PAhead of a forecasted 4.5 inches of rain over this past weekend, UCOR’s Waste Operations teams at ORRL and EMWMF took proactive measures to efficiently ensure safe and compliant water management at onsite landfills, critical to continuing waste disposal operations at the Oak Ridge Reservation. reparations focused on landfill wastewater, comprised of leachate and contact water, that must be collected and managed to protect the environment.
At ORRL, leachate storage tanks were readied, equipment was staged, and crews were on standby for water management. Crews responded Saturday evening to discharge water and confirm systems were operating properly.
At EMWMF, leachate storage tanks were emptied prior to the storm, equipment was made available for shipments, and available capacity was prepared in contact water ponds, tanks, and a landfill catchment. Equipment, staffing plans, and a 24/7 leachate shipping plan were in place if needed. Six conditioning bins and associated pumps were ready to begin conditioning, and accelerated sampling and analysis were arranged in advance.
EMWMF crews visited the site four times over the weekend to monitor water levels, pump the catchment, monitor water levels in the ponds and tanks, start conditioning efforts, verify system performance, and winterize equipment ahead of freezing temperatures.
With 1.5 inches received and effectively managed, these water warriors exemplified UCOR’s culture of excellence by prioritizing safety, maintaining compliance, and ensuring facilities remained prepared for changing weather conditions.
Waste Operations team member managing the contact water catchment at night
