Technology:
- Sediment transported through a feed system that included dewatering and mixing
- Incineration system consisting of rotary kiln and secondary combustion chamber (SCC)
- SCC operated between 1,600°F and 1,800°F
- Exhaust gases from SCC directed through gas cleaning system
- Residual ash was landfilled, and an engineered cap was placed over residual ash and surface soil
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Cleanup Authority:
CERCLA and State: Louisiana
- Phase I ROD signed August 1985
- Phase II ROD signed March 1987
- Fund-lead
- ESD Signed February 1990
SIC Code:
2491 (Wood Preserving) | Point of Contact:
Mark Hansen
U.S. EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 665-7548 |
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Contaminants:
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, ideno(1,2,3-cd)-pyrene, chrysene, and creosote |
Waste Source:
Bayou sediments - creosote waste |
Type/Quantity of Media Treated:
Sediment (169,000 cubic yards)
Contaminated material from waste piles (10,000 cubic yards) |
Purpose/Significance of Application:
Underestimated volume of contaminated soil by a factor of three, prompting EPA to reevaluate remedial plans. Completed 18 months ahead of schedule |
Regulatory Requirements/Cleanup Goals:
Destruction and Removal Efficiency (DRE) of 99.99% for all constituents of concern as required by Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) incinerator regulations at 40 CFR part 264, subpart O |
Results:
Monitoring and trial burn data indicate that all DRE and emission standards have been met |
Description:
Between 1892 and 1970, the Bayou Bonfouca site operated as a former creosote works facility. During this period, numerous creosote releases occurred. In 1970, a fire at the plant released large amounts of creosote into the environment. Sediments in Bayou Bonfouca, an adjacent navigable waterway, were heavily contaminated with creosote (PAHs).
In August 1985, a Phase I Record of Decision (ROD) was signed, specifying excavation and off-site landfilling of creosote waste piles. In March 1987, a Phase II ROD was signed. The remedial actions for the Phase II ROD included the excavation and on-site incineration of sediment and the contents of surface waste piles with placement of an engineered cap over residual ash and surface soils. During 1988, a detailed design investigation showed that the volume of contaminated sediment was underestimated by a factor of three. The volume increase resulted in a cost increase and prompted EPA to issue an Explanation of Significant Difference (ESD) in February 1990.
The selected incineration system consisted of a feed system, a rotary kiln, a secondary combustion chamber (SCC) and a gas cleaning system. Sediment was dewatered and then mixed before being fed to the incinerator. During its operation, the incinerator processed approximately 250,000 tons (169,000 cubic yards) of contaminated sediments and waste pile material. Treatment performance and emissions data collected during this application indicated that all performance standards and emissions requirements were met.
The actual cost for remediation using the incineration system was approximately $110,000,000. |
