Superfund sites frequently contain both heavy metals and organic hazardous waste. If not properly controlled, the metals may be changed to a more leachable form and may also be emitted to the atmosphere via the exhaust stack. This paper documents a batch kiln R&D test program to solve these metal-related problems. It was performed under the U.S. EPA's SITE (Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation) Emerging Technology Program. Allis Mineral Systems has developed the Thermal Encapsulation Process. Metals with limits set by EPA's TCLP (Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure) test and BIF (boiler and industrial furnace) stack emission regulations, such as cadmium, chromium, and lead, are the initial target of this process. This process, while unproven in these areas, may also apply to mixed waste (EPA hazardous waste/low-level radioactive wastes) and may also benefit commercial hazardous waste or Superfund thermal treatment systems. The results of the SITE tests were positive: strong, durable nodules were produced with excellent crush strength and improved resistance to leaching. Feed preparation,
IMPLICATIONSMany Superfund sites have soils contaminated with organic and heavy metal wastes. Thermal treatment of these soils destroys the organic fraction, leaving the heavy metals in the ash. An R&D project was undertaken to develop a process to simultaneously destroy organic wastes and tie up the heavy metals. This paper presents the results of this project, funded by the U.S. EPA SITE Emerging Technology Program. The technology could potentially reduce the cost of thermal treatment for combined organic/metallic waste and reduce amounts of metals leaching from the ash product.particularly control of moisture content, was found to be a key element in initiation of agglomeration. A good correlation was found between decreasing TCLP metals leachate levels and increasing crush strength.
of several pesticide compounds, and varying levels of arsenic and lead, Several areas of the site have arsenic contamination levels on the order of 100 ppm. Two "hot spots" have arsenic levels up to 3,800 ppm. Lead contamination in the soil is on the order of a few tens of ppm. Thus, with respect to incinerability evaluation, the primary concern surrounds the fate of arsenic and lead in the soil when it is subjected to incineration. The effect of incineration on the fate of arsenic and lead in soil is currently unknown.A second concern relates to whether incineration can effectively destroy the organic pesticide contaminants in the soils. Therefore, the test conditions were designed to evaluate the effects of varying incinerator operating conditions on organic contaminant destruction and on the fate of the arsenic and lead in the soil. Specifically, the test program attempted to answer these questions:RBMBDI~TIoN/SPRING 1991 227
Environmental Progress is a publication of the American Institute of Chemicol Engineers. It will deal with multi-faceted aspects of the pollution problem. It will provide thorough coverage of abatement, control, and containment of effluents and emissions within compliance standards. Papers will cover all aspects including water, air, liquid and solid wastes. Progress and technological advances vital to the environmental engineer will be reported.
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