For more than 30 years, the last of a long list of legacy wastes on the Oak Ridge Reservation has been awaiting a final solution for disposition. Twenty-five drums holding up to 55 gallons each of mixed low-level liquid chemical waste have been safely stored at ORNL. Until now, no treatment options were available, challenging the team to find solutions for this hard-to-treat waste and develop a comprehensive disposition plan.
UCOR partnered with contractor Perma-Fix® Environmental Services to develop a treatment pathway for this waste. Collaborating with the right partner to meet regulatory standards and protocols has led to a breakthrough technology.
“Finding a treatment and disposal pathway for this waste has been a long and challenging process,” said John Witzeman, UCOR Legacy Waste Project Manager.
The unique class of chemicals, called dioxins and furans, required a specialized treatment to prepare it for disposal. This new innovative process is a milestone for waste management and another example of UCOR tackling decades-long hazardous waste issues.
The next step is to have the treatment vendor submit a petition for Determination of Equivalent Treatment to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Approval of this petition will be EPA’s authorization to move forward with treatment of the waste.
Once approved, the waste will be shipped to Perma-Fix in Gainesville, Florida, for treatment.
