MG/L
6
12
00310
BOD
5 DAY
MG/L
00310
BOD
5 DAY
MG/L
00340
COD
HI LEVEL
MG/L
5
6
00680
T ORG C
C
MG/L
l.OK
l.OK
00665 00535 00530
PHOS-T RESIDUE RESIDUE
P-WET VOL NFLT TOT NFLT
MG/L MG/L MG/L
0.01K
0.01K
5K
5K
5K
5K
o
I
oo
00500
DATE TIME DEPTH RESIDUE
FROM OF TOTAL
TO DAY FEET MG/L
72/03/09 11 45
72/03/10 11 25
72/04/13
72/04/14
0
E
23
18
00505
RESIDUE
TOT VOL
MG/L
5
9
00625
TOT KJEL
N
MG/L
2.000
1.600
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
1.900
1.600
00515
RESIDUE
DISS-105
C MG/L
23
18
00520
RESIDUE
VOL FLT
MG/L
5K
9
00620
N03-N
TOTAL
MG/L
00010
WATER
TEMP
CENT
00403
LAB
PH
SU
5.5
6.0
2.00
1.50
-------
C-9
ELEMENTS IN WASTEWATER STREAMS
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
ESGAMBIA PLANT
MARCH 6-12, 1972
Silver
Rhodium
Molybdenum
Zirconium
Strontium
Rubidium
Bromine
Selenium
Arsenic
Zinc
Copper
Nickel
Cobalt
Iron
Manganese
Chromium
Vanadium
Titanium
Calcium
Potassium
Chlorine
Sulfur
Phosphorus
Silicon
Elements detected by spark source-mass spectrometer scan:
Final Pond Effluent (Station AP-1)
Lead
Cerium
Lanthanum
Barium
Cesium
Tin
Lead
Terbium
Gadolinium
Neodymium
Praseodymium
Cerium
Lanthanum
Borow
Echo Pond Influent (Station AP-4)
Barium
Cesium
Antimony
Ruthenium
Molybdenum
Niobium
Strontium
Fluoride
Rubidium
Bromine
Selenium
Arsenic
Gallium
Zinc
Copper
Magnesium
Nickel
Cobalt
Iron
Manganese
Chromium
Vanadium
Calcium
Potassium
Chlorine
Sulfur
Phosphorus
Silicon
Aluminum
Sodium
Aluminum
Magnesium
Sodium
Fluorine
Boron
Metal concentrations determined by atomic asorption methods:
Station AP-1 Station AP-4 Station AP-8
Parameter Cone (M*g/l) Parameter Gone (u-g/1) Parameter Cone (iig/1)
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Manganese
Titanium
Vanadium
Zinc
80
<100
<50
200
<500
<500
100
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Manganese
Titanium
Vanadium
Zinc
2,150
<100
<50
1,050
<500
<500
420
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Manganese
Titanium
Vanadium
Zinc
<50
<100
<50
<50
<500
<500
-------
APPENDIX D
CORRESPONDENCE
-------
INC.
ESCAMBIA PLANT
P.O. Box 467. Pensacolo. Florida 325O2
April 24, 1972
Mr. Charles Sweatt
Environmental Protection Agency
Surveillance & Analysis Division
College Station Road
Athens, Ga. 30601
Re: Escambia Plant, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. -
Source-Control Program
Dear Mr. Sweatt:
Per your request of April 19, 1972 at the Escambia Plant meeting
for reviewing the wastewater survey, I have worked up the following list
of source-control projects. These projects are organized as before and
after 19VO, according to your request.
Escambia Plant Source-Control Program
Timetable Project
Pre-1970 1. Cooling towers.
2. Catalytic combustor on HNO3 plant.
3. Ammonia recovery from copper liquor system.
4. Aqua ammonia stripper and vaporizer system.
5. Methanol by-product disposal (to boilers).
6. Compressor building oil recovery and disposal.
7. Amines by-product disposal (flare).
8. Nitric acid oil recovery and disposal.
9. Methyl methacrylate effluent pH control.
10. Methyl methacrylate effluent stabilization basin.
11. Ammonium nitrate remelt and reclaim system.
After Jan. 1. NPK recycle pond.
1970 2. Recovery of weak aqua ammonia from percolation.
3. HNO3 concentrator recycle and reclaim system.
4. HNO3 plant start-up weak acid recovery and recycle.
5. NPK plant shutdown.
6. DNT organics recovery and recycle.
7. Ammonia condensate stripper.
-------
Mr. Charles Sweatt
-2-
April 24, 1972
Timetable
After Jan.
1970
(cont'd)
Project
8. Ammonia cascade cooler on cooling tower recycle.
9. Nitric acid recovery and recycle from DNT spent
acid stripper.
10. Methanol distillation system put on reboilers,
11. Methanol still bottoms recycled as cooling tower
makeup.
12. Ammonium nitrate solutions recovery and recycle.
13. Totally enclosed ammonium nitrate prill loading
and bulk conveyor system.
14. NPK gyp pond removal for agricultural use.
15. Cooling towers.
The above list of projects details source-control projects and not treatment
projects (i.e., bi ological ponds, chemical treatment, percolation, etc.).
Should you require additional information, please let us know.
Very truly yours,
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
Escambia Plant
RLD/as
R.
Environmental Engineer
------- |