Hazardous Waste Disposal

[lahpe65]

I would appreciate some input on this. I am working on a cost estimate to install new pipe lines. There is 100 feet of existing 30" pipe that needs to be removed and disposed of. The pipe is 25% full of hazardous waste. The site is located in the Detroit Michigan area. Does anyone have a feel for how much it would cost to dispose of this pipe and what would be involved?

Thanks,

lahpe65

 

[MotorCity]

Sounds like you're in my part of town. I do not have any numbers available, but I would recommend using the MEANS book for estimation. I always use it when I prepare a cost estimate and it has not failed me yet. Good luck.

 

[Focht3]

Yuck!

Have you characterized the waste yet? Has it leaked into the soil? If a contaminant plume exists, how big is it?

These items will affect the disposal cost...



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[jheidt2543]

Focht3 is on target. Before you even think of working up a cost estimate you should find out what the stuff is and how much may have leaked into the surounding soil. There are firms that speicalize in determining this type of information (I'm assuming you don't work for one). Many soils engineering firms do it. Without knowing what you have, you don't know how to handle it, if you don't know how to handle it you can't price disposing of it.

Then, I would talk to some local firms that specialize in haz-mat disposal for preliminary cost information. They will need to know most of the information generated by step one to give you an estimate. These firms will also have a pretty good handle on the reporting requirements. If it is truly a hazardous material, you will have to report it to the State and Federal EPA.

Good luck!

 

[lahpe65]

Thanks for the great suggestions. I will contact some firms that deal in this.

I do apologize though. I should have been more clear. The pipe is above ground.

 

[Focht3]

Ah! That's not as bad, but you need to (hire someone to) look carefully for signs of previous leaks in the pipeline, which could have resulted in contaminated soils and groundwater. For example, MEK was a popular cleaner/degreaser in the 1960's and 1970's and was commonly stored in 55 gallon drums. Large plumes of the cleaner, along with other organics and heavy metals, have been found at many (most?) sites where this strong solvent was known to have been used. Sometimes the ground is visually contaminated; but sometimes it isn't. Your pipeline could have been a source of soil/groundwater contamination and show no obvious signs to the layman -

Be sure that you follow a reasonable course of due diligence to protect your employer - and yourself - from future legal problems.



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[unclesyd]

You have gotten some pretty sage advice. The first item on the list is to convey to management is this type project isn’t cheap.

I would like to add that getting the proper permits and informing everyone can add considerable time and effort to your project. Make sure you inform everyone that has an interest and have every required permit. Watch the dates and times on the permits. We got bit by an expired county permit on a close out job, $350 turned into $5,000 and delayed the project several days.
The permit situation is most critical as about the worst thing that happen your type project is some agency catch you without the proper permits. You will be watched, inspected, and put on tape or memory chip.

Once you scope out the project make sure that it includes a contingency plan for any spills or events that may occur. This plan or ideas should include a worst case scenerio. This type of plan is sometimes required by the agencies, but should be looked at even though not published if not required. This would include things like where is a supply drums, where is a S/S vacuum truck, and others.

I just checked and we had to pay $525 per 55 gal drum 2/3 full. This is plus freight and any special transport required. This was material going to a hazardous waste landfill in another state.

Good Luck