The document presents case studies on waste reduction strategies implemented by Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, focusing on hazardous waste minimization practices and petroleum contact water reclamation. Key strategies include tank sludge oil recovery, which significantly reduced waste generation and increased cost savings, and a path to zero landfill initiative through waste audits and improved recycling programs. The document emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and the establishment of baseline metrics for ongoing waste reduction efforts.

1. Waste Reduction Strategies
Case Studies in Waste Reduction
Presented by
Conestoga-Rovers & Associates
Mindy Tasich-Koyani
2014 Missouri Hazardous Waste Seminar
November 4, 2014

2. CRA Waste Reduction Case Studies
Some examples of how CRA’s Waste
Services group supports our clients with
waste minimization strategies:
 Haz Waste Minimization Practice in Field
 Petroleum Contact Water Reclamation
 Tank Sludge Oil Recovery and Treatment
 Path to Zero Landfill

3. Haz Waste Minimization Practices
 Monitoring well installation – field and
contractor guidance
 Well drilling utilizing grout - potential for
high pH sludge and water residuals
 Many monitoring wells are installed at
CESQG and SQG locations
 Prior to drilling project, CRA provides the
project manager and client with hazardous
waste minimization guidance

4. Haz Waste Minimization Practices
 Grout using a Tremie pipe instead of grouting through the
augers (as approved by the specific county)
 Mix limited amount of grout to avoid any excess
 Separate any solids in the decontamination water from
liquid
 Record pH of decontamination water once it is drummed
 Record pH of decontamination water prior to pick-up at
site
 Limit the quantity of decontamination water as applicable
to project to maintain CESQG or SQG status

5. Monitoring Well Installation

6. Petroleum Contact Water Reclaim
 Generation of water containing crude oil,
gasoline, jet fuel, or diesel products
 Characteristic concerns – flammability,
benzene
 Contact water is shipped as commercial
chemical product for reclamation
 Exempt from solid waste regulations per 40
CFR 261.2(c)(3)
 Same exemption applies to fuel product
impacted debris & absorbents

7. Petroleum Contact Water Reclaim
 Some states
regulate maximum
percentage of water
present as
requirement of
exemption – check
with MDNR for
guidance

8. Tank Cleaning Project – Oil Sludge
 Tank cleaning project at crude oil pump
station
 Original project estimated 30 roll off containers
 113 roll off containers of oily sludge generated
 RCRA hazardous for benzene
 Estimated T&D = $2.2M
 Alternative proposal to treat sludge on site,
recover oil and reduce waste generated

9. Tank Sludge On Site Oil Recovery
 First, completed bench testing to ensure
treatment process would be successful
 On Site Treatment Requirements (CA):
 Temporary Treatment Unit (TTU) Permit
 30-day extension for hazardous waste storage
 Contractor mobilized equipment and set up
processing in one week of permit approval
 Processed sludge and process water tested
non-hazardous (CA state regulated waste)

10. Tank Sludge Oil Recovery Impacts
 2,070 barrels of oil reclaimed from sludge
 Estimated value of $207,000
 Sludge volume reduced from 113 to 30 roll
off bins (75%)
 100% RCRA hazardous waste reduction
 Total T&D cost savings = $433,000
 Total cost savings (including oil) =
$640,000

11. Tank Sludge Project – Next Time
 Treatment directly from tank during
cleaning process
 Eliminates hazardous waste generation
 No TTU permit requirement ($12K savings)
 No storage issue
 Eliminates need for open top bin rental and
cleaning costs ($300K savings)

12. Tank Sludge Project - Photos

13. Tank Sludge Project - Photos

14. Path to Zero Landfill
 Audit current recycling and trash generation
 Verify effective container placement and
labeling
 Are materials handled from production to
proper disposition locations within facility?
 Complete landfill waste audit – dumpster dive!
 Create baseline in order to measure and
monitor improvements

15. Path to Zero Landfill, cont.
 Adjust recycling/reuse programs:
 Ensure containers are easily accessed by
employees
 Ensure containers are labeled – clear, color
coded, consistent throughout facility
 Transparent bags in multiple colors can help
with location and material type differentiation
 Ensure material handlers are trained and have
reference document
• Material type flow diagram

16. Path to Zero Landfill, cont.
 Waste Audit
 Conduct trash audit on site, or coordinate audit at
landfill or transfer station
 Measure trash constituents by volume/weight
 Develop base metrics and improvement goals
 Employee Engagement
 Ask for suggestions, implementation assistance,
establish incentives, and celebrate achievements
 Provide regular updates & make readily available

17. Path to Zero – Examples

18. Path to Zero Landfill, cont.
 US Zero Waste Business Council
 www.uszwbc.org
 Certification for Zero Waste Requirements
• 90% diversion from landfill/incineration for non-hazardous
wastes
• Zero Waste Policy in place
• Data documented for base year and on-going
monitoring
• Submit data to USZWBC annually
• Recertification every three years

19. Questions?
For additional information on CRA’s waste
minimization and zero landfill programs,
please contact:
Mindy Tasich-Koyani
317-291-7013
mtasichkoyani@craworld.com