Specialty Chemical Manufacturer

MARCOR's track excavator and hydraulic shears remove still-reacting tank contents.

Project Details

• Client: Specialty Chemical Manufacturer, Tennessee
• Contaminant: Various
• Regulatory Agencies: EPA; Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation
• Contract Value: $623,000

Related Services

• Waste Management

Background

Tank cleaning and management of the waste analysis, packaging, transportation, and disposal were extremely sensitive issues due to heightened scrutiny of the plant by federal agencies. MARCOR would complete the majority of on-site work within three months.

Thousands of containers (including eight ASTs) of unused raw material, process wastes, and obsolete products had accumulated at an active, high-hazard chemical facility. Known hazards included flammable liquids and solids, poisons, corrosives, and water-reactive chemicals. Over 300 "unknowns" were included in the inventory. In the initial container inventory, MARCOR identified over 1,700 containers that required off-site disposal. Containers without labels or markings were listed as unknowns, and each container was sampled using Level B PPE. Individual samples underwent a fingerprint characterization, and, if compatible, like samples were composited. All unknowns were submitted to a state certified laboratory for full RCRA waste classification. Containers with labels and/or markings were selectively sampled to confirm their contents. Nearly 100 different waste streams were identified, classified, and named. MARCOR then assisted the customer in contracting transporters and disposal facilities, preparing technical specifications for the Request for Proposal, and reviewing proposals submitted.

Waste Management

MARCOR profiled the initial waste streams, prepared shipping documents, and determined the transportation schedule. Containers were overpacked as necessary, labeled, and loaded. Compatibility testing was performed on samples of similar waste types and classifications, and consolidation and bulking were performed wherever possible - an economic savings to the client. While performing these tasks on the initial container inventory, an additional 700 waste containers were identified by the customer, and a second inventory was created. These containers underwent the same process, concurrent with removal of the initial inventory.

Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) Management

In addition to managing waste containers, MARCOR closed eight aboveground storage tanks at the site. Tank products included flammable solvents, poisons, and water-reactive liquids. The tank presenting the greatest challenge contained a water-reactive liquid. The interior jacket had failed, and water had been introduced into the tank interior. The product had undergone a partial reaction and solidified to a degree. The tank had been left in this state for years, and the integrity of the exterior jacket was in question. Two cranes were used to remove the tank from its stanchions and place it on a trailer. It was then transported to an on-site laydown designed by MARCOR for optimum safety and accessibility. Using a track excavator and hydraulic shears, MARCOR was able to remove the tank's contents, which were still reacting, and stabilize them in roll-off containers. The tank itself was also managed as a characteristically hazardous waste.

For additional information, call MARCOR's corporate headquarters at 1-800-547-0128 or send email to info@marcor.com.