bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Waste minimization by process modification
Authors: van der Helm D. U. , High K. A.
Published: February 2007

The goal of this research is to show that source reduction through process modification is a viable technique to minimize process waste. To accomplish this objective, the allyl chloride process was studied. The approach involved three steps: process modeling, selection of source reduction variables and their ranges, and optimization of an economic objective function. The simulator ASPEN PLUS™ was used to model and evaluate the process. Source reduction variables were primarily located through the literature as well as a sensitivity analysis. To find the best value of these process variables, optimization of an economic objective function was performed. The general methodology developed through this work gave structure to this research and was found to be a useful approach in determining economical waste minimization optics.
Stripping of VOC's from dissolved air flotation
Authors: Parker W. J. , Monteith H. D.
Published: February 2007

A pilot scale study was performed to assess gas phase emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the dissolved air flotation process. A high degree of mass closure was observed in experiments using tapwater dosed with a cocktail of VOCs, indicating that techniques employed to characterize the pilot plant were valid. Subsequent dosed wastewater experiments examined volatilization from a wastewater matrix that contained oils and suspended solids as well as investigating the impacts of hydraulic loading and recycle rate on the fate of the VOCs in the dissolved air flotation unit. Emissions of the dosed candidate compounds, calculated as a percentage of the influent mass flow, ranged from 0.2% of 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane to 9.9% of tetrachloroethylene. Hydraulic loading and compound type had a statistically significant effect on the emissions of VOCs, however, a high degree of interaction between parameters was observed. Effluent recycle had a greater effect on emissions at the higher hydraulic loading than at the lower loading. A model which incorporated stripping by bubbles, volatilization from a quiescent oil‐free surface and equilibrium partitioning to oil was developed. The model was able to simulate the candidate compound response under all experimental conditions except the case with low hydraulic loading and low recycle rate. The results suggest that the surface volatilization model may underestimate emissions. It is hypothesized that the presence of a float in the form of a foamy layer with a high surface area tends to increase liquid‐gas mass transfer of the candidate compounds over that assumed in the surface volatilization model.
Cost‐effective treatment of organic sludges in a high rate bioreactor
Authors: Dhuldhoya Nimish , Lemen John , Martin Bobby , Myers Jim
Published: February 2007

The design and pilot testing of a deep fixed bed/attached growth high rate bioreactor (HRB) for treatment and disposal of refinery oily sludges and biosolids are described. The HRB technology is being jointly developed by Texaco Inc. and Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation to allow for the processing of refinery oily sludges, biosolids, and contaminated soils.

A key feature of the technology is its integral combination of dewatering, landfarming, and digestion operations. In essence, the technology operates as a combination of landfarm, aerobic digester, and trickling filter for semi‐solids/sludges. The system provides biological degradation of wastes, and features optimal air, water and/or solids recycling, and ease of maintenance. The technology is covered by three separate patents and is particularly applicable at facilities where regulations, climatic conditions, and/or land availability limit the use of conventional land‐based units.

This paper reviews current and proposed regulations pertaining to “land‐banned” wastes, and presents our experience with regard to design and operation of the prototype unit.
Biofiltration of odors, toxics and volatile organic compounds from publicly owned treatment works
Authors: Webster Todd S. , Devinny Joseph S. , Torres Edward M. , Basrai Shabbir S.
Published: February 2007

Increasing federal and state regulation has made it necesary to apply air pollution control measures at publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). Traditional control technologies may not be suitable for treating the low and variable contaminant concentrations often found in POTW off‐gases. An alternative control technology, biofiltration, was studied. An experiment using bench‐ and pilot‐scale reactors established optimal operating conditions for a full‐scale conceptual design. The waste airstream contained ppmv levels of hydrogen sulfide and ppbv levels of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Granular activated carbon (GAC) and yard waste compost (YWC) were tested as possible biofilter media with and without pH control. The 16‐month field study bench reactors achieved 99% removal of hydrogen sulfide, 53 to 98% removal of aromatic hydrocarbons, 37 to 95% removal of aldehydes and ketones, and 0 to 85% removal of chlorinated compounds. The GAC and YWC pilot reactors removed more than 80% and 65% of the total VOCs at 17 second and 70 second empty bed retention times, respectively. The YWC reactors performed poorly at empty bed retention times of 30 and 45 seconds, removing less than 40% of total VOCs. Declining pH had little negative effect on contaminant removal, suggesting costly control measures may not be necessary. Biofiltration appears to be a feasible alternative to traditional control technologies in treating offgases from POTWs.
Development of a new electrokinetic technique for decontamination of hexavalent chromium from low surface charged soils
Authors: Haran Bala S. , Popov Branko N. , Zheng Guanghong , White Ralph E.
Published: February 2007

A new in‐situ technique was developed for hexavalent chromium removal from sand. Imposition of constant potential gradient across the soil matrix through a graphite cathode and iron anode resulted in successful migration of chromate towards the anode. The hexavalent chromium ions are reduced to harmless trivalent form by chemical reaction with the anodic dissolution product, Fe2+.
Soil washing enhancement with solid sorbents
Authors: El‐Shoubary Y. M. , Woodmansee D. E.
Published: February 2007

Soil washing is a dynamic, physical process that remediates contaminated soil through two mechanisms: particle size separation and transfer of the contaminant into the (mostly) liquid stream. The performance of different sorbents and additives to remove motor oil from sea sand was tested. Hydrocyclone, attrition scrubber, and froth flotation equipment were used for the decontamination study. Sorbents and additives were mixed with soils in the attrition scrubber prior to flotation. Sorbents used were granular activated carbon, powder activated carbon, and rubber tires. Chemical additives used were calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, Alconox®, Triton® X‐100 and Triton® X‐114. When a froth flotation run was performed using no additive, washed soils “tails” contained 4000 ppm of total oil and grease (TOG). However, when carbon or rubber (6% by weight) was added to the contaminated soils the washed soils “tails” contained less than 1000 ppm of total oil and grease (TOG). The addition of sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide (6% by weight) had same effects as sorbents. In both cases washed soil “tails” contained total oil and grease of less than 1000 ppm. The use of these non‐hazardous additives or sorbent can enhance the soil washing process and consequently saves on time (residence time in equipment) and number of stages (equipment design) required to achieve the target clean up levels.
The Carver‐Greenfield Process: Dehydration/solvent extraction technology for waste treatment
Authors: Trowbridge Theodore D. , Holcombe Thomas C.
Published: February 2007

A combination dehydration/solvent extraction treatment technology, the proprietary Carver‐Greenfield (C‐G) Process, can be used to separate solid/liquid waste materials into three separate product streams convenient for reuse or disposal:

clean, dry solids suitable for fixation of non‐hazardous landfilling;

water virtually free of solids and oils which can be processed in an industrial or public wastewater treatment facility; and,

oil indigenous to the feed, a mixture of extracted hydrocarbon‐soluble compounds which typically includes any hazardous contaminants which are present.

As normally practiced, this dehydration/solvent extraction technology involves slurrying water‐wet waste in a hydrocarbon solvent which extracts indigenous oil from contaminated solid particles and concentrates it in the solvent phase. Dehydration also takes place during the treatment; water is evaporated and condensed as a separate product. Dry solids are reslurried in fresh solvent one or more additional times depending on the degree of extraction required. Extracted solids are centrifuged away from the solvent and residual solvent in the centrifuge cake vaporized off the final product solids stream in a desolventizer. Indigenous oil from the waste is separated from the solvent by distillation with recovered solvent being recycled to the process.

For commercial applications, this process is very flexible in its ability to be efficiently adapted to waste processability and treatment objectives. For example, if the contaminants are very heavy organics like PCB's, they may be further concentrated in a portion of the indigenous oil such that only a very small highly concentrated contminant stream need be disposed of and uncontaminated oil may be recovered for a process credit. In some cases where the feed has a high water concentration, the dry solids need not be separated from the indigenous oil but they can be recovered/disposed of together.

This dehydration/solvent extraction technology has been licensed to over 80 facilities over the past 30 years to solve waste disposal problems in a wide variety of fields. More than half of the plants were designed to dry and deoil slaghterhouse wastes (in rendering plants). The other units are used to evaporate water and extract indigenous oil from a broad spectrum of other materials, including municipal and industrial sewage sludges, wool scouring wastes, petrochemical sludges, wood‐pulp waste, pharmaceutical wastes, dairy and food products, textile wastes and animal manure.

This paper discusses the C‐G Process flexibility and economics as applied to various hazardous waste examples including PCB contaminated sediments, soils and sludges, spent drilling fluids (U.S. EPA SITE Program), refinery wastes, manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites, etc.
Removing a small quantity of THT from gas storage groundwater through air stripping and gas‐phase carbon adsorption
Authors: Girod J. F. , Leclerc J. P. , Muhr H. , Paternotte G. , Corriou J. P.
Published: February 2007

This paper deals with the response to a case of contaminated groundwater located in France. The natural gas is stored during summer in porous underground rocks. When energy requirements increase (particularly in winter), gas is drawn off, but water is also pumped during this operation. The water has a strong characteristic odour of the TetraHydroThophene (THT), which has been used by Gaz de France as an additive in order to detect gas leakages because of its strong odour. Unfortunately, the presence of THT in medium other than natural gas can be responsible for safety problems. Gas stripping combined with adsorption on granular activated carbon was chosen to obtain removal of THT from the groundwater. The gas to water ratio for stripping column is higher than usual and the gas used for stripping was recycled in order to prevent air pollution. Carbon consumption is approximately 3 tons a year.
A practical guide for determining the solubility of metal hydroxides and oxides in water
Authors: Dyer James A. , Scrivner Noel C. , Dentel Steven K.
Published: February 2007

In response to increasing metal toxicity concerns, new and more stringent regulations are driving industry to better understand the fate of metals in the environment. As a result, practicing engineers need a set of tools for quickly understanding the aqueous chemistry of the system at hand. This paper presents a practical guide for estimating the solubility of metal hydroxides/oxides in aqueous systems. Equilibrium chemistry software from OLI Systems, Inc. (Morris Plains, NJ) was used to predict the solubility of metal hydroxides/oxides in water as a function of pH. The product is an overall metal solubility diagram containing the solubility curves for 12 metal hydroxides/oxides. The curves are based on a commercially available thermodynamic database and were validated against literature solubility data. In most cases, the curves depict the solubility of the less stable crystalline or amorphous form of the metal hydroxide or oxide. This will be typical of industrial situations where aging of the solid phase is often minimal. The solubility curves are best viewed as “solubility bands” that can extend as much as an order of magnitude above and below the predicted lines. Two case studies illustrate the usefulness of the overall metal solubility diagram to practicing engineers.
Wet air oxidation of refinery spent caustic
Authors: Ellis Claude E.
Published: February 2007

Petroleum as processed in a typical refinery has acid components which must either be eliminated or substantially reduced in concentration prior to the final product stage. These acid components consist of both organic and inorganic fractions. The principal inorganic components include sulfur and hydrogen sulfide, with the organic components being cresylic and napthenic acids and mercaptides. These are either components of the crude oil or are created during the refining process. Removal of these components can be accomplished by caustic scrubbing or extraction which produces water soluble salts of the acid components and effectively separates them from the hydrocarbon stream.
Biotreatment of ammonia in air by an immobilized Nitrosomonas europaea biofilter
Authors: Chung Ying‐Chien , Huang Chihpin
Published: February 2007

The chemoautotrophic microorganism Nitrosomonas europaea has been utilized to remove gaseous ammonia in a continuous reactor. Extensive tests including removal characteristics, metabolic products, and removal efficiencies of ammonia by N. europaea were conducted. The operational principles governing the biofilter and the question of the heterotroph contamination were also studied. The optimum pH value and operating temperature required to effectively remove ammonia were found to be pH 7.5 and 30°C, respectively. When the diluted inlet ammonia concentration was 10 or 20 ppm, the biofilter achieved a 99% removal efficiency after 4 days of operation. However, higher ammonia inlet concentrations and heterotroph contamination resulted in a lower removal efficiency. The results showed that the maximum removal rate and apparent saturation constant were 1.11 g‐N/day/kg‐bead and 63.67 ppm, respectively. The mainly metabolic product of ammonia oxidation was determined to be nitrite, but the conversion ratio was dependent on whether the contaminations by heterotrophic bacteria were present. From an operating perspective, if the ammonia emission limit (i.e., 1 ppm) was to be achieved, the maximum inlet concentration could not exceed 75 ppm. These results suggest that the immobilized Nitrosomonas europaea biofilter provides a significant potential for treating ammonia in the gaseous phase.
Case studies of industrial partnerships in the Sarnia‐Lambton area of southern Ontario
Authors: Nisbet Michael , Venta George J. , Klein Manfred
Published: February 2007

Industries form partnerships or networks for economic reasons. These partnerships either reduce process inputs or extract some additional value from a by‐product or avoid the cost of disposing of a residual by finding a use for it. Examples of this in the Sarnia‐Lambton area are the markets developed for by‐product gypsum from flue gas scrubbing, and the cascading of steam from electric power generation. The best known case of a well developed network is at Kalundborg in Denmark where some ten industries and services are linked together to cascade steam, water, gas and a range of other by‐products in a symbiotic system. The network was assembled for economic reasons and has been in operation for more than fifteen years. The question which this study addressed is, that if certain conditions resulted in development of a network at Kalundborg, would similar conditions elsewhere result in formation of similar networks? To answer to this question, the Sarnia‐Lambton area was chosen as a mature, heavily industrialized region and a study was undertaken to analyze the extent to which partnerships and networks had formed and, if they had not, to identify the factors which prevented their formation.
Chlorine and chlorine chemistry
Authors: Ahlert Robert C. , Brown Francis C.
Published: February 2007

The important technical and economic roles played by chlorine chemistry in the United States and, to a lesser extent, the world as a whole are reviewed.
Improved algorithm for estimating process emissions from batch heating
Authors: Hatfield J. Allen
Published: February 2007

An improved algorithm is proposed for more accurately estimating process emissions from chemical batch beating operations. Results using the derived algorithm are compared to those obtained from the current 1994 EPA standard calculations [1] and from the newly proposed NESHAP standards [4]. The new approach is shown to result in lower emission estimations from process vents for volatile components, especially when the final temperature is near the boiling point temperature of the liquid in the vessel.
Improved algorithm for estimating process emissions from batch depressurization
Authors: Hatfield J. Allen
Published: February 2007

An improved algorithm is proposed for more accurately estimating process emissions from chemical batch depressurization operations. Results using the derived algorithm are compared to those obtained using the current 1994 EPA standard calculations [1] and from the newly proposed NESHAP Standards [2]. The new approach is shown to result in lower emission estimations from process vents for volatile components, especially when the final pressure is near the boiling point of the liquid in the vessel.
Taking the risk out of communication: Avoiding six inhibitors to effective dialogue with the public
Authors: Dillon Barry
Published: February 2007

Many environmental professionals might agree with Edmund Burke, a British statesman, who wrote, “It is a general popular error to suppose that the loudest complainers for the public to be the most anxious for its welfare.” The problem of dealing with the public is one of the greatest challenges to effective environmental program management. Adding to Burke's axiom, the author tells us that it is another popular error to suppose that the blame for this problem lies with the public. Government officials can be their own worst enemy. Some solutions have been found through university research in the field of risk communication. Much attention has been brought to risk communication principles and theories, and this article provides practical suggestions.
Fernald cleanup efforts protective of threatened and endangered species
Authors: Bixby Rebecca J.
Published: February 2007

At the Department of Energy's Fernald site near Cincinnati, Ohio, work has shifted from environmental planning to cleanup. Issues, such as threatened and endangered species at the site, have been addressed comprehensively while allowing the remediation to be completed as scheduled. From a list compiled from local databases, surveys were completed by local species experts for four plants and four animals on or near Fernald property. The results showed that the state‐threatened Sloan's crayfish resides in a stream on Fernald property, and good‐to‐excellent habitat for the federally endangered Indiana bat occurs along this same stream. Also, the category‐two federal candidate cobblestone tiger beetle was found in the nearby Great Miami River, south of the Fernald effluent line. The survey reports have been reviewed and approved by federal and state agencies and by Fernald's natural resource trustees. Protection and mitigation programs are currently being designed to address threatened and endangered species issues during Fernald's remediation.
Soil‐heating technology shown to accelerate the removal of volatile organic compounds from clay soils
Authors: Bergsman Theresa M. , Gauglitz Phillip A. , Roberts Janet S. , Schlender Michael H.
Published: February 2007

The Six‐Phase Soil Heating (SPSH) technology was demonstrated to be capable of heating and remediating low‐permeability soils containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Six‐Phase Soil Heating accelerated the removal of VOCs from clay soils, removing over 99 percent of the contaminants in only 25 days. Soil temperature profiles showed that SPSH was successful in heating the targeted clay zone that contained higher levels of soil contamination. The success of SPSH has resulted in its planned use and consideration by potential commercial partners for use at private industrial and other government sites.
The hydrologic evaluation of four cover designs for hazardous waste landfills at hill air force base
Authors: Warren Ronald W. , Hakonson Thomas E. , Bostick Kenneth V.
Published: February 2007

Results are presented here of a field study to evaluate the relative hydrologic performance of various landfill cover technologies installed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Four cover designs (two capillary barrier designs, one modified EPA RCRA design, and one control cover) were installed in large lysimeters instrumented to monitor the fate of natural precipitation between January 1, 1990 and September 20, 1993. After 45 months of study, results showed that the cover designs containing barrier layers were effective in reducing deep percolation as compared to the control cover. The RCRA cover, incorporating a clay hydraulic barrier, was the most effective of all cover designs in controlling deep percolation but was not 100‐percent effective. The two capillary barriers were successful in reducing deep percolation, but significant amounts were still produced. Over 90 percent of all percolation through the covers and lateral flow within the covers occurred during the months of February through May of each year, primarily as a result of snowmelt, early spring rains, and low evapotranspiration.

Gravel mulch surface treatments (70‐ to 80‐percent ground cover) were effective in reducing runoff and erosion. The two plots receiving the gravel mulch treatments exhibited equal but enhanced amounts of evapotranspiration, despite the fact that one plot was planted with additional shrubs.
Federal facilities cleanup: Learning to do more with less
Authors: Frazier David B. , Birkhofer William J.
Published: February 2007

The perspective offered in this article on the battle for funding and on other key federal facility policy initiatives is that of contractors engaged in hazardous waste management activities at federal, state, and private‐sector facilities. The article begins with an overview of key policy initiatives in the 104th Congress and their impact on federal facility cleanup activities. Two issues introduced through the fiscal year 1996 Defense Authorization are covered. Key fiscal year 1997 federal facility environmental policy proposals are then considered. Finally, successes with partnering between federal agencies and the Hazardous Waste Action Coalition, a trade association representing environmental cleanup contractors, are examined as models for stremlining federal facility cleanup efforts.
The qui tam provisions of the FCA and environmental noncompliance of government contractors
Authors: Mattern Kenneth , Nilsson Cheryl
Published: February 2007

Public laws and federal procurement regulations require contractors to comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning workplace safety and the environment. While performing public contracts, companies must certify continued compliance with applicable laws and regulations in order to obtain government financing. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, private citizens can file civil actions against contractors that request these routine financing payments while in noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations, and share in the proceeds from the suit. Compliance information is readily available to the public. Since contract financing requests are so routinized, and environmental regulations are so pervasive, there is a previously unexplored, but potentially huge financial risk for companies performing government contracts. This article describes these risks and suggests ways to combat them.
Defense environmental legislation in the 104th congress—a retrospective
Authors: Schweiter Henry J.
Published: February 2007

This article axamines Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) envirobnmental activities and fundig within the context of the four pillars of the National Security strategy of the Republican 10th Congress: improving the quality of life for service members; sustaining core readiness capability; revitalizing weapons modernization; and reforming the Pentagon bureaucracy. This article shows how initial skepticism by the new Republican congressional leaders toward DOD and DOE environmental programs gave way to a recognition of the legitimacy of Environmental requirements, the potential contribution that environmental programs coould make to increased quality of life and long‐term readiness, and, most importantly, the realization that increased support of environmental programs was a political imperative to preseve Republican control of Congress. Consequently, the focus shifted from opposition to environment spending to more constructive efforts aimed at increasing cost effectivedness and improving management of DOD and DOE environmental programs, while minimizing potential negative impacts on operational needs. The author is cautiously optimistic the this record of constructive congressional oversight of defense environmental programs will continue in the 15th Congress.
Placing future land use planning in a regional context: The savannah river site
Authors: Lowrie Karen , Greenberg Michael
Published: February 2007

Since the end of the Cold War, facilities that were part of our nation's nuclear weapons complex are shifting from production of bombs to cleanup of wastes and reuse of lands and facilities no longer needed for bomb‐making activities. This shift will necessitate a new style of planning that must include the understanding that on‐site land uses can have a great impact on off‐site land uses and planning in the larger regions where these facilities are located. This article explains the need to place land use planning at Department of Energy (DOE) sites into a larger regional planning context by drawing on the example of recent research conducted by the authors at the Savannah River Site. A study of written plans that have been developed and interviews with planners and local officials showed that future uses will have a great impact on communities and that constructive planning initiatives are needed to build the trust necessary for DOE to enter a public dialogue about the risks and benefits of alternative land use scenarios.
DOD's environmental technology development
Authors: Doxey Kevin , Marqusee Jeffrey , Dunn Wendy
Published: February 2007

This article discusses environmental technology developments in the Department of Defense (DOD) and how the use of innovative technologies can substantially reduce costs and increase the effectiveness of DOD environmental programs. DOD's overall strategy for environmental technology is to identify and establish priorities among users' needs and to implement environmental solutions through the development of technologies and their subsequent transfer to the user community. The authors examine the oversight and management of the Environmental Technology Development Process (ETDP) and the roles of the Director of Defense Research and Engineering (DDRE) and Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security (DUSD(ES)). The respective roles of the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, and supporting efforts by the military components are reviewed. The authors also highlight a number of promising environmental technology initiatives and their potential benefits to DOD. The article concludes with a discussion of DOD technology transfer efforts and the mechanisms being used for the collection and dissemination of data on technology availability and performance—including relevant Web site and Internet addresses.
Normalizing federal land transfers: A new tool for base reuse
Authors: Swenson Raymond Takashi
Published: February 2007

This article continues a dialogue on early transfers of title under authority of Section 334 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997, which was analyzed in the Spring 1997 issue of the Journal by Barry P. Steinberg and Jennifer L. Peper. Colonel Swenson represents the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) of Tooele City, Utah, which is currently negotiating an Economic Development Conveyance of 1700 acres from Tooele Army Depot, the first use of Section 334 in the United States. Section 334 amended Section 120 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), 42 U.S. Code §9620, which governs federal agency compliance with CERCLA and federal land transfers. The article places Section 334 in the context of Section 120 development, examines the benefits Section 334 is hoped to produce for the Tooele RDA, and responds to concerns that have been raised about the use of Section 334 by environmental regulatory agencies and the authors of the previous article.
A waiver of sovereign immunity for the CWA?
Authors: Romans Scott F.
Published: February 2007

In 1992, the Supreme Court ruled in DOE v. Ohio, 112 S.Ct. 1627 (1992) that both the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) did not provide an explicit waiver of sovereign immunity which would allow enforcement of punitive fines and penalties (for past violations) against federal facilities. In response to this decision, Congress, in 1992, passed the Federal Facility Compliance Act (FFCA). This law amended RCRA to provide an explicit waiver of sovereign immunity. Members of Congress have expressed interest in amending the CWA to provide a similar waiver of sovereign immunity.

This article discusses the arguments for and against including an FFCA‐type waiver of sovereign immunity in the CWA. On its face, such a waiver would appear to be an attractive way to increase federal compliance with the CWA. However, it should not be assumed that such a waiver would increase CWA compliance in the same manner the FFCA has increased RCRA compliance. The article concludes that the best approach would be to provide a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for CWA violations. This limited waiver would allow punitive penalty enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) against federal agencies (even in those states that have state‐run programs), but maintain the prohibition against state enforcement. This type of waiver would provide the benefits of punitive penalty enforcement, while protecting federal prerogatives from the vagaries of state enforcement actions.
Environmental markets respond to change
Authors: O'Hara Pat , Frazier David
Published: February 2007

Environmental markets are in perpetual transition as customer needs evolve over time. Environmental services providers evolve correspondingly in order to remain competitive. Recent trends highlight changing customer needs. Privatization and outsourcing, brownfields, regulatory uncertainty, and changing roles for state regulators are examples of recent trends. Budgets are shrinking, reforms designed to streamline environmental compliance procedures are bogged down in partisan politics, and customer needs are evolving. Under these conditions, the increasingly competitive environmental market is evolving.

Which firms will survive these changes? How can companies create opportunity out of change? Industry consolidations and the institutionalization of design‐build and “turnkey” contracts, for example, are affecting firms in markedly different ways. Small firms are protecting niches and finding new ones. Large firms are increasing their market share of the business and broadening their scope into related service sectors such as energy services and utility privatization.
With liberty and “environmental justice” for all
Authors: Feiber Denise D.
Published: February 2007

The term “environmental justice” is becoming more recognizable in a regulatory context, and elicits occasional responses such as, “Ah yes, environmental justice, I need to consider that in my facility's community involvement plans, don't I? What is it again?” Facility and project managers know it is important, but they do not know exactly what it is. Is it a law? What constitutes an environmental justice area? And the questions go on and on. This article attempts to answer the basic questions surrounding the environmental justice initiative and gives some guidelines for incorporating environmental justice strategies into your community outreach activities.
If this is the information age, why can't I get the information I need to finish my project?
Authors: Phillips M. Lynn
Published: February 2007

Have you ever been sitting at your desk, trying to finish a really important project and you just can't seem to put your fingers on the information (or the person with the information) that you need? Does it seem that what you need is inaccessible because it's an island of information you can't get to, yet all around you are items indicative of the technology and information age we live in? There is a solution to turning the tide of information or data management in your favor, to focus on the value of the information and create an environment that will allow the widest base of communication for it. What is important to recognize is that once you are successful in turning the tide, you must also have the ability to ride the ensuing wave instead of being overcome by it. Too many great visions have become implemented ideas that fail at the first sign of trouble because the foundation wasn't substantive. Information technology implemented without a long‐range plan inclusive of maintenance and technical support is like having frosting without the cake. It looks good at first, but when you bite into it, it has no solid substance to sink your teeth into.
RACER — the solution to environmental remediation cost estimating
Authors: Rast Richard R. , O'Gallagher Kristin
Published: February 2007

RACER is the only commercially available, integrated cost estimating software for estimating the costs of environmental remediation projects from studies through system operations and maintenance (O&M). RACER provides the detail and accuracy of manual estimates, but is faster, less error prone, and more efficient in comparing alternatives. RACER has been used in estimating over $10 billion of remediation projects. Its accuracy has proven to be within 10 percent of actual completed project costs. The system currently has over 1,000 users. The software was developed in 1991 and is updated and validated annually. It is endorsed by EPA, DOE, DOD, and many state agencies as a preferred estimating and negotiating tool.
Development of a low VOC chemical agent resistant coating for use with supercritical CO2
Authors: Wojciechowski Anna , Lewis Jeff , Braswell Tom
Published: February 2007

The regulatory environment surrounding the application of coatings is growing increasingly challenging. Complying with these regulations has spawned a myriad of new technologies such as waterborne, powder, and (more recently) the use of carbon dioxide for viscosity reduction. The U. S. Army Tank‐Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC) has sponsored a program under the Army Acquisition Pollution Prevention Program involving the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) to develop a lower VOC (volatile organic compounds) Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC) using the carbon dioxide process. This complements the waterborne program that is already well into the development phase. The carbon dioxide process not only allows lower VOC coatings to be used, but the decompressive atomization results in improved transfer efficiency, which benefits both overall emissions and potentially the economics of the paint application process. The reduced VOC coating applied using the carbon dioxide process program is in the trial phase and large components have been painted successfully in production facilities.
Environmentally acceptable benzyl alcohol‐hydrogen peroxide chemical depainting agents
Authors: Hall Freddie E.
Published: February 2007

The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center (OC‐ALC) has historically used large amounts of methylene chloride/phenol‐based chemical strippers to depaint aircraft. EPA has targeted these chemical depainting agents for elimination. For years, OC‐ALC engineers have been aggressively evaluating environmentally acceptable (EA) chemical strippers for replacing methylene chloride and phenol. One of the more promising is a benzyl alcohol‐hydrogen peroxide two part chemical depainting agent. Recently, there have been a number of concerns. Upon mixing the benzyl alcohol‐hydrogen peroxide chemical stripper, it is theorized that a targeted hazardous air pollutant (i.e., phenol) is generated, thereby violating the NESHAP (National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants) requirement. In addition, there is concern of a potential explosion hazard when mixing hydrogen peroxide. This article addresses the potential concerns by conducting both a literature search to evaluate potential problems (i.e., health concerns, explosive hazards, chemical stability, chemical reaction mechanisms/pathways, chemical reaction end‐ and by‐products, etc.) and laboratory experiments to determine if phenol is produced as an end‐product, by‐product, or reaction step intermediate.
Stormwater discharges from industrial facilities: Achieving compliance at kelly air force base
Authors: Goodman Gary , Makowski Paul
Published: February 2007

Changes to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program require that stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity be regulated. How these NPDES regulations apply to air force installations and how these installations comply with the terms and conditions of the NPDES stormwater permit are discussed. Central to permit compliance is the preparation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan emphasizing best management practices.
Pollution prevention framework for electronic information resources
Authors: Prasad Surya S. , Alexander Michael A.
Published: February 2007

This article describes the Pollution Prevention (P2) Framework Automated Information System. The framework is a matrix of pollution prevention resources developed by the Department of Defense Environmental Security Corporate Information Management (DESCIM) Program Management Office in support of the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security). The P2 framework resides on the Defense Environmental Network Information eXchange (DENIX), DOD's environmental information electronic bulletin board and website. An outline of the framework's information categories and electronic resources is provided. In addition, the article provides an overview of the information resources that the P2 framework currently makes available and describes the process by which the framework was developed. Recommendations for future enhancements to the P2 framework are also discussed.
Assessing the status of risk‐based approaches for the prioritization of federal environmental spending
Authors: Dzuray Emil J. , Maranto Anthony R.
Published: February 2007

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been promoting the use of risk‐based analysis for setting environmental priorities since the early 1980s. From “Risk, Science and Democracy” in 1985, to the ground‐breaking Unfinished Business in 1987, to William Reilly's (former administrator of the EPA) high‐profile embrace of the Reducing Risk report in 1990, studies have pointed to the advantages of using risk‐based approaches to prioritize environmental spending.

As we near the new millennium, the need for considering risk in the decision making process has not diminished. Government environmental managers are being asked to meet increasing regulatory burdens, devote more attention to the conservation of natural and cultural resources, and invest more in adopting environmental‐friendly technologies, all while ensuring mission readiness. All of these demands are occurring against the backdrop of flat environmental budgets.

This study describes the current status of the methodologies in use by federal civilian agencies and the Department of Defense (DOD) for prioritizing nonrestoration spending. It evaluates each method against EPA's recommended criteria for assessing risk‐based prioritization models. It discusses what further research is needed to improve the integration of these methods into the agency budgetary process and to shift from a “worst first” to a “results first” approach.
Environmental challenges facing the realignment and closure of kelly air force base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas
Authors: Landez Norma J. , Rohne Russell P. , Wolf Christopher D.
Published: February 2007

Kelly Air Force Base (KAFB), located in San Antonio, Texas, was recommended for realignment and closure by the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. The Commission's recommendations were accepted by the president and submitted to Congress on July 13, 1995. Kelly AFB is scheduled to close July 2001. Portions of the base will be realigned to a neighboring base, and the remainder will be closed and transferred to the local redevelopment authority for reuse.

The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of BRAC on the mission of the Environmental Management (EM) Directorate at KAFB. It will first provide an overview description of the BRAC process, stressing the difference between Kelly and other BRAC bases. Next, it will describe the EM structure and mission both before and after BRAC. It will then discuss several of the challenges EM has faced, the actions implemented to address the challenges, and the results of these actions. Finally, it will conclude by providing recommendations and lessons learned.
A new source of biodiversity conservation information for land managers
Authors: Howie Shara , Warner Richard , Douglas Ripley J.
Published: February 2007

This article describes a new initiative by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Association for Biodiversity Information (ABI), working in cooperation with several federal agencies, to improve the quality and quantity of information on species and ecological communities necessary for informed and effective environmental analysis. Known as the Multi‐Jurisdictional Dataset (MJD) Project, the effort will establish a centralized comprehensive resource of U.S. and Canadian species and vegetative community data. In some cases, data will be available at varying levels of detail via the Internet. To date, funding has been provided by the Department of Defense Legacy Resource Management Program, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The article concludes with descriptions of specific examples of the usefulness of the proposed MJD products by federal agencies and presents an agenda for future action.
Compacts: Unitary solutions to environmental problems having multiple sources and masters
Authors: Hocking Elizabeth Kundinger
Published: February 2007

Federal facilities' proximity to highly valued natural resource systems, such as the Columbia River and the Savannah River, are sometimes targeted as causing the degradation of the resource and therefore responsible for remediating the resource area. The role these federal facilities played in possibly contaminating water bodies should not be minimized unduly, nor should their role in remediation and long‐term management of residual contamination. Ignoring other sources of water‐body degradation, however, can result in short‐sighted and single‐focused remediation responses that, by their nature, will probably be ineffective. The task of remediating and managing water bodies requires broad‐based assessments of the full nature and extent of the degradation, the contributors to it, and the preferred short‐ and long‐term remedies. That task is complicated enough but becomes more complex when agencies from several states as well as federal agencies exert jurisdictional control over the water body. Although this article focuses on the Columbia River Basin, the concepts presented could apply to other water bodies shared by several states and degraded by multiple users. What is needed to restore and manage these degraded water bodies is a compact—a legislatively created, institutionalized relationship of the entities with interests in the protection and sustainable development of the water body.
Global climate change and U.S. military readiness
Authors: Salomon Roy K.
Published: February 2007

To address the threats posed by global climate change, the United States and most of the other countries of the world met in Kyoto, Japan, in December 1997 and drafted a new international agreement: The Kyoto Protocol to the Convention on Climate Change. The Protocol has been hailed as an important step forward in combating global climate change and denounced as unnecessary and unfair to American business. Likewise, the Protocol's impacts on national security and military readiness have been subject to controversy.

While the connection between U.S. military readiness and the Kyoto Protocol may not be readily apparent at first, the issue was the subject of Congressional hearings and debate during the spring and summer of 1998 and resulted in a somewhat unusual legislative provision in the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999. The provision aims to protect military operations and training from negative impact associated with implementing the Kyoto Protocol. Section 1232 of the Act states:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no provision of the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or any regulation issued pursuant to such protocol, shall restrict the training or operations of the United States Armed Forces or limit the military equipment procured by the United States Armed Forces.

This article reviews the history behind this provision and discusses how climate change issues impact the Department of Defense (DOD).
Building the range rule risk methodology (R3M)
Authors: Murphy Joseph M. , Hill Scott A. , Waugh Jeffrey H.
Published: February 2007

The Summer 1998 edition of the Federal Facilities Environmental Journal (Murphy & Waugh, 1998) contained an article that covered the development of the Department of Defense's (DOD's) proposed Range Rule (62 Fed. Reg. 50795) and its supporting Range Rule Risk Methodology (R3M). This article provides a status of the R3M development program at this time and a summary the tools, models, and protocols that make up the Interim R3M.