This report presents cost and performance data for the application of on-site incineration at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) Superfund Site near Commerce City, Colorado. An on-site submerged quench incinerator (SQI) was used from July 1993 through July 1995 to treat liquid wastes generated at RMA.
The primary contaminants of concern in the liquid waste included organochloric pesticides (including aldrin and dieldrin), organophosphoric pesticides (including vapona), and metals (including copper, lead, arsenic, and zinc).
RMA was established in 1942 and historically has been used for manufacturing and demilitarizating chemical incendiary weapons. Portions of RMA were leased for the private production of agricultural chemicals including pesticides from 1947 to 1982. Between 1957 and 1982 an evaporation pond (Basin F) was used for disposal of various wastewaters from the site's manufacturing process and wastes from demilitarizations.
The Army and the on-site chemical manufacturer were designated as responsible parties in a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA) entered into in 1989. The FFA specified 13 interim response actions (IRAs), including the remediation of Basin F. Standards for Basin F were established in a 1990 Final Decision Document (DD). These standards included treatment resulting in a 99.99% destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) of organic constituents. A Record of Decision (ROD) for all operable units at the site was signed June 11, 1996.
Remediation of Basin F was conducted in two parts. The first part consisted of removal and temporary storage of liquid, and removal and stockpiling of solids and sludges. The second part consisted of disposal of the stored liquid. The remainder of this document addresses the disposal of Basin F liquids, unless otherwise stated.
The Army selected SQI to dispose of Basin F liquids. The SQI system included an atomizing liquid injection system; an incinerator chamber; a quench chamber; a spray dryer; a venturi scrubber for particulate matter control; a packed-tower scrubber for acid neutralization of the exhaust gases; and a residuals handing facility.
Full-scale operation of the SQI began in July 1993, and incineration of approximately 10.9 million gallons of Basin F liquid was completed in July 1995. The SQI was decommissioned, dismantled, and sold for parts, per the FFA, upon completion of the project. All applicable and relevant or appropriate requirements (ARARs) were met throughout the project.
The actual cost for remediation of Basin F was approximately $93,000,000. This consisted of approximately $14,800,000 in capital costs and $78,500,000 in operating and maintenance costs.
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