On-site incineration of contaminated soil: a study into U.S. Navy applications

Abstract

The on-site incineration of hazardous wastes is a treatment option available for almost every contaminated site involving organic wastes. Rotary kilns are capable of destroying solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes with destruction efficiencies exceeding 99.99%. With current monitoring technologies and fail-safe equipment, the accidental emission of harmful compounds can be virtually eliminated. With an environmental restoration program already activated, the Navy could benefit from the use of incineration technologies for the clean-up of many of its contaminated sites. On-site incineration can provide the Navy with the benefit of rapid destruction of the organic waste compounds and can reduce the risks involved in transporting the wastes to treatment centers. The destruction of the wastes eliminates the future liabilities that can exist when wastes are placed in landfills or passed along to private treatment companies. Service contracts for the incineration of contaminated soils can follow the same guidelines as other cost-plus award fee contracts currently used by the Navy. The contracts must include terms which recognize the unique factors involved in hazardous waste incineration such as RCRA permits, test burns, and air monitoring companies. With public education about the benefits of incineration over other technologies, and the promotion of successful applications, the public can be convinced that incineration can be a safe and advantageous treatment method with the capability to return contaminated sites to their natural conditions.