bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CO2 capture from the flue gas of conventional fossil‐fuel‐fired power plants
Authors: Wolsky A. M. , Daniels E. J. , Jody B. J.
Published: February 2007

Research has been conducted at Argonne National Laboratory to identify and evaluate the advantages and deficiencies of several technologies, both commercially available and alternative technologies, for capturing CO2 from the flue gas of utility boilers that use air as an oxidant (the current universal practice). The technologies include chemical solvent, cryogenic, membrane, physical absorption, and physical adsorption methods. In general, technologies for capturing CO2 are expensive and energy‐intensive. Therefore, they result in a substantial overall increase in the cost of power generation. Research to improve the performance and economics of these technologies is discussed.
Radiofrequency ground heating for soil remediation: Science and engineering
Authors: Edelstein W. A. , Iben I. E. T. , Mueller O. M. , Uzgiris E. E. , Philipp H. R. , Roemer P. B.
Published: February 2007

RF (radiofrequency) ground heating is a method of applying heat to soil at depth and affords a way of thermally desorbing organic contaminants for surface collection and destruction. Soil can be heated to high temperatures, and thus most organic contaminants, possibly including PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), can be desorbed. Applied heat greatly accelerates release and transport of the contaminants through the soil. This method therefore represents an advance over the widely‐used method of vapor extraction. Laboratory desorption experiments demonstrate accelerated release of contaminants and non‐exponential desorption rates. Measurements of soil electrical properties show high electrical losses in iron ores (hematite and magnetite) and soils with some small salt content, which indicates a possible mechanism for RF energy deposition at high temperatures when all water has been removed from the soil. We have carried out a field test and have heated a volume to 140°C. Vacuum tube RF amplifiers are, in general, touchy and unreliable, and our 50 kW amplifier has broken down several times. We have been working on simple, inexpensive solid‐state amplifiers which can be combined to give multi‐kilowatt and, ultimately, megawatt power levels at lower cost per watt than vacuum tube amplifiers. The development of solid‐state RF power sources is important for a scaleup of RFGH systems, which should then be able to remediate, in a reasonable time, sites containing hundreds or thousands of tons of contaminated soil.
Radiolytic degradation of dioxin on soil: Optimal conditions and economic considerations
Authors: Hilarides Roger J. , Gray Kimberly A. , Guzzetta Joseph , Cortellucci Norma , Sommer Christopher
Published: February 2007

This paper reports results of 2, 3, 7, 8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) destruction on artificially contaminated soil using Cobalt‐60 (60Co) gamma radiation. A standard soil (EPA SSM‐91) was artificially contaminated with 2, 3, 7, 8‐TCDD to 100 ppb. In the presence of 25 percent water, 2 percent surfactant (RA‐40™), and high irradiation dose (800 KGy), greater than 90 percent TCDD destruction was achieved resulting in a final TCDD concentration of less than 7 ppb. This paper discusses some of the factors unique to soil contamination that will influence the effectiveness of ionizing radiation. Furthermore, various aspects, including economics, that affect the feasibility of using 60Co for TCDD destruction are considered. Preliminary consideration of some key economic factors indicates that costs of a 60Co systems are competitive relative to electron beam or incineration systems.
Fatty acid separation from hydrolyzer wastewater by ultrafiltration
Authors: Dangel Robert A. , Astraukis David , Palmateer Jean
Published: February 2007

A fatty acid emulsion wastewater containing approximately 3,500 mg/L of inedible Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) is treated at 280 L/min by ultrafiltration (UF) to yield a clear permeate with 390 mg/L FOG and a free fatty acid oil phase product. The UF flux rates are 2 m3/m2‐day, with a 3 to 7 day period of operation between membrane cleanings. The system recovers approximately 900 Kg of fatty acids per day at a cost of $1.13 per Kg recovered, including both capital and operating costs, and enables the plant to comply with its wastewater pretreatment permit for Fats, Oil and Grease.
A study of general ventilation and local exhaust ventilation in industrial premises using residence time distribution theory
Authors: Olander L. , Dessagne J. M. , Bonthoux F. , Leclerc J. P.
Published: February 2007

Several tools enable a more or less detailed description of the general ventilation and the local exhaust ventilation in industrial premises. An intermediate approach between predictive numerical simulation and experimental determination of classical aerodynamic parameters may be based on the Residence Time Distribution theory commonly used in chemical engineering. This paper deals with results for configurations composed of a cabin with a general ventilation system (one air inlet and one air outlet ensuring a high air removal rate) and a local exhaust ventilation (one air outlet above the working area). A model is built up from a combination of elementary volumes representing the ideal flow regions such as plug flow, perfectly mixed cell and perfect mixing cell in series. The fitting of the model is carried out by comparing the model response and the experimental response of tracer gas impulse injected in the room inlet. A satisfactory description of the air flow pattern has been found for the local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation. This approach seems to be promising enough to encourage further investigations.
Supercritical water oxidation research and development update
Authors: Gloyna Earnest F. , Li Lixiong
Published: February 2007

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a form of hydrothermal treatment. During the early research and development (R&D) period (early 1980s), it has been demonstrated that SCWO can be an effective alternative to the destruction of hazardous organic wastewaters and sludges. Because of this promising potential and growing interest in SCWO technology, R&D efforts have been intensified. As a result, the first SCWO commercial facility (1100 Liter/hour) developed by Eco Waste Technologies was commissioned in August 1994. Also, a number of demonstration SCWO facilities exist in various companies, national laboratories, and federal agencies.

This recent development has shown that the SCWO process produces environmentally acceptable effluents (gas, liquid and solid), lends itself to resource recovery, and can be economically competitive. As such, the process can be used to serve as a pretreatment unit, an end‐of‐pipe facility or become an integral part of an industrial process.

More recently, the SCWO&D program has been expanded. The research activities now include more detailed studies involving reaction kinetics, catalysis, salt solubility, corrosion, heavy metal speciation, solids separation, and resource/by‐product recovery. Technology development involves process and reactor design, materials evaluation, heat recovery, control systems, effluent handling, ash disposal, safety requirements, and process integration.
Fungal technologies for the treatment of hazardous waste
Authors: Haimann R. A.
Published: February 2007

Fungi have been harnessed and utilized by humans for thousands of years for many diverse applications. In response to demand for innovative technologies to treat hazardous wastes and materials, fungi have been used to degrade hazardous organic waste. This paper presents a review of recent literature regarding the use of fungi for treating hazardous and other wastes.
Issues in facility‐level pollution prevention measurement
Authors: Malkin Melissa , Baskir Jesse N. , Spooner Jordan
Published: February 2007

Issues in developing measures of pollution prevention at the process‐level and facility‐level are reviewed, based on existing literature. Pollution prevention can be measured based on changes in waste or changes in materials use. The measurement can be further adjusted to account for changes in production or may be left as an absolute measure, but choosing an accurate index may be difficult. A range of data sources may be appropriate to support measurement of pollution prevention, including a full facility mass balance, reported TRI data and facility materials tracking systems. After process‐level pollution prevention measures are obtained, they can be aggregated across the facility to provide a facility‐wide measure of pollution prevention. Several schemes to account for the varying hazard potential of different chemicals are described, but more research in this area must be done.
Wastewater treatment enhanced by electrochemistry
Authors: Coin Richard J. , Niksa Marilyn J. , Elyanow David I.
Published: February 2007

Since the late 60's DIAMO, in the Czech Republic, has mined uranium via in‐situ acid leaching. Sulfuric acid is injected into underground uranium deposits, dissolving the ore. The solution is then pumped to the surface where the uranium is separated from the acid. The spent acid is injected into underground caverns. Over the years, this subterranean acid waste lake has grown and now threatens the local drinking water supply.

Researchers at ELTECH Systems Corporation have developed an electrochemical process for Ionics Incorporated and their Resources Conservation Division as part of a system that will clean up 2.7 million gallons (10.2 × 103 M3/day) of sulfuric acid waste a day, recover 936 tons per day (850 mT/day) of ammonium aluum sulfate crystals and reclaim 2 million gallons a (7.6 × 103 m3/day) of water. The electrochemical portion of the process will convert Fe+3 in a solution of ammonium aluminum sulfate crystal to Fe+2, so pure ammonium alum can be crystallized.

This paper discusses the engineering fundamentals used to develop the electrochemical iron reduction system for the DIAMO application. Initial work included cyclic voltammetry to characterize cathode candidates, identify significant reactions, and show feasibility. This followed by tests at the bench scale, the intermediate scale, and finally at the pilot scale using commercial size electrodes. The cell design evolved concurrently with the bench and pilot work, culminating in a commercial, skid‐mounted unit for the full size plant.
Design and economic aspects of activated carbon adsorption in relation to the effect of dissolved oxygen
Authors: Abuzaid Nabil S. , Nakhla Girgis F.
Published: February 2007

Phenol and o‐c resol adsorption isotherms and columns were run under anoxic and oxic conditions. Both tests indicated that the adsorptive capacities under oxic conditions were 80%–160% higher than under anoxic conditions with very close agreement between the column and isotherm capacities. Throughput waste volumes processed in oxic columns were 70–169% higher than in anoxic columns. The economics of this oxygen‐induced enhancement in sorptive capacities was addressed. Savings of 30% and 50% in operational treatment cost were estimated for o‐cresol and phenol for parallel adsorber and serial schemes under oxic conditions while no differences between these two schemes in terms of the economics of this phenomenon were observed. Sensitivity analysis revealed that 15% and 30% loss of savings are incurred upon increasing the cost of GAC three‐fold, for phenol and o‐cresol respectively. The overall cost of oxic treatment was insensitive to the cost of oxygenation, exhibiting only a 14% increase for quadrupling the cost of oxygen. Higher oxic sorptive capacities not only results in greater savings of operational treatment costs but also less sensitivity to fluctuations in GAC and oxygenation costs.
Innovative uses of speciality ion exchange resins provide new cost‐effective options for metals removal
Authors: Totura George
Published: February 2007

Ion exchange treatment of water for boiler and process systems is a documented, proven unit operation. The recent development of a group of novel resins has expanded the potential use of ion exchange processes to a new range of applications. By applying a different functional group onto the traditional styrene/divinyl‐benzene polymer backbone, ion exchange technology becomes a cost‐effective treatment option for metals removal from plant process that and waste streams. This paper will report on the use of a diphosphonic acid functional group ion exchange resin in a number of industrial applications. Key performance characteristics of the material include:

Superior Reactivity: The diphosphonic acid functional group incorporated into the resins reacts more completely with metal ions in solution, lowering effluent metals concentrations.

Selectivity: While reacting with metal ions, diphosphonic acid functionalized resin capacity is not consumed by common earth elements such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. By selectively applying capacity to target metals, the number of regenerations required is dramatically reduced, improving system cost‐effectiveness.

Kinetics: The diphosphonic acid functionalized resin also includes a second functional group, sulfonic acid, as is used in most industrial cation exchange resins. The inclusion of sulfonic acid groups improves ion access to the diphosphonic acid exchange sites, improving exchage kinetics over other specialty resin types. Suprior kinetics allows for a smaller resin bed, saving on both equipment and resin purchase costs.

Each industrial application cited applies these performance characteristics in such a way to allow for new or improved system performance.
SO2 oxidation in a periodically operated trickle bed: Comparison of activated carbon catalysts
Authors: Lee Joong Kee , Hudgins Robert R. , Silveston Peter L.
Published: February 2007

Catalytic activities of two different activated carbons, BPLTM and CentaurTM catalysts (Calgon Carbon Corp.), were compared in a periodically operated trickle‐bed reactor for SO2 oxidation by varying the cycle period and split. In an effort to characterize the carbon surface, differential thermogravimetric analysis and TPD were used to observe oxygen functional groups. The Centaur catalyst, which appears to have a more suitable density of oxygen functional groups, has the higher catalytic activity for SO2 oxidation.
Oxidation chemistry of chloric acid in NOx/SOx and air toxic metal removal from gas streams
Authors: Kaczur Jerry J.
Published: February 2007

Chloric acid, HClO3, is a new oxidizer which has recently been shown to be an effective agent in the simultaneous removal of NOx and/or SOx from combustion flue gases and various chemical processes, including nitrations and metal pickling. Aqueous chloric acid readily reacts with NO and SO2even in dilute solutions at ambient temperatures. Chlorine dioxide, ClO2, is formed as a chemical intermediate in the solution phase oxidation reactions. The oxidation by‐products of NO include NO2and nitric acid. The ClO2generated from the solution phase reactions also participates in gas phase oxidation reactions with NO and NO2. The combined solution phase and fast gas phase reaction chemistries provide the means for creating a new type of high performance NOx/SOx removal process. Wet scrubber based pilot plant tests have demonstrated up to 99% removal of NO.

Additional recent research work has shown that chloric acid is an effective reagent for the removal of air toxic metals, such as elemental mercury, which are present in the waste gas output streams from incinerators, hydrogen from mercury cell chlor‐alkali plants, and flue gases of coal‐fired power plants. Work in this area is being conducted by Argonne National Laboratories and Olin.

This paper discusses the oxidation chemistry of chloric acid and its unique solution and gas phase reactions with NO, SO2, and air toxics in wet scrubber type process equipment.
Adiabatic thin‐film evaporation of volatile organic compounds from industrial wastewater into a natural gas receiving stream
Authors: Phillips J. B. , Hindawi Mohamad A. , Carden S. Richard
Published: February 2007

This work develops and presents design parameters for a novel unit operation: adiabatic thin‐film evaporation. Liquid flowing downward in a thin film is contacted with gas flowing upward. For applications involving the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from wastewater, this unit operation is employed and the process design is conducted. In order to prevent crossmedia transfer of pollutants, the use of natural gas for the receiving stream is recommended. Subsequent use of the natural gas for fuel would result in destruction of the VOCs. Relative advantages and disadvantages of other technologies for this application are discussed in detail.
Modelling VOC emissions at wastewater drop structures
Authors: Burnham N. L. , Corsl R. L. , Stiver W. H. , Zytner R. G.
Published: February 2007

A mechanistic model was developed to predict VOC emissions at drop structures. The mass transfer mechanisms that have been incorporated into the model include the falling film (disintegrating jet), turbulent mixing in the area of jet impact, and bubbles in the tailwater resulting from air entrainment. Air entrainment appears to be the most significant mechanism affecting VOC emissions, following by the falling film. A sensitivity analysis was also performed using parameter values that are considered “typical” for wastewater drop structures and operating conditions. The largest variation in stripping was associated with air entrainment, liquid and air flow, Henry's law coefficient and degree of equilibrium for entrained bubbles.
Solid waste remediation in the metallurgical industry: Application and environmental impact
Authors: Zheng Guo‐Hui , Kozinsk Janusz A.
Published: February 2007

This paper describes problems associated with the remediation of solid metallurgical wastes generated during primary manufacture of major metals (iron, copper, aluminum, zinc and lead). It focuses on three types of solid wastes: slags, dusts and sludges.

It has been shown that solid waste remediation technologies, such as stabilization or solidification, incineration, and hydro‐chemical metal recovery, have been applied in the industry and new technologies such as plasma‐ and vitrification‐processing of solid wastes are under development. On the whole, however, solid residue remediation remains relatively uncommon. In addition, currently applied technologies are unable to solve the complex problems of metallurgical solid wastes (e.g., simultaneous destruction of toxins and extraction of multiple metals).

A new thermal process applicable to direct ironmaking that would achieve significant utilization of zinc residues has been proposed. It has been suggested that the high‐temperature treatment of wastes in which metallurgical furnaces are used as remediation reactors holds great potential as an alternative disposal method.
Application of packed scrubbers for air emissions control in municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Basu Somnath , Gu Zhong Chun (April) , Shilinsky Kenneth A.
Published: February 2007

The process air emissions from municipal wastewater treatment plants primarily consist of hydrogen sulfide gas, along with other organo‐sulfur compounds, and some trace quantities of volatile organic compounds, and some trace quantities of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Various Federal and/or State Regulations require monitoring, and control of these emissions down to some specified levels.

At the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant of the Massacbusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), air containing hydrogen sulfide is collected and treated in several emission control systems. These systems consist of wet scrubbers which facilitate destruction of hydrogen sulfide gas and the related odor by continuously contacting the collected air counter‐currently with a strong oxidizing solution of sodium hypochlorite.

This paper reviews the performance of a typical scrubber in light of the theory of absorption followed by chemical reaction. Based on an analysis of a set of test data, it has been concluded that when the concentration of hydrogen sulfide at a scrubber inlet exceeds 25 ppm, the scrubber becomes mass transfer limited. This can lead to the incomplete oxidation of hydrogen sulfide gas. Unreacted H2S eventually can exit the scrubber while partially oxidized H2S, in the form of elemental sulfur, can deposit on, and eventually foul, the packing media. Measures taken to overcome such a situation have also been reported.
Evaluation of lean NOx reduction catalysts for controlling emissions from diesel engines
Authors: Lindhjem Christian E. , Guerrieri David A.
Published: February 2007

This paper investigates the efficacy of lean‐burn NOx reduction catalysts using hydrocarbon as the reductant. A system was constructed to deliver diesel fuel ahead of a monolith catalyst treating the exhaust from a late‐model diesel engine loaded with an engine dynamometer. One of the three prototype catalysts showed significant NOx reduction capability of about 15% during steady‐state and transient conditions. Another catalyst showed reduction only under steady‐state conditions, and the third catalyst showed no reduction under either condition. The system was not optimized so the observed 9 to 13% fuel economy penalty should be regarded as an upper limit.
A pilot plant to treat chromium‐contaminated groundwater
Authors: El‐Shoubary Youssef , Speizer Ned , Seth Subash , Savoia Holly
Published: February 2007

The groundwater at a site in California is contaminated with Hexavalent Chromium. Different treatment options were tested. The options tested included: carbon adsorption, ion exchange, chemical treatment, reverse osmosis, and in‐place fixation.

Electrochemical treatment was the treatment of choice. Treatment operations were designed with turn down flexibility to allow operation at variable flow rates. Metal reduction is the first treatment step after collection of the groundwater and lowering of the pH to 3 in an on‐line acid tank. Soluble ferrous ions are produced in an off‐line electrochemical cell using sacrificial electrodes, as represented by the following equation:
equation image

Using a slight excess of the stoichiometric 3.2 pounds of iron per pound of chromium, the ferrous ions are mixed with the contaminated groundwater. In the resulting redox reaction, Hexavalent Chromium is reduced to the insoluble trivalent state and divalent iron is oxidized to its insoluble trivalent state, as represented by the following equation:
equation image

As stated, a slight excess offerrous ions, adjusted pH, and sufficient residence time drive the reaction to completion. After the reaction is completed, the pH is adjusted to a slightly alkaline state (8) to allow precipitation of the metal ions in a pH adjustment tank. The stream is advanced to a clarifier where a polyelectrolyte polymer is added to promote coagulation of the reduced metal and consequently, settlement at the bottom of the clarifier. Solids are drawn from the bottom of the clarifier and allowed to settle in a gravity thickener followed by a plate and frame filter press. The treated groundwater is pH adjusted to below 8 and polished with multimedia filters and carbon, prior to reinjection to the aquifer.

The water is continually checked for total dissolved solids and total chromium concentration. The chrome concentration is continuously kept below 30 PPB; however, the total dissolved solids (TDS) oscillate between 1200 to 2400 PPM, depending on the plant TDS influent concentration which ranges from 400–700 PPM and the chromium influent concentration which ranges between 25,000 PPB and 5000 PPB.
Gasification of sewage sludge and other biomass for hydrogen production in supercritical water
Authors: Xu Xiadong , Antal Michael Jerry
Published: February 2007

Digested sewage sludge and other biomass such as wood saw‐dust can be mixed with a corn starch gel to form a viscous paste. This paste can be delivered to a supercritical flow reactor by means of a cement pump. Different types of feedstocks are used in this work: sewage sludge (up to 7.69 wt%) mixed in the corn starch paste, poplar wood sawdust (up to 11.46 wt%) mixed in the corn starch paste. When rapidly heated in a flow reactor at pressures above the critical pressure of water (22 MPa) the paste vaporizes. A packed bed of carbon catalyst in the reactor operating at 650°C causes the tarry vapors to react with water, producing hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and some methane with a trace of carbon monoxide. Thus we describe a practical method for the total, supercritical steam reforming of biomass to produce hydrogen at high pressure. The steam reforming process produces effectively no tar. Its only products are a hydrogen rich gas, and a clean water, which can be recycled.
An economic evaluation of catalytic supercritical water oxidation: Comparison with alternative waste treatment technologies
Authors: Aki Sudhir N. V. K. , Abraham Martin A.
Published: February 2007

Supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) is a relatively new technology that has been developed to treat aqueous waste streams. The addition of a heterogeneous catalyst can increase the overall efficiency of supercritical water oxidation. In particular, addition of Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst increased the reaction rates compared to the homogeneous case. Complete conversion of pyridine was obtained at temperatures as low as 370°C. A power law rate expression was used to describe the effect of pyridine and oxygen concentration and temperature on the rate of pyridine oxidation. In both homogeneous and heterogeneous case, the main products from this reaction were carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and nitrate ions. The reaction did not yield ammonia, nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide. The economics of a waste treatment process based on SCWO were calculated based on these rate expressions, and used to compare CSCWO to other waste treatment technologies. These calculations reveal that CSCWO can be a cost effective treatment technology for the conversion of aqueous organic wastes.
Allergan‐isopropyl alcohol emissions removal using a unique biological system
Authors: Whaley Michael B. , Monroig Pedro , Villarubia Edil
Published: February 2007

Allergan constructed and is operating a unique biological system designed to reduce emissions of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as well as acetone and heptane from intaocular lens manufacturing operations. The exhaust gases from the manufacturing facility are passed through a pair of wet scrubbers, in series, that allow mass transfer of the IPA from air to water. The original design called for packed towers to be used to partially biochemically oxidize the emissions. This design was changed after three months, due to fouling problems, to simply a water stripper mode of operation. Then, the water stream was passed through a fixed film bioreactor to reduce the final concentration of IPA and other emissions to less than 99% of the total inlet concentration. The inlet concentrations treated by the system ranged from 200 to 500 mg/m3 at a flow rate of 5000 cfm. On average, the system treated approximately 12 gallons per day of IPA and lesser amounts of acetone and heptane. The system is a closed system and only requires the addition of bacteria and nutrients on a periodic basis. Sludge is removed periodically.

The system was started on May 18, 1997 and went through a startup validation which was completed in December of 1997. The operational data is presented along with the method of startup and methods to overcome adverse operating conditions.

From two weeks after startup the system has maintained an IPA removal efficiency of greater than 99%. Nutrient loading and pH adjustment were fine tuned during the startup validation period. The system has proved to be as economical as first described in a previous paper as compared to other control devices such as catalytic thermal oxidation.
Waste treatment and optimal degree of pollution abatement
Authors: Romero‐hernandez O. , Pistikopoulos E. N. , Livingston A. G.
Published: February 2007

Environmental impacts of industrial production processes are usually estimated by considering the emissions leaving the process. These emissions are often reduced using abatement processes, such as wastewater treatment technologies, in the belief that reducing emissions will reduce the environmental impact. Typical legislation focuses on reducing discharge levels, without considering the impact on the environment of the additional inputs required by the abatement process to achieve this reduction. This leads to the possibility that some waste streams may be over treated. In other words, industry might be devoting increased resources to reducing discharges and at the same time be worsening the environment. This paper presents a framework for the analysis of wastewater treatment technologies from an economic and environmental point of view. The work examines trade‐offs in abatement processes between higher inputs (energy consumption and raw material) and lower discharge quantities (pollutant flow). As a result, an optimal degree of pollution abatement (ODPA), at which environmental impact is minimized, is identified. This value could act as a guideline to legislators who are setting discharge limits and to chemical engineers with waste discharge responsibilities. Case studies on two different abatement technologies, steam stripping and pervaporation, are presented to illustrate this framework.
Thoughts concerning indemnification in government contracts
Authors: Tracey Stanley E.
Published: February 2007

This article addresses the subject of indemnification provisions found in “old” (pre‐CERCLA) government contracts. Government facilities and their lawyers are increasingly being presented with ancient contract documents containing indemnification provisions that purport to shift the responsibility for paying for CERCLA or CERCLA‐like response actions from the contractor to the government. While the government should honor indemnification provisions where appropriate, it is unclear that these general provisions were intended to address environmental liabilities comprehended by CERCLA. The article points out a number of issues which should be considered, in the opinion of the author, before a government lawyer agrees that indemnification is proper. The article concludes that these old indemnification provisions must be reviewed in context and with full consideration of all arguments for and against their application.
ISO 14000 and the CEMP: Either, neither, or both for federal agencies?
Authors: Rebecca Patton E.
Published: February 2007

Strategies for successfully managing environmental programs have been evolving during the last decade. As environmental programs have matured, the management strategies have moved from a regulation‐based, compliance‐driven, command‐and‐control basis to an environmental stewardship process heavily dependent on voluntary participation. This shift is viewed by many organizations as a benchmark for measuring the success of their environmental programs, and has led more than one group to develop standards that address what a “good” environmental management program ought to aspire to.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a worldwide federation of roughly 90 standards‐setting bodies, forms technical committees (TCs) to develop international standards designed to facilitate trade. They chartered TC207 in 1993 to develop the ISO 14000 series of environmental management standards. ISO 14000 gained final approval in late 1996. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was tasked in Executive Order 12856 of August 1993 with establishing a Federal Government Environmental Challenge Program, designed to recognize and reward outstanding environmental management performance in federal agencies and facilities. This is similar to the Environmental Leadership program proposed earlier in 1993 by EPA's Office of Enforcement. The program consists of three components which challenge federal agencies to:

• Agree to a Code of Environmental Management Principles (CEMP);

• Submit applications to EPA to recognize individual federal facilities as “Model Installations”;

• Encourage individual federal employees to demonstrate outstanding leadership in pollution prevention.

This article compares the ISO 1400 series standard with the CEMP and looks at how each answers three major questions facing federal agency environmental managers:

1. Will the standards help the agency maintain compliance with regulations?

2. What effects, if any, will implementing the standards have on operations?

3. Will the costs associated with implementation justify the benefits?
Natural resource damage assessment and restoration: The outlook for federal facilities
Authors: Deason Jonathan P. , Taylor Willie R.
Published: February 2007

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Oil Pollution Act make parties responsible for oil or hazardous substance discharges liable for injuries to natural resources. Such liabilities are in addition to those associated with response activities designed to protect human health. Certain federal agencies, state governments, and Indian tribal authorities have been designated as natural resource trustees and charged with implementing the natural resource trust provisions of these acts. In recent years, these trustee organizations have become increasingly active in carrying out their responsibilities as several impediments to enforcement have been overcome and funding has increased. These Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) activities are expected to continue to expand in future years. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important for environmental professionals involved with federal facilities to become familiar with NRDAR responsibilities, regulations, and programs.
Managing compliance and risk on military testing and training ranges
Authors: Martino Louis , Jiang Zhenhua , Hensley James , Barisas Susan
Published: February 2007

The downsizing of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the closure of military installations have resulted in attempts to end DOD control of large tracts of military testing and training ranges. In some cases, potential risks associated with unexploded ordnance and ordnance‐related contaminants have hampered base closure and the transfer of DOD‐controlled property. Such potential risks at both closing and active military installations have resulted in the promulgation of DOD directives and regulations by both the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Furthermore, a DOD‐authored regulation addressing risks to human health and the environment on closed and transferred military ranges, the Military Range Rule, is expected in the near future. This article describes the basic regulatory framework that is driving and will drive operations at active and closed military ranges. It also describes one strategy that can be used to manage compliance and risk on military testing and training ranges. The strategy involves developing a multi‐phased information system that documents range‐related activities and provides for increasingly sophisticated data collection and analysis techniques. In Phase I, the information system is assembled using existing information sources. In Phase II, the information collected in Phase I is used to populate a database is linked to maps by means of a Geographic Information System.
Measuring and reporting environmental progress: How the government performance and results act figures in
Authors: Rebecca Patton E.
Published: February 2007

Measuring and reporting progress toward environmental goals has presented a challenge to federal agencies for many years. There has always been pressure to identify successes in order to validate budgetary execution and justify future funding requirements. However, the advent of the National Performance Review has raised the level of public awareness that federal agencies must be not only accountable for the programs they administer, but also successful in administration. In short, the public wants to see that the government not only knows what it is doing, but is doing it well and accomplishing what was intended.

This article explores how the federal agencies are measuring environmental progress, where it is reported, and how the requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) figure in. While the major focus is on Defense, other agencies considered are Commerce, Treasury, Transportation, Agriculture, and Interior.
The clean air act section 112(r) risk management plans: Compliance requirements and alternatives
Authors: Reed David
Published: February 2007

Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 included significant compliance provisions for facilities to manage chemical process risk. The regulation promulgated by EPA, commonly referred to as the “Risk Management Plan” rule, will require a substantial fiscal, experiential, and human resource investment for installations that are required to comply. Primarily, most military installations that have to comply will do so for water disinfection or propane storage. In addition to regulatory liability, Section 112(r) rules also have a significant public affairs and facility security aspect. This article reviews the regulation to point out compliance challenges and presents methods for reducing or eliminating the need to be subject to the rule by employing safer, smarter business practices.
Can excavation contractors dig their way out of Kaiser aluminum's liability pit?
Authors: Sprunk Richard J.
Published: February 2007

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit's decision in Kaiser Aluminum & Chem. Corp. versus Catellus Dev. Corp. held that an excavation contractor who unknowingly spreads contaminated soil over clean areas of a work site can be held liable for the environmental damage and cleanup costs under the provision of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). Subsequent cases have extended the reach of the Kaiser decision, making excavation contractors and even Response Action Contractors increasingly vulnerable to be sued as Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs). This article briefly examines the case law, then proposes steps a contractor can take to shield itself from liability. If a contractor is nevertheless named a PRP, several defenses are proposed to limit the scope of liability.
Alternative procedures for resolving environmental disputes
Authors: Heath Jenifer S.
Published: February 2007

Many disputes related to environmental issues are resolved through often antagonistic negotiations in a regulatory context or through litigation. These approaches are certainly the best choices for resolving certain disputes. However, just as no single remediation technology is the right fit for every site, so no single dispute resolution process is the best choice for every situation. Cost‐effective dispute resolution can have an impact on overall project costs. There is a range of dispute resolution alternatives (from collaborative decision making through mediation, arbitration, and litigation), each with its own benefits. The characteristics of disputes and relationships are key to selecting the “best” dispute resolution process for each situation. As the public becomes ever‐more cognizant of the Department of Defense's (DOD) environmental policies and actions, alternative dispute resolution (ADR) options have the potential to yield better relationships and more positive perceptions.
U.S. army environmental protection activities during operations joint endeavor, joint guard, and joint forge
Authors: Zettersten Garry C. , Dale Debra A.
Published: February 2007

Meeting a need, the United States Army, Europe, (USAREUR) developed an environmental protection program that is unique and critical to the success of Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, and Joint Forge (OJE, OJG, & OJF). While it meets the needs of the soldiers on the ground, it also complies with international agreements and host nation laws. Bosnia‐Herzegovina's situation is very different from that of Hungary. Hungary has highly developed government structures that are capable of expressing and enforcing their laws. In Bosnia‐Herzegovina, so devastated by war, virtually all government activity is nonexistent. As of this writing, there are no environmental protection laws of the kind that Western democracies would recognize. The two most important environmental issues in Bosnia‐Herzegovina today are the establishment of public utilities services, such as water and wastewater treatment, and control of forest management. Lacking Army guidance for environmental protection during contingency operations and local host nation environmental laws, U.S. forces developed the Bosnia‐Herzegovina environmental protection program. It was established solely in accordance with our own best technical and business judgment to meet the U.S. forces' needs. Begun during the early stages of the Operation, the program has grown and matured. The U.S. Army commitment to environmental protection during operations outside the United States and in unregulated environments is demonstrated daily in the Balkans. The comprehensive program not only provides environmental protection, but also contributes to force protection and becomes a mission enabler.
Managing environmental information in the age of outsourcing
Authors: Perkins Scott , Whorton Mandy , Johnson Robert , Huttenga Andy , Patton Terri , Richmond Pamela , Williams Gus , Smith Karen P.
Published: February 2007

Outsourcing requirements complicate environmental project management and information sharing at Department of Defense (DOD) facilities. The Web provides one way to alleviate these complications. This article presents three case studies detailing the way three DOD organizations–the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) in Colorado, the 611th Air Support Group (611 ASG) in Alaska, and Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) in Arizona–are managing complex data using Web‐based technology. To manage environmental information and to ensure that it meets compliance requirements more efficiently, RMA has developed a regulatory compliance and electronic document distribution system. The 61 1 ASG has developed a central database with a Web‐based interface that allows distributed management of its building information while also permitting installation contractors to update and use data through the Internet from their remote locations. A website has been designed for YPG that provides one‐s top‐shopping for all data needs pertinent to the facility's environmental restoration program. This interactive database‐drivenfiamework for a collabo‐ rative project support system allows seamless public, team, and distributed administrative access to relevant information and functions.
EPA versus DOD in dispute over EPA ability to fine federal agencies for UST violations
Authors: Cannizzo Jim
Published: February 2007

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) are currently locked in a struggle over the ability of the EPA to fine federal agencies for underground storage tank (UST) violations. The issue is over punitive penalties by the EPA. No one disputes that the Solid Waste Disposal Act (SWDA) Subchapter IX federal facilities section provides for EPA or the states to otherwise regulate federal facilities' USTs. Every federal agency that EPA has assessed a fine against has acquiesced to EPA's initiative, except DOD. On April 16, 1999, DOD requested a legal opinion from the Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel (DOJ OLC) over this legal dispute. DOD argues that under a “sovereign immunity” or a “clear statement” analysis, the impotent federal facilities clause in SWDA Subchapter IX Section 6991f prevents EPA from imposing administrative penalties on federal agencies. Although the current political climate probably favors DOJ leaning towards a pro‐EPA decision, doing so would constitute too far of a stretch of the “clear statement” standard. Also, DOJ would have to overcome the difficult precedential hurdle created by a May 1999 EPA administrative law judge's (ALJ) decision in favor of DOD's position on the UST issue. Hence, this article predicts that DOJ will rule that EPA does not have authority for UST punitive penalties against federal agencies.
Using risk as a pollution prevention metric
Authors: Rice Dale A.
Published: February 2007

A risk‐based approach to environmental metrics is proposed for use by federal facilities that incorporates not only the mass of chemicals involved, but also the characteristics of the chemicals, when evaluating process changes or comparing pollution prevention alternatives. A risk‐based approach developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the WAR (Waste Reduction) Algorithm can be used to generate a risk‐based metric for federal facilities. The WAR Algorithm can establish a relative potential risk baseline for a given industrial process or processes, and can serve as a useful tool to either forecast the reduction of potential risks for pollution prevention (P2) options or document the risk reduction achieved through alternatives already implemented in a P2 program.
The joint group on pollution prevention (JG‐PP): A business approach to pollution prevention
Authors: Meredith Debora , Dhar Nalni
Published: February 2007

Today's competitive environment is driving both government and industry to bring “better, faster, cheaper, and cleaner” products to the market. Within the government, the Joint Group on Pollution Prevention Methodology (JG‐PPMET), a product of the Joint Group on Pollution Prevention (JG‐PP), is a standardized process accepted by Program Managers to mitigate future costs and risks. The JG‐PP is a partnership between various government organization and assists stakeholders in validating and implementing cleaner and cheaper processes at military and industrial facilities. To date, JG‐PP has used the JG‐PPMET on 20 projects across the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These initiatives, often involving multiple government and industry partners, will result in over $37 million in cost savings and cost avoidance and $78 million avoidance in duplication of effort.
Should EPA's practice of “overfiling” continue?
Authors: Yamada Gerald H.
Published: February 2007

This article evaluates the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) practice of “overfiling” state enforcement actions. The foundation for “authorized” state environmental programs is to administer and enforce those programs under a federal‐state partnership. “Authorized” states should have discretion and flexibility in permit and enforcement decisions. “Overfiling” as a form of EPA enforcement oversight of a state's exercise of discretion erodes the trust upon which an effective federal‐state partnership depends. One U.S. Court of Appeals has found that EPA lacks the authority to “overfile” an “authorized” state's enforcement case.
Challenges to cleaning up formerly used defense sites in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Lubbert Robert F. , Chu T. Julian
Published: February 2007

Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) are properties that the Department of Defense (DOD) is responsible for cleaning up under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. These properties were formerly owned by, leased by, possessed by, or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense or military components that predate DOD, but are no longer operated by DOD. The FUDS program has over 9,000 potential properties and an annual budget in fiscal year 2000 of $238 million. FUDS are located in all states and territories of the United States and have a direct impact on many citizens. The Army is the executive agent for the program and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages and executes the program. Cleanup at FUDS is similar to that at active DOD facilities, but FUDS is a “different animal.” This is what makes the cleanup in the twenty‐first century challenging and complex. The article discusses the current and future external factors that affect the cleanup process at FUDS.