Installation Restoration General Environmental Technology Development. Task 6. Materials Handling of Explosive Contaminated Soil and Sediment

Past practices at explosives manufacturing and handling facilities have resulted in contaminated soils and lagoon sediments. Treatment and handling procedures will result in numerous safety concerns due to the potentially reactive nature of these materials. This report discusses development of typical materials handling processes from removal of soils/sediments from a particular site to feed into a treatment of disposal process. Sensitivity testing was reviewed to enable recommendations for complete analysis of contaminated soils. Materials handling techniques, including state-of-the-art explosives handling and other adaptable solids handling techniques, were compiled into four application categories: excavation/removal, transport, conditioning/storage, and feed. This includes a process description, potential sources of ignition inherent to equipment operation, applicability of differing site characteristics, and possible design and operating modifications to reduce the potential for ignition. A protocol for handling contaminated soils and sediments was developed. Initially each site will undergo a detailed site categorization which will include site assessment, field sampling with chemical analysis, and a sensitivity testing program. See also Task 11, AD-B097 409.