Chemical Fixation of Latex Waste Converted to Non-Hazardous Backfill for Parkinglot | Calhoun, GA

LATEX WASTE CONTAMINATION PROBLEM

Remtech Engineers was engaged to close three latex ponds at a carpet manufacturing facility. Concern was expressed by the client that the latex may contain hazardous chemicals.

LATEX WASTE CHEMICAL FIXATION SOLUTION

Remtech conducted a site characterization of the SBR Latex in the ponds that confirmed that a potential for HSRA chemicals over EPA reporting triggers may be present.

Analysis of bench-scale chemically fixed and aerated latex waste samples did not contain hazardous chemicals indicating that the heat of hydration of chemical fixation with cement kiln dust and Portland Cement and air stripping was an effective treatment methodology. This treatment methodology removed 99% of phthalates, formaldehyde, ammonia, styrene residual monomer, glycol coalescents, light alcohols, glycol ethers, preservative/surfactant volatiles and other volatile organic compounds. In addition, the structural and compressive strength of the treated waste was sufficient to be used as a compatible backfill for construction of a parking lot at the site.

8,000 tons of latex sludge were dewatered and leachates treated with Remtech’s mobile treatment system. The 100-gallon per minute treatment system consisted of a 10,000-gallon clarifier followed by a Low-Profile Air Stripper, diatomaceous earth and activated carbon filters. Over 460,000 gallons of pond leachates were treated below detection limits for volatile and semi-volatile organics and discharged to the City’s sanitary sewer system.

Latex sludges were chemically fixed and then placed on inclined dewatering beds and degassed with hot air from regenerative blowers on biobeds constructed over perforated piping in three foot lifts. The stabilized material was used for backfill for construction of a parking lot on site. Compaction ratios greater than 90% were achieved. An asphalt cap was used as a final cover.

LATEX WASTE CHEMICAL FIXATION COST/BENEFITS

Converting potentially hazardous latex waste insitu into a usable backfill material for construction of a parking lot saved the client several hundred thousand dollars compared to excavation, transport, disposal, and backfill.