ENV-99-175 Hazardous Waste Minimization

Description:

In September, 1995, Navajo Refining Company formalized a Waste Minimization Program (WMP) with an emphasis on minimizing listed hazardous waste sewer sludges as measured in the form of Oil Free Dry Solids (OFDS). The WMP consisted of identifying team members from each refinery department and defining plans and procedures to track progress on waste minimization goals, and to evaluate and implement waste minimization ideas. In the three years that the program has been in place, Navajo has reduced hazardous waste in the form of sewer solids by 35%. One of our more beneficial projects have been the use of “Sewer Inserts” in sewer boxes and will be the emphasis of this paper. Solids that are introduced into the refinery oily sewer system are considered to be listed hazardous waste when cleaned out from the sewers, separators, or other points of accumulation. Sewer Inserts were conceived by Navajo’s Waste Minimization Team to prevent solids from entering the sewer system. The inserts are fiberglass boxes that fit down into the sewer boxes and allow solids to settle while allowing water to flow over the top through a riser... This waste that accumulates in the sewer insert is then removed when the inserts are cleaned out. The solids can then be tested by the TCLP to ensure that they are not a characteristic hazardous waste. In three years, Navajo has seen significant reduction in the amount of hazardous waste produced. This is not only environmentally beneficial, it also has a positive impact on the profitability of the company.