Land disposal restrictions applicability

A key advantage of this technology is that little excavation is required to treat the soil. Since the soil is treated in place, the waste is not subject to any land disposal restrictions that might be applicable if excavation were required. Also, a unique feature of this technology is that it can treat contaminated soils under and around existing structures. 

If a restricted waste does not meet its applicable treatment standard, it is prohibited from land disposal. Although most wastes become eligible for disposal by meeting the treatment standards, in some instances this may not be possible. For example, there may not be enough treatment capacity to treat a waste, or the concentration level may not be achievable. To address these situations, U.S. EPA established procedures that allow wastes to be disposed of under special circumstances. The following exemptions, variances, and extensions allow wastes to be disposed of without meeting their respective treatment standards or to be treated to a different standard1,2 ... 

Each of these states has adopted the basic EPA hazardous waste management program, including regulations for identification and listing of hazardous wastes requirements applicable to generators and transporters of hazardous waste requirements for facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste and restrictions for the land disposal of specific hazardous wastes. 

In 1992, the WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (Public Law 102-579) established prerequisites for initial receipt and permanent disposal of TRU wastes at WIPE The Act also specified the statutory, regulatory, and other requirements and restrictions applicable to the WIPP facility and its operations. Significantly, EPA was designated as a primary independent regulator at WIPP with authority to determine whether the repository is suitable as a long-term disposal facility. 

Land application of wastes is becoming more widespread as regulatory authorities move to protect water quality by restricting waste disposal into rivers, lakes and the marine environment. It is not clear, however, that soil is in fact an appropriate dumping ground for all our wastes. 

This book examines five methods used for concentrate management, namely disposal to surface water, disposal to sewerage, deep well injection, land applications and evaporation ponds. In particular, the book focuses on the design, siting, cost, and environmental impacts of these methods. While these methods are widely practiced in a variety of settings already, there are many limitations that restrict the use of certain disposal options in particular locations. 

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