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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Study of investigation-derived waste management options. Master's thesis

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5524424

USAF is dedicated to the clean up of past releases of hazardous substances at its bases under the Installation Restoration Program (IRP) . Clean up decisions are based upon data produced from investigations. Large amounts of waste may be derived from investigations. Investigation-derived waste (IDW), especially that with a hazardous component, may pose significant health protection and regulatory compliance problems if neglected. This study identifies the status and the need for improvement of IDW management to avoid those problems. Information on the background of IDW management was collected through a review of environmental laws, waste management regulations, and existing guidance. Practical IDW management information was gleaned from conversations with iRP managers at twelve USAF bases around the country. This study revealed that IDW management needs improvement. All bases acknowledged IDW concerns and have adopted various methods to deal with them. However, current methods appear to rely more upon expediency rather than permanence. This study showed that critical protection and compliance issues are being overlooked. Development of specific IDW management guidance may better assure that critical issues are addressed. Waste minimization, Waste management, Environmental management, Nonhazardous wastes, Hazardous material, Solid wastes.

Research Organization:
Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (United States). School of Engineering
OSTI ID:
5524424
Report Number(s):
AD-A-270773/5/XAB; AFIT/GEE/ENV--93S-11
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English