SEDL / STP / STP703-EB / STP27152S

Recommendations for Land Disposal of Oil Spill Cleanup Debris

Farlow, JS
Physical scientist, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Edison, N.J.

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1980

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Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) has sponsored a number of studies relating to effective and environmentally appropriate methods of disposal of oil spill debris. Although some of these studies are still in progress, enough has been learned so that both research and operations personnel agree that sound technology for the land disposal of oily wastes does exist today.

This paper presents practical recommendations to help local officials and cleanup contractors select a suitable disposal strategy, short descriptions of the actual disposal methods, and references to literature containing detailed how-to-do-it information.

Thermal oxidation processes (burning, incineration, and pyrolysis) are only briefly mentioned. The land disposal methods of land cultivation, sanitary landfilling, and direct burial are discussed in more detail, together with their monitoring implications. Tables are presented of potential problems and solutions, site selection criteria, and comparisons between the land disposal methods (advantages, applicability to debris types, environmental considerations, and costs).