Evaluation of on-site incineration for cleanup of dioxin-contaminated materials

Abstract The objective of the EPA Mobile Incineration System (MIS) project was to: design a trailer-mounted assembly with a nominal heat release of 15 GJ/hr, construct the unit, obtain trial burn and operating permits (which include public hearings), and — with the cooperation of a community - operate the MIS at an actual field site to clean up local organic hazardous wastes and then move the MIS to another site. Commercial interests, seeing that a mobile or transportable system — as contrasted with a fixed facility — can be operated locally with public acceptance, plan to construct and use such systems at National Priority List sites, the so-called “Superfund” sites. From January to March 1985, extensive field shakedown activities were conducted, followed by a trial burn on dioxin-contaminated liquids and solids in April. Results indicated that destruction and removal efficiencies exceeding 99.9999% were achieved for 2,3,7,8-TCDD; no products of incomplete combustion were detected. Additionally, the kiln ash and process wastewater byproducts were shown to be “dioxin free” and in accordance with guidelines proposed by EPA's Office of Solid Waste. A field demonstration is currently underway and a further trial burn on solid RCRA- and TSCA-designated materials will be conducted during the Spring of 1987. This paper presents a detailed discussion of the field application of the EPA Mobile Incineration System for destruction of dioxin-contaminated materials at the Denney Farm site in McDowell, Missouri.