44
RCRA RECORDS CENTER FACILITY G f fiRi^ji I.D NO.Kfr.Dooa ois Vo '•/ a PILE LOC. I- S OTHER 2I^Vr^ November 30, 1989 Mr. Anthony F. Palermo Environmental Scientist Toxic Substances Control Section U.S. Environmental Protection Agency J.F. Kennedy Federal Building Boston, MA 02203-2211 Ms. Joan Blake U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (TS 798; 6401 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20406 Re: Request for Permit to Perform Researcn and Development on a Biological Method of Elimination of PCBs from Sediments i«-7 - v -Woods—Pend;—Berkshire €otmtyy- MA , GE CERT-PFC01 Dear Mr. Palermo and Ms. Blake: Biological degradation is a potentially effective alternative to incineration in the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sediments and soils. General Electric proposes to explore this technology and to search for ways to increase its efficiency. The proposed studies would be conducted on a scale which mimics biodegradation as it r.ight occur in practice, but which allows control of the process variables in ways which approach that found in laboratory conditions. The Environmental and Facility Operation of General Electric, therefore, requests a permit to conduct a research and development project entitled GE BETS-RPOO|. The proposed project is described in detail in the attached supporting document. The main thrust of this project is to address the remediation of PCB-containing sediments or soils found in Western Massachusetts, but the results may well have broader implications. We would be pleased to discuss this project with representatives from Region I and/or the Washington office of EPA. SDMS DocID 000213343

RCRA RECORDS CENTER FACILITY G f fiRi^ji I.D … · RCRA RECORDS CENTER FACILITY G f fiRi^ji . ... 6401 M Street, N W Washington, ... We will be happy to supply any additiona informatiol

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RCRA RECORDS CENTER

FACILITY G f fiRi^ji ID NOKfrDooa ois Vo bull a PILE LOC I-S OTHER 2I^Vr^

November 30 1989

Mr Anthony F Palermo Environmental Scientist Toxic Substances Control Section US Environmental Protection Agency JF Kennedy Federal Building Boston MA 02203-2211

Ms Joan Blake US Environmental Protection Agency (TS 798 6401 M Street NW Washington DC 20406

Re Request for Permit to Perform Researcn and Development on a Biological Method of Elimination of PCBs from Sediments ilaquo-7 - v mdash -WoodsmdashPendmdashBerkshire eurootmtyy- MA GE CERT-PFC01

Dear Mr Palermo and Ms Blake

Biological degradation is a potentially effective alternative to incineration in the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from sediments and soils General Electric proposes to explore this technology and to search for ways to increase its efficiency The proposed studies would be conducted on a scale which mimics biodegradation as it right occur in practice but which allows control of the process variables in ways which approach that found in laboratory conditions

The Environmental and Facility Operation of General Electric therefore requests a permit to conduct a research and development project entitled GE BETS-RPOO| The proposed project is described in detail in the attached supporting document

The main thrust of this project is to address the remediation of PCB-containing sediments or soils found in Western Massachusetts but the results may well have broader implications We would be pleased to discuss this project with representatives from Region I andor the Washington office of EPA

SDMS DocID 000213343

Mr Anthony F Palermo Ms Joan Blake November 30 1989 Page - 2 shy

It should be noted that a concurrent request is being rade for a permit to conduct a research and development project entitled BETS RP-002 These projects are and will rerain distinct However both involve many of the same sites an materials and you may find it effective to consider ther simultaneously

We will be happy to supply any additional information need-and look forward to discussing this request as your deliberations go forward

Yours truly

Grant Bowman Manager - Environmental Engineering

Ijr

Enclosures

cc RF Desgroseilliers TO Rouse

REQUEST FTP FEFXIT TT FEPFCFM FESEAPCH AM) LEVELCF

CN A BIXOGITAL XETH3E TEFFAFIFM1 TF E L I X I N A T I C N

POLYCHL2FINATZD EIFHEfTLS FCBs FPOX SEnMENTS -NT

by

GENERAL ELECTF 100 ^oodlawn Avenue Pittsfield MA 012C1

Noveinber 2C 1989

Questions concerning this request should be addressed to TO Fouse ( 413494-3947 or GG Bowman 413 4Q4-OP

IJTCDJCTICN

II PROJECT rESCPIPTICN

1 E i o r e a r t c r

C Process Feed -tocts

T Process Aaste T i s p c s a l

in SAMPLING AD ANALYSIS

IV PPOJECT 2-ALITi ASSJFANCE PLAN

V PEPOPTS

VI SCHEDULE

Appendix A Center for Enviroi imentsi R e m e d i a t i o n

Acoendix B Jmvjeltschutz Nord Gmbh i Cc

rEQUEET TT FrFF_FM F^SEAFCH AlT ZEYELIF-E T IN A EICLDGIC-L vETr_I

TEKr bull-FT ~ bull F LIMIN-TCN ~ - ^ - ^-

TTTJT-V C-TT-

GENERftL ELECTRIC

100 VvoGdiawn Avenge

Fittsfield MA 01201

Biclgic3l remediation 13 a potentially attractive alternative ~o n c i - - r shy

processes - the e inrrt ion cf PCBs from sediments and soils In parti

ciclcsical treatment -ffers attracti-e possibilities for i --s

eiinnaticn Eefrre tue lability of 3 particular process can

in a fully engineered test dene in actual s-jrroirdirgs it is necessary tr rnshy

^jct research and development to I 1 shov that the particular process ^nder

consideration vail indeed eliminate PCBs frcrr the particular ratrix f concern

12) conduct parametric studies cf process variables to provide ^pti^ized rendishy

tions for efficient full scale testing and (3) evaluate the operational rrrshy

trols necessary for safe operation of the process and disposal of process

residues and products Much information on a process can be generated ~- ct-dshy

les in the laboratory However to evaluate the 1 tin-ate effectiveness and

rests f the process in a reliable vay in order to decide -nether to _rdert3-e

a full scale test and to then design a proper demonstration req_ires trat tne

process be examned at a scale intermediate cetweer that in the l^c and tr3t

the field In conventional chemical engineering terms the prccess mould ce

evaluated in a pilot plant

This document is a request to conduct P amp D at the pilot plant scale en the F-TE

elimination process described below It is requested that this permit be

granted for one year with the possibility cf renewal for one year This vork

would be done at the General Electric Center for Environmental Remediation Techshy

nology CCERT) facility located on East Street in Pittsfield MA r Appendix A 1

The responsible anacer is G Grant Bowman anager - Environmental E o

Pittsfield Area Environmental and Facilities ceraticr EFC - 413 4a4shy

-OCEpoundpound LESTFIFT ~i

yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

mdash 11 shy

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REQUEST FCR FEFMIT TC FERFCFM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ON A BIOLOGICAL METHOD f 7EREAFIFgt11 CF ELIMINATION CF

POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

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weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

Mr Anthony F Palermo Ms Joan Blake November 30 1989 Page - 2 shy

It should be noted that a concurrent request is being rade for a permit to conduct a research and development project entitled BETS RP-002 These projects are and will rerain distinct However both involve many of the same sites an materials and you may find it effective to consider ther simultaneously

We will be happy to supply any additional information need-and look forward to discussing this request as your deliberations go forward

Yours truly

Grant Bowman Manager - Environmental Engineering

Ijr

Enclosures

cc RF Desgroseilliers TO Rouse

REQUEST FTP FEFXIT TT FEPFCFM FESEAPCH AM) LEVELCF

CN A BIXOGITAL XETH3E TEFFAFIFM1 TF E L I X I N A T I C N

POLYCHL2FINATZD EIFHEfTLS FCBs FPOX SEnMENTS -NT

by

GENERAL ELECTF 100 ^oodlawn Avenue Pittsfield MA 012C1

Noveinber 2C 1989

Questions concerning this request should be addressed to TO Fouse ( 413494-3947 or GG Bowman 413 4Q4-OP

IJTCDJCTICN

II PROJECT rESCPIPTICN

1 E i o r e a r t c r

C Process Feed -tocts

T Process Aaste T i s p c s a l

in SAMPLING AD ANALYSIS

IV PPOJECT 2-ALITi ASSJFANCE PLAN

V PEPOPTS

VI SCHEDULE

Appendix A Center for Enviroi imentsi R e m e d i a t i o n

Acoendix B Jmvjeltschutz Nord Gmbh i Cc

rEQUEET TT FrFF_FM F^SEAFCH AlT ZEYELIF-E T IN A EICLDGIC-L vETr_I

TEKr bull-FT ~ bull F LIMIN-TCN ~ - ^ - ^-

TTTJT-V C-TT-

GENERftL ELECTRIC

100 VvoGdiawn Avenge

Fittsfield MA 01201

Biclgic3l remediation 13 a potentially attractive alternative ~o n c i - - r shy

processes - the e inrrt ion cf PCBs from sediments and soils In parti

ciclcsical treatment -ffers attracti-e possibilities for i --s

eiinnaticn Eefrre tue lability of 3 particular process can

in a fully engineered test dene in actual s-jrroirdirgs it is necessary tr rnshy

^jct research and development to I 1 shov that the particular process ^nder

consideration vail indeed eliminate PCBs frcrr the particular ratrix f concern

12) conduct parametric studies cf process variables to provide ^pti^ized rendishy

tions for efficient full scale testing and (3) evaluate the operational rrrshy

trols necessary for safe operation of the process and disposal of process

residues and products Much information on a process can be generated ~- ct-dshy

les in the laboratory However to evaluate the 1 tin-ate effectiveness and

rests f the process in a reliable vay in order to decide -nether to _rdert3-e

a full scale test and to then design a proper demonstration req_ires trat tne

process be examned at a scale intermediate cetweer that in the l^c and tr3t

the field In conventional chemical engineering terms the prccess mould ce

evaluated in a pilot plant

This document is a request to conduct P amp D at the pilot plant scale en the F-TE

elimination process described below It is requested that this permit be

granted for one year with the possibility cf renewal for one year This vork

would be done at the General Electric Center for Environmental Remediation Techshy

nology CCERT) facility located on East Street in Pittsfield MA r Appendix A 1

The responsible anacer is G Grant Bowman anager - Environmental E o

Pittsfield Area Environmental and Facilities ceraticr EFC - 413 4a4shy

-OCEpoundpound LESTFIFT ~i

yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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REQUEST FCR FEFMIT TC FERFCFM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ON A BIOLOGICAL METHOD f 7EREAFIFgt11 CF ELIMINATION CF

POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

REQUEST FTP FEFXIT TT FEPFCFM FESEAPCH AM) LEVELCF

CN A BIXOGITAL XETH3E TEFFAFIFM1 TF E L I X I N A T I C N

POLYCHL2FINATZD EIFHEfTLS FCBs FPOX SEnMENTS -NT

by

GENERAL ELECTF 100 ^oodlawn Avenue Pittsfield MA 012C1

Noveinber 2C 1989

Questions concerning this request should be addressed to TO Fouse ( 413494-3947 or GG Bowman 413 4Q4-OP

IJTCDJCTICN

II PROJECT rESCPIPTICN

1 E i o r e a r t c r

C Process Feed -tocts

T Process Aaste T i s p c s a l

in SAMPLING AD ANALYSIS

IV PPOJECT 2-ALITi ASSJFANCE PLAN

V PEPOPTS

VI SCHEDULE

Appendix A Center for Enviroi imentsi R e m e d i a t i o n

Acoendix B Jmvjeltschutz Nord Gmbh i Cc

rEQUEET TT FrFF_FM F^SEAFCH AlT ZEYELIF-E T IN A EICLDGIC-L vETr_I

TEKr bull-FT ~ bull F LIMIN-TCN ~ - ^ - ^-

TTTJT-V C-TT-

GENERftL ELECTRIC

100 VvoGdiawn Avenge

Fittsfield MA 01201

Biclgic3l remediation 13 a potentially attractive alternative ~o n c i - - r shy

processes - the e inrrt ion cf PCBs from sediments and soils In parti

ciclcsical treatment -ffers attracti-e possibilities for i --s

eiinnaticn Eefrre tue lability of 3 particular process can

in a fully engineered test dene in actual s-jrroirdirgs it is necessary tr rnshy

^jct research and development to I 1 shov that the particular process ^nder

consideration vail indeed eliminate PCBs frcrr the particular ratrix f concern

12) conduct parametric studies cf process variables to provide ^pti^ized rendishy

tions for efficient full scale testing and (3) evaluate the operational rrrshy

trols necessary for safe operation of the process and disposal of process

residues and products Much information on a process can be generated ~- ct-dshy

les in the laboratory However to evaluate the 1 tin-ate effectiveness and

rests f the process in a reliable vay in order to decide -nether to _rdert3-e

a full scale test and to then design a proper demonstration req_ires trat tne

process be examned at a scale intermediate cetweer that in the l^c and tr3t

the field In conventional chemical engineering terms the prccess mould ce

evaluated in a pilot plant

This document is a request to conduct P amp D at the pilot plant scale en the F-TE

elimination process described below It is requested that this permit be

granted for one year with the possibility cf renewal for one year This vork

would be done at the General Electric Center for Environmental Remediation Techshy

nology CCERT) facility located on East Street in Pittsfield MA r Appendix A 1

The responsible anacer is G Grant Bowman anager - Environmental E o

Pittsfield Area Environmental and Facilities ceraticr EFC - 413 4a4shy

-OCEpoundpound LESTFIFT ~i

yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

mdash 11 shy

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ON A BIOLOGICAL METHOD f 7EREAFIFgt11 CF ELIMINATION CF

POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

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5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

IJTCDJCTICN

II PROJECT rESCPIPTICN

1 E i o r e a r t c r

C Process Feed -tocts

T Process Aaste T i s p c s a l

in SAMPLING AD ANALYSIS

IV PPOJECT 2-ALITi ASSJFANCE PLAN

V PEPOPTS

VI SCHEDULE

Appendix A Center for Enviroi imentsi R e m e d i a t i o n

Acoendix B Jmvjeltschutz Nord Gmbh i Cc

rEQUEET TT FrFF_FM F^SEAFCH AlT ZEYELIF-E T IN A EICLDGIC-L vETr_I

TEKr bull-FT ~ bull F LIMIN-TCN ~ - ^ - ^-

TTTJT-V C-TT-

GENERftL ELECTRIC

100 VvoGdiawn Avenge

Fittsfield MA 01201

Biclgic3l remediation 13 a potentially attractive alternative ~o n c i - - r shy

processes - the e inrrt ion cf PCBs from sediments and soils In parti

ciclcsical treatment -ffers attracti-e possibilities for i --s

eiinnaticn Eefrre tue lability of 3 particular process can

in a fully engineered test dene in actual s-jrroirdirgs it is necessary tr rnshy

^jct research and development to I 1 shov that the particular process ^nder

consideration vail indeed eliminate PCBs frcrr the particular ratrix f concern

12) conduct parametric studies cf process variables to provide ^pti^ized rendishy

tions for efficient full scale testing and (3) evaluate the operational rrrshy

trols necessary for safe operation of the process and disposal of process

residues and products Much information on a process can be generated ~- ct-dshy

les in the laboratory However to evaluate the 1 tin-ate effectiveness and

rests f the process in a reliable vay in order to decide -nether to _rdert3-e

a full scale test and to then design a proper demonstration req_ires trat tne

process be examned at a scale intermediate cetweer that in the l^c and tr3t

the field In conventional chemical engineering terms the prccess mould ce

evaluated in a pilot plant

This document is a request to conduct P amp D at the pilot plant scale en the F-TE

elimination process described below It is requested that this permit be

granted for one year with the possibility cf renewal for one year This vork

would be done at the General Electric Center for Environmental Remediation Techshy

nology CCERT) facility located on East Street in Pittsfield MA r Appendix A 1

The responsible anacer is G Grant Bowman anager - Environmental E o

Pittsfield Area Environmental and Facilities ceraticr EFC - 413 4a4shy

-OCEpoundpound LESTFIFT ~i

yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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REQUEST FCR FEFMIT TC FERFCFM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ON A BIOLOGICAL METHOD f 7EREAFIFgt11 CF ELIMINATION CF

POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

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GENERftL ELECTRIC

100 VvoGdiawn Avenge

Fittsfield MA 01201

Biclgic3l remediation 13 a potentially attractive alternative ~o n c i - - r shy

processes - the e inrrt ion cf PCBs from sediments and soils In parti

ciclcsical treatment -ffers attracti-e possibilities for i --s

eiinnaticn Eefrre tue lability of 3 particular process can

in a fully engineered test dene in actual s-jrroirdirgs it is necessary tr rnshy

^jct research and development to I 1 shov that the particular process ^nder

consideration vail indeed eliminate PCBs frcrr the particular ratrix f concern

12) conduct parametric studies cf process variables to provide ^pti^ized rendishy

tions for efficient full scale testing and (3) evaluate the operational rrrshy

trols necessary for safe operation of the process and disposal of process

residues and products Much information on a process can be generated ~- ct-dshy

les in the laboratory However to evaluate the 1 tin-ate effectiveness and

rests f the process in a reliable vay in order to decide -nether to _rdert3-e

a full scale test and to then design a proper demonstration req_ires trat tne

process be examned at a scale intermediate cetweer that in the l^c and tr3t

the field In conventional chemical engineering terms the prccess mould ce

evaluated in a pilot plant

This document is a request to conduct P amp D at the pilot plant scale en the F-TE

elimination process described below It is requested that this permit be

granted for one year with the possibility cf renewal for one year This vork

would be done at the General Electric Center for Environmental Remediation Techshy

nology CCERT) facility located on East Street in Pittsfield MA r Appendix A 1

The responsible anacer is G Grant Bowman anager - Environmental E o

Pittsfield Area Environmental and Facilities ceraticr EFC - 413 4a4shy

-OCEpoundpound LESTFIFT ~i

yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

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yvELTSCHJTI NCPP G~bn ST f Zander --es-e IF NCRD as

TERRAFIFM 5IOSYSTEM SOIL a cclgicsi sil eoie-erjtcn etroo - 3 E 3 3

7ic_re Ii this process a soil to be treatec is analyzed or rcnto~i~5-t

contents nutrient 1 eve is and structure The nest appropriate prrcrarr for

contaminant degradation s selected after measurement of the enzymatic c^rrshy

cver potential the native microbial activity and the microbial -clonizati

Microbes adapted to the contaminants of concern are isolated fror me soil

Foreign objects are removed and the soil is pulverized and mixed with seeten

organic suostrate mineral nutrients and trace elements The soil is tnen culshy

tured with the adapted micrcoes and fungi while being intensively oersted

The ^rganic suostrate ~ a -xtue f partially fermented -_~rst - car-

otraw wood chips sawdust and otrer organ 10 wastes TKe ritrg-n - p-ocp-ate

balance f the nutrients is particularly i~portant in the degradatir -ydrcshy

carrocrs ther oxygen carriers such as nitrates or hydrcaen peroxide can re aoshy

ded n special cases The process takes place in a completely enclosed fer^enshy

tation reactor in which temperature and water and oxygen content together ~itr

nutrient levels and microbiai population can be maintained to select cpti-v

levels The TERRAFIFM process has been successfully demonstrated in Europe for

crude ciesel and aged oil spills in soils Hydrocarbon levels nave ree- reshy

duced from 20000 ppm and higher to lt1000 ppm in 15 to 14 weexs

Many studies have srown that complete biodegradaticn of mixtures f FC5s reshy

quires cooperation of several species of microorganisms requiring a range _ t

nutrient and energy sources Aerobic and non-aerobic conditions and water

content also must be regulated and possibly varied for rapid and complete PC3

degradation Inoculation of the soilssediments of ooncerr with specialzed

microorganisms alone may not be sufficient and the process conditions rust re

suitable for additional micrcnial activity Demonstration of praotcal ~-1~

bioremediation requires that this complex set of variables and then i-tepl=y

be optimized for any given soil or sediment Preliminary work by 3RT n o-e

soil matrix however has shewn that the TERRAFIRM method can ieduce FC5 levels

from 100 to lt1 ppm in 14 weexs in laboratory tests in percolating soil rcl^-rs

and from 10 to lt1 ppm in 26 weeks in field trials

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

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requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

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facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

The aoais it tis project 5re t estaci i te teasiDility ol removal -i PIE

rroin sediments and soi-pound ry trie TERRAFIFM Mietroo to evaluate tne erfeot L _shy

ress variables in a pilot scale cioreactcr and to make an estimate f --e

costs snd ctner factors affectina the application of this approach to practice

remediation This project is a joint undertaking by Nord and GE Nord w i l l _-shy

ierta^e responsibility for providing the reactor and control panel design

experiments and operation and sampling of the reactor during the experi~ierta

program and collection and analysis of the data ootained during cperatir 3E

CEPT vraquoill be responsible fr providing a properly monitored and controlled enshy

closed facility for operation of the pilot reactor and for its installation

and its removal [Figure 2 1 CERT will supply sediments or soils anc itner

nateriais required in the testing nd will provide for tne prorer rtorage

handling and disposal of process feed stocks and wastes Analysis cf PCBs - i l l

e done ~-j the Environmental Laboratory of Pittsfield GE vr i rh --11 ils

provide appropriately controlled laboratory facilities for Nord personnel to

perform microbiological and other process related studies

A Eioreactor

The pilot scale bioreactor [Figure 21 will be supplied by Nord and w i l l rcl_de

provision for aeration and heating and an instrument panel to control ard fsshy

play process variable levels This batch reactor can De filled with -12 m- cf

process feed stock and appropriate amounts of substrate nutrients and process

water Cperaticn of the reactor will be controlled by experienced no-legists

and eraineers from Nerd supported by trained GE personnel Installation mainshy

tenance and closure of the reactor and necessary services safety protocols and

spill prevention and control will be the responsibilities of CEPT ltAppendix A

and will follow the practices in place for handling PCB materials at the

Fittrfield GE plant

3 Process Variable Levels

Selection of the initial loadings for the reactor will be done by NOPD perrrrshy

nel based on the results of laboratory tests performed on each feed stocK The

choice of types and amounts of substrates and nutrients is the first task to De

completed in this study and it can only be made on completion cf the laooratory

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

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GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

tests It w^Ll oe fe -espcr-siti lity of NCRC oerscnnei to pertorT these a 2

any other tests except PCS analysis needed djrina the course f J i l o t t = stshy

ing fiord will provide the equipment for these tests and facilities ~r t-is

testio -s^ll be crovided in the Environmental Laboratory in the Pittsfielo 7E

plant Agair tre safety ard control procedures 1 rcrrral -re fe sr ~ _ 1

~pound C^ amp 1 Y i ri bullOC PQ 1 X ^

PCB levels and biological activity in the reactor will ne mcnitcrec o^nnc t-e

stjdy and moisture suDstrate and nutrient levels and temperature and ieoree

of aeration will be varied as needed to characterize the PCB remediation prcshy

ress for a given feed stock The response of bilgicol processes ~f -r type

to these ariables can be rather slow -^et 5 prirrary ooal of tris ot_oy to

-stanlish the Jepenoence f ate f PCE elirination on these variosl^s -fshy

tplusmnq_ate t~e to reacr this goal rust te provided It is planned therefore tnat

the pilot plant evaluation of a feed stock from a given site will oe continued

for no more than eighteen 118] months from its inception If effective evaluashy

tion of a given feed stock is completed in a sufficiently short ti-ne evaluashy

tion of a second and perhaps even a third feed will be undertaken Howeer

the total elapsed time for pilot plant evaluation of the NORD method will be

limited to eighteen months under this permit The permitting aceno pound ^11 ze

informed of any proposed changes in feed stock

1 Process Feed StocKS

Selection and supply of feed stocks for the process will be the responsibility

of GE CERT These will selected from sites in which GE has a specif ~ tecshy

est Attention will be concentrated initially on sediments and soils from

sites located in Western Massachusetts [eg Voods Pond - LenoxLee Silver

Lake Newell St - Pittsfield) and containing lt1000 ppm PCBs Vvater jsed i - crcshy

cessing will be that normally found with the specific feed stock Feed stocks

will be gathered using accepted methods and with all necessary approvals ard

permits Transportation to and storage and handling in CEPT facilites w

done using procedures standard for the Fittsfield GE plant Appendix A)

Should it become desirable to evaluate the application cf the TEHR~FIM

to feed stocks containing substantially higher PCB concentrations cr fror

- 4 shy

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

lying iJtside EPA Fegirn I the permitting organization s

oner to aathenra any material

Feed and waste stocks lor the pilot plant w i l l be monitored fcr FT3 a-c -r~

pollutant content and an input-output mass calance record for PCBs in the testshy

ing of the TERRAFIRM process will be maintained to assure that contr f itr

FCB inventory is reliable Storage handling and disposal proced_res zr

wastes from the rioreactor and laboratory tests wil l re based on their inishy

tial PCB classification and will re performed ry standard Fittsfield 3E ra~t

practices Appendix A In the event that the FCB level f the reartzr raquogtpoundbull e

is reduced to well below the 50 ppm level ry the oioremediati or rroressirc tne

perrrittina aaencvisi may De contacted about alternative disposal Dispose

wastes w i l l be completed within cne year of tneir removal from tne reactor

Disposal of surplus unused feed stocks will be completed within cne vear ~f the

charging of the reactor for their study

III SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Sampling procedures for the materials in the pilot reactor during testing w i l l

oe the responsibility of Nord personnel Sampling of feed reactant and waste

materials will be responsibility of CERT personnel Standard sampling proceshy

dures will be used whenever possible It may be necessary ^c ievelip rpecial

procedures for in-process sampling the reliability of these procedures wil l re

verified and documented

PCB analysis will be done in the Environmental Laooratory of the Pittsfield GE

plant using gas chroma tography with an electron capture detector Standard 2-~shy

and monitoring practices will be followed using appropriate method blanks

spiked duplicates NBS standards etc and standard recordkeepmdash ing procedure

will adhered to (Appendix A l It may be necessary to develop special techshy

niques for removal cf interferences and to obtain special standards fr rest

quantification for this study Proper analytical practices wil l re frllrvec

and reliability of any modifications will be verified and -documented Supervishy

sion cf the analytical portion of this project will oe the i-espcnc i bi 1 ty f

Dr V v i l l i a m A Fessler Manager - Environmental Laboratory E7O

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

mdash 11 shy

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

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weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

A quality assurance p^an for this project will oe prepared as

-he ~ET facilty ges forward It 1 ce c^c-itted ~c - ~ --bull

age ry s i refore experimental st_ciec cegin This plan wll addresc the ~=-s

listej -n Eectcn 420 f Drart jidelnes fcr Permit ccctcc r2

Demonstration Plans fcr PCE Disposal cy Non-tnermal Alternative wetrcds 3

EPA ^ua 21 1986 Those items having to do with the sampling and P B

analysis their verification custody and recordkeeping are addressed n the

present document in Section III and Appendix A Those items having to 3c with

operation of the experimental facility such as maintenance reliability and

corrective actions cannot be addressed in a credible way until the equcmet ic

in place and functionina

V PEPCPTS

Eeveal frms cf reporting are planned Single page reports will re issued ~~

note sqnificant events Regular reviews will be held to report progress a-d

plan further worx The permitting agencyls) will receive these reports ana inshy

vitations to these reviews A task report will be issued at the completic f

evaluation of the feasibility of this process for remediation cf feeci cttcshy

from each individual site Task reports will briefly summarize the level f

success of PCB removal in the test estimate the potential of the process for

remediaticn of that site and define any limitations n the process -hi c- bull-__

nave to re overcome fcr successful remediation of that site

A final report will be issued which describes in detail the operation cf the reshy

actor the procedures used to select and monitor the process parameters and

the handling and disposal of the materials and equipment uced in the project A

section of the report will be devoted to the results of the study of each feed

stock and will include an engineering evaluation of the process for that feeo

stock an estimate of the costs of remediation at that site and if approprishy

ate) an outline of a plan for the demonstration of the process at that site

This report will re issued within 90 days of completion of the project ard sill

be circulated to the permitting agencyis) and the participants in twe crc-e

VI ECHEDJLE

The schedule proposed fcr the plot plant study cf the Terrafirm crccesc s

-iv - rigure ee -jctncte he _rrea_ie mvc-ves tee ar

ertr te cern t d rrcimdashal irartinu rtecr ~ e fe~d rti~ bull i rj

and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

ot itiateJ y the -end zf 13C t vail re -ecersary ti

testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

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and he lot iilart rtudy itrelf Femcval if needed quantities f tied

recent f cm Woods Flint r-rjiier aprral ~c cermorirr f irr tne vrle

if Vater Filiation 31 ear vaters Art and f -aterways -aterways Art

ratlins fir these will be made early in 190 Stec -Fia 21

Removal f rediment an ^n^v e done ^jrira he perird if liw fliw

Housatrnic River ie from late spring ti early fall It is anticipated

all necessary permits and approvals needed for removina sediment from voods

Pone will have been obtained by the end of spring of 1990 and

fee rtcr fir -he i n i t i a l Terrafirm sturlv w i l l have reen rci^ov=

oirted ti tre CEFT faril-tv iy the end of the summer of 130 Stec

Therefore it is requested that a permit be granted which will allow

searcn project to start in October of 1990 (Step 13) Biological processes are

comparatively slow and substantial time may elapse while reliable results are

being obtained in this study It is requested that the duration of the permit

be twenty four months ending in the fall of 1992 Renewal of the permit will

be requested at the end of the first year of operation if necessary If it beshy

comes appropriate the bioreactor will be charged with fresn micrcbiai popjlashy

tions or sediments early in the second year of the project Arrangements to seshy

cure any new materials feg from Silver Lake Fittsfield VV will De mace curshy

ing the first year

Footnote 1 - Figure 1 shows the schedule planned for the TEERAFIRM prc~ert

and the preliminary steps leading to it A second and concurrent project

for the bioremediation of PCB containing sediments is described in the acrr-rmdash

panying Request for Permit to Perform Research and development in a

Biological Method of Elimination of Polychlormated Eipnenyls PCEs1 fro^

Sediments in Woods Pond Bershire County VA The schedule planned fir th

APRS project is also shown in Figure 1 The two projects are and w i l l re

ouite distinct However both involve many if the fame rites anj -E^enals

and the two schedules are shown together for the convenience of the reader

mitr1^ reo poundedire tpound c ~ Cj- - or ~ e j 12 rec 11r ~or poundr

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testing -t 1 the fall f 191 roer - e-ve ev 5ppi-5 -f ----are -~

tier - f te Fcrd and the Jelay f the -tart - the pr~ect y a year it shy

requested that a permit for the project be granted not later than July cf l9T

Step 1 1 1 Installation of the TEPPAFIFM test cay and reactor bull- tre ~ZF7

facility 12 also planned for mid-sumner iStep 121

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POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

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Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

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Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

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Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

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UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

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Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

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Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

REQUEST FCR FEFMIT TC FERFCFM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

ON A BIOLOGICAL METHOD f 7EREAFIFgt11 CF ELIMINATION CF

POLYCHLCFINATE2 EIFHENfLa PCEs) FPCM SEZIMEKTS AD poundC]

Appendix A

CENTER FOR ENVIRCMNENTAL FZMEDIATICN TECHNOLOGY

GFJNEKAL ELECTPIC CC ICO Vvooclsvvn -ven-e Pittsfieid MA C1201

11-1989

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

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GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

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Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

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Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

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3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Purpose A-

Section 2 shy Introduction A-I

Section 3 - Facility Description A-

Section 4 - CERT Description A-

Section 5 - Preparedness amp Prevention A-

Section 6 - Emergency Response A-

Section 7 - Security A-

Section 8 - Analytical Services A-

Section 9 - Quality Assurance A-i

Section 10 - Material Storage Ashy-

Section 11 - Waste Disposal A-

Section 12 - Safety and Training A-l

Section 13 - Decontamination A-l

Section 14 - Closure A-l

Section 15 - References A-l

Figures A-l - GE Pittsfield Site Location and Building Layout A-2 - CERT Facility Layout

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

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Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 1 - PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide information

regarding the Center for Environmental Remediation Technology

(CERT) where PCB RampD Processes will be located This Appendix

addresses each of the issues set forth by the Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) for TSCA Research amp Development (RSI

applications beyond those for the specific process description

and operation All the information contained in this Appendix

may not be specifically related to the particular system being

applied for in this RampD permit

CERT will be located within an existing building (Building

12) at the GE facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts The

facility and operations conducted within the facility area

designated for PCB RampD processes are based on GEs current PC-

management and laboratory practices GE has been at the

forefront in the safe handling storage and disposal cf PCBs

since the inception of TSCA

The TERRAFIRM process is a biological soil cleansing

technique which is expected to degrade PCBs in soils and

sediments The actual equipment and process are not expected

to pose any unusual risk to employee safety or the

environment The process attempts to enhance the degradation

of PCBs by microorganisms already present in the soils and

sediments These naturally occurring organisms do not pose a

hazard to human health or the environment if accidentally

released The operation of the process is similar to that of

municipal wastewater treatment and other decomposition

processes naturally occurring throughout nature

A-l

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

Generally the health and safety issues associated with the

TERRAFIRM process covered in this Appendix are those that deal

with training spill response waste disposal and

decontamination procedures Proper evaluation of this process

requires a properly equipped analytical and biological

laboratory and sufficient quality assurance procedures

particularly in regards to sterility and cleanliness of

sampling and analytical equipment The QA Project Plan will

emphasize these issues prior to commencement of operations

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

The CERT facility was conceived as a proving ground for

advancing remediation technologies of PCB containing materials

such as sediments and soils Current technologies are skewed

to PCB destruction by incineration an effective but costly

disposal method requiring disruptive removal and transport ~

materials Hence the primary goal of the CERT facility is tc

identify and promote non-incineration technologies which

provide onsitein situ treatment of PCBs contained in soils -=r

sediments- GEs extensive experience in the manufacture ard

use of PCB dielectric fluids prior to the TSCA ban and

subsequently the analysis of PCB containing materials and

remediation offers a unique opportunity to promote research c

environmentally acceptable and permanent PCB treatment regires

A-2

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 3 - FACILITY DESCRIPTION

The GE-Pittsfield facility encompasses approximately 2~Z

acres in Pittsfield Massachusetts Refer to Figure A-I for

site location and layout Several business components

including Plastics Aerospace and Transformer are locate

within the facility (Figure A-l)

PCB-related activities conducted at the GE facility

include long term storage area (Building 71) the Therrai

OxidiZer for the incineration of PCB containing liquids

(Building 60) a newly constructed state-of-the-art was tew at-

treatment facility for PCB removal (Building 64-T) and a

state-of-the-art analytical laboratory for PCB multi-media

analysis (Building 11) Refer to Figure A-l for locations ^

these operations

SECTION 4 - CERT FACILITY DESCRIPTION

GE has selected the west end of a five bay building

formerly used for transformer manufacturing operations

(Building 12) in which to locate the CERT facility It

occupies approximately 40000 ft in area Refer to Figure

A-2 for building design

Building 12 has been modified to provide a secure locaticr

and support services for up to five RampD operations Bench

andor pilot scale operations can simultaneously utilize common

storage laboratory emergency equipment and personnel

A-3

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

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28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

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5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

Laboratory space is located in Building 11 Each process 1_

operate independently with its own TSCA RampD permit GEs

current PCB management practices have been extended to inci^ae

the CERT facility

The CERT facility is designed to provide the following

functions programs and services to operators of the RampD

efforts Discussion of each is provided later in this

document

o Preparedness and Prevention Measures - Building design

and management practices to prevent a release of PCB

materials Refer to Section 5 for details

o Emergency Response - The GE facility SPCC plan has oeer

modified to address PCB releases at the CERT facility

Refer to Section 6

o Security - Measures taken at the CERT facility to

prevent unauthorized entry to the restricted process 2-

storage areas Refer to Section 7

o Analytical Services - GEs analytical support group i-

an onsite laboratory (Building 11) will provide state-

of-the-art analytical services Refer to Section 8

o Quality Assurance - Prior to startup GE reguires a

detailed and project specific QAQC plan for each RampD

program utilizing the CERT facility to ensure that all

operations are conducted in a prudent and

environmentally safe manner Refer to Section 9

o Material Storage - Long term storage provided in

Building 71 as currently permitted Refer to Section

10

o Waste Disposal - All PCB wastes and treated materials

will be disposed in accordance to 40 CFR Part 761

Procedures are described in Section 11

A-4

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

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5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

o Safety amp Training - An extensive training program is -

place to provide maximum classroom opportunities and en

the-job training to GE employees and contractor hanalir

or managing of PCB materials Refer to Section 12

o Decontamination - Procedures for periodic

decontamination of equipment and as a result of

emergency response are discussed in Section 13

o Closure - Procedures for partial closure at the

completion of an individual RampD process and full closur

of the CERT facility have been developed Refer to

Section 14

SECTION 5 - PREPAREDNESS amp PREVENTION

The CERT facility has been designed to maximize control cf

PCB materials during all RampD process evaluations Preparedres

and prevention measures have been incorporated into Building i

similar to those requirements for bulk oil storage under the

SPCC regulations in 40 CFR Part 112 Adequate containment

structures will confine all liquids No floor drains are

present in the buildings Individual processes may require

additional containment structures specific to the process

Fire extinguishers central high pressure water fire hose

suppression and alarm systems exist throughout Building 12 tc

provide instantaneous emergency response The fire alarm

system is designed to sound a horn for building evacuation as

well as to alert GE Plant Security The GE fire brigade and

Pittsfield Fire Department are available for response to fires

which cannot be controlled by portable fire fighting equipment

A-5

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

All the preparedness and prevention measures implemented by Jl

at the CERT facility are consistent with programs outlined ir

GE Pittsfields Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan and PCB

Compliance Manual

SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY RESPONSE

GE has an extensive PCB emergency response program

currently in place at their Pittsfield facility This prograr

has been extended to include all activities associated with the

CERT facility The facility is well equipped to implement the

emergency response protocols in the event of a release or

accident Decontamination equipment and spill containment

material are sufficient to contain the largest release frcr any

RampD process All storage areas will be adequately berred tc

contain a liquid release

The current GE SPCC plan has been modified to include the

CERT facility The plan and list of emergency equipment are

filed at strategic locations for review and quick reference

Any release of PCB materials will be promptly controlled

and remediated within 24 hours in accordance with 40 CFR Fart

761125 and reported to EPA as required

A-6

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 7 - SECURITY

An extensive security program to limit access to the

facility grounds and specific operation areas is in place

Visitors are not permitted to be unescorted within the CERT

facility Barriers have been installed within Building 12

with signs warning against unauthorized entry PCB signs arlaquo

posted at all entrances to the CERT facility Laboratories

restricted and locked during off-hours Doors and gates to H

CERT facility area will be locked during unmanned shifts

Access is restricted to personnel associated with the FSC

projects EPA and agency personnel registered visitors aru

security personnel Daily security patrols of the laboratcr

and CERT facility are conducted

SECTION 8 - ANALYTICAL SERVICES

The Environmental Laboratory in Pittsfield located in

Building 11 (see Figure A-l) has been conducting PCB analyses

for many years The laboratory provides compliance mcnitcrir

for the facilitys licensed PCB Thermal Oxidizer and the

wastewater treatment plants discharge permit Laboratory

personnel under the direction of Dr William Fessler have nad

extensive training in PCB analytical techniques and QAQC

procedures equivalent to those established by the EPA

Incorporated into this document by reference are the

laboratorys QA program and QC procedures for all aspects of

PCB handling analysis and recordkeeping

A-7

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

The extensive documentation used by the Environmental

Laboratory is sufficient to ensure accuracy and reproducibility

of the laboratory analyses The methods are equivalent to

those used by EPA or outside contractor laboratories As part

of its QAQC program GE regularly submits duplicate sarples tc

an outside laboratory for confirmation of results All QAQC

protocols implemented in association with a specific CERT

process will be included in reports submitted to EPA GE dees

and will continue to comply with all applicable record and

monitoring requirements promulgated in 40 CFR Part 761130

SECTION 9 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

GE recognizes the need to ensure prudent handling and

analyses of PCB materials to generate accurate and reliable

data In order to meet these objectives each RampD process

utilizing CERT facilities must implement procedures which

assure that precision accuracy completeness and

representativeness of its data are known and documented

Therefore during installation and prior to the start of

testing operations development of a specific QA Project Plan

for each RampD process is mandatory The Project Plan will be

prepared in a manner consistent with Section 420 of EPAs

Draft Guidelines for Permit Applications and Demonstration Test

Plans for PCB Disposal by Non-Thermal Alternative Methods and

address specific issues of each process which are not addressed

in the Environmental Laboratorys general QAQC program

A-8

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

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LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

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LLJ CO ZImdash

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CO

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LLJ LL CO

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 10 - MATERIAL STORAGE

PCB containing sediments and soils will be collected frcr

various sites in the Pittsfield area for treatment using the

RampD processes Possible sources of PCB materials will

include sediments from Woods Pond in Lee and Lenox

Massachusetts sediments from Silver Lake in Pittsfield

Massachusetts and soils from the Newell Street Property as

well as the GE plant site both in Pittsfield Massachusetts

All sample collection will be conducted in accordance with 31

applicable federal state and local regulations after the

required permits are obtained Transportation of the PCB

materials will be conducted by licensed hazardous waste-

transporters

Long term PCB storage will be onsite at Building 71 With

the exception of materials awaiting use in the RampD processes

no material will be stored at the CERT facility Building ~1

is the one year storage facility for GE PCB waste materials

SECTION 11 - WASTE DISPOSAL

All unused PCB containing soils and sediments generated n

the CERT facility found to contain greater than or equal to 50

ppm PCBs will be disposed in accordance with 40 CFR Part

76180

As noted above PCB liquids are incinerated in the onsite

Thermal Oxidizer (Building 60) Wastewater will be treated in

accordance with 40 CFR Part 76180 PCB solids are disposed a1

properly permitted offsite facilities

A-9

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

o _ UJ

iZ CO

z _J 2

C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

All RampD processes at the CERT facility are required to

maintain extensive records and mass balance calculations of a

PCB materials used Manifests logbooks etc as required by

applicable federal and state regulations are maintained at tr-

CERT facility and the Environmental Programs office

Offsite disposal of PCB solids may be handled by several

vendors Procedures for proper offsite shipment and disposal

of PCB wastes are incorporated by reference

SECTION 12 - SAFETY AND TRAINING

GE conducts a comprehensive Safety and Training Program as

part of its current hazardous materials handling and disposal

procedures which requires that all employees involved in CE

handling storage or disposal undergo extensive classrocr ard

on-the-job training This training covers all aspects cf

proper PCB management and safety awareness

All GE and contractor employees involved with PCB

management at the CERT facility will receive the training

outlined in the referenced program Until successfully

completing the training no employee will work in the CERT

facility unsupervised In addition each RampD process will

require that appropriate contractor and GE employees receive

training specific to that process At a minimum that trainin

will include safe operation of the equipment emergency

shutdown procedures and equipment decontamination

A-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

o _ UJ

iZ CO

z _J 2

C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

GE and CERT personnel will take all measures to ensure tha

the operation of any RampD process in the facility is in

compliance with all safety and health standards as required cy

federal and state regulations

SECTION 13 - DECONTAMINATION

All equipment associated with RampD processing will be

decontaminated in accordance with existing decontamination

procedures in GEs PCS Information and Compliance Manual

This manual was compiled to address health and safety

considerations and the requirements in 40 CFR Part 76179

Decontamination procedures for specific RampD equipment not

covered by the above referenced manual will be supplied as an

addendum to the manual

Decontamination procedures will also be used during clcsj

of a particular RampD process and the entire CERT facility

These procedures are outlined in the manual and an addenda

specific to the RampD process Decontamination solutions and

waste will be properly disposed

CERT personnel have extensive experience with PCB cleanup

of equipment to the levels of the TSCA spill policy cf 40 CFR

761123

A-ll

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

o _ UJ

iZ CO

z _J 2

C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 14 - CLOSURE

Procedures have been developed to address both closure cf

specific RampD processes and the entire CERT facility As each

RampD process is permitted partial and full closure procedures

for the process operations will be developed as part of the

permit application These procedures will be taken from

general facility closure tasks and those specific to the

process Once an RampD process is completed closure will be

implemented and completed within 90 days As part of the

aforementioned report to EPA after completion of process

activities the closure procedures and waste disposal will also

be summarized and include the necessary documentation and

manifests

Partial and full closure of the CERT facility will be in

accordance with closure procedures established for Building

71 Waste materials will be removed and decontamination of C5

exposed equipment and surfaces will be conducted Waste

disposal will be documented by internal recordkeeping and

manifests as required Sixty days prior to full closure cf the

CERT facility GE will notify EPA of its intent of closure A

summary report will also be submitted to EPA describing the

procedures implemented during facility closure

A-12

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

o _ UJ

iZ CO

z _J 2

C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

SECTION 15 - REFERENCES

The following is a list of the plans and procedures

currently in place at the GE Pittsfield facility that apply

the CERT facility and laboratory These procedures have bee

referenced in preparation of this Appendix

1) GE PCB Compliance Manual

2) GE Pittsfield SPCC Plan

3) GE Pittsfield Hazardous Waste Contingency Plan

4) Quality Assurance and Quality Control Prograr for

Analysis at the Environmental Laboratory

5) GE Security Program

6) GE Hazardous Material and Waste Training Plan

A-13

o _ UJ

iZ CO

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C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

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CJ

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LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

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REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

o _ UJ

iZ CO

z _J 2

C S _ il T- r- c

0 UJ x c O C z c

U- UJ Q ^

O H ^ o

LU lt t mdash CO

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

CJ

o Z o_l 3 COl

Q

GC O o

o cr h-O LU _1 LU

cc LU Z LLJ O

LLJ CO ZImdash

Oh-LU Z

CO ID LU

I O

Olt CO CO

CO

O

CJ

LLJ LL CO

LU Imdash

Q

o T = shy

c O

sect -o 3 I 3 deg shyg = lt 5O

LU ()

03 bullpound 3 ^ X

o

O LU

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

REQUEST FCR ERVIT TO FEPFCSM RESEARCH AJD rEVELCRME^

ON A EICLC-3ICAL METHOD (TERFAFIRr- F ELIMINATION TF

FOLYCHLOFIN-TEr EIFHEirLS i FCEs FCM SEDIMENTS ANT fI

Appendix 3

UMVvELTSCHJTZ NOPE Gnoh amp To

GENERAL ELECTRIC C 100 voc^l j^i Ave-i -e Pittsfieid MA

11 _ Q C G

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD (ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NORTH-GERMANY) is a private company and active in all fields of pollution control This includes long term clean-ups of soil air and water as well as emergency actions after accidents with oil or chemicals

Experience with the microbiologically based soil treatment method in ECO-PLUS BIOSYSTEM SOIL beds has demonstrated that continuous intensive management of the degradation process is necessary to provide rapid and complete contaminant breakdown

Thoroughly analyzing the to-date implemented so i l cleaning proshyjects identified the optimal conditions for achieving maximal deshygradation rates of various organic contaminants

The result of these optimizations is our

TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL

a biological soil regeneration method in which microorgan1 SIPS degrade he contaminants in a closed reaction room under conshytrol led conditions

The TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL is characterized by the f o l l o laquo i r a procedural parameters

- Separation and classification of the soil materials to be cleaned

- Homogenization and mixing of the treatment components - Control and regulation of the degradation process

during intensified fermentation

The cleaned soil again undergoes carefully performed chemica -degshybiological tests Along with the proof of lack of contaminants other soil characteristics are investigated such as grain s z humus content moisture absorption potential soil flora and na as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e the sence of weeds and its hygienic s u i t a b i l i t y for an approo^^ future a p p l i c a t i o n

B-l

Berqedorfer StraRe 49 2875 GanderKesee 1 Teieron (04222 C 1022- 027 Te efax 0-222 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

MICROBIOLOGICAL SOIL CLEANING WITH

TERRAFERM

BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

988 SCHHE

The bioremediation of contaminated soil by microbiological degradation depends on the ability of bacteria and fungi to utilize contaminants as sources of energy and nutrients It has been well documented that almost all organic toxins can be broken down to harmless substances by microbes

Large scale implementation of microbial cleaning techniques has been extreshymely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Further successes have been observed in the microbial degradation of aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons and polycylic hydrocarbons

The ecological advantage of natural soil regeneration via microorganisms lies in the superior end-product qualitylt produces a rich biologically active soil which is suitable for use in agriculture and gardens as landshyfill and noise barriers and for covering dump sites Therefore this type f pollutant elimination represents a veritable recycling of valuable res-sources in an ecologically and economically sound manner

The presence alone of microbes with the appropriate metabolic potentials is not sufficient to guarantee efficient soil regeneration The proper soil milieu is also necessary to assure quick and complete success

The most important factors for biological degradation are

- contamination concentration - contamination type - inhibitors - nutrients - oxygen - water - soil structure - temperature bull bull bull

B-2

Bergeaorfer StralBe 49 2875 Gandernesee 1 Teiefon (04222) C 1022-1027 Teefax CM222) 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

- e -Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

On-site and off-site microbial soil regeneration by the TERRAFERM intensishyfied degradation method is designed to optimize these environmental parameshyters Extensive preliminary work must be performed in biological and chemical laboratories to assure that these conditions can be maintained Details of these steps are summarized in the BIOTEST AND OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM The ground is analyzed initially for contaminant contents nutrient levels and soil structure Next the enzymatic turnover potential the actual microbial activity and the microbial colonization are calculated into a microbiological diagnosis Based on these results the most appropriate optimization program for maximal contaminant degradation can be selected and installed Simultaneously microbes specially adapted to contaminants are isolated from the soil carefully examined for suitability and used as appropriate in the optimization process

The sorted and classified soil is then subjected to extensive preparatory procedures Large stones and cement blocks are pulverized Organic subshystrates are added to improve the soil structure Mineral nutrients and trace elements are added to support the soil microbe population Finally the soil is cultured with the adapted bacteria and fungi under conditions of intensive oxygenation

The organic substrate consists of intermediately fermented compost of bark straw wood chips sawdust and ether organic wastes mixed together in a composter specially designed for this purpose

Minerals and trace elements serve to enrich and balance the nutrient levels in the soil The balance between nitrogen and phosphate is especially -shyportant for the degradation of hydrocarbons

Microbes which decompose contaminants belong to many different bacteria apd fungi groups Members of the genera Pseudomonas Arthrobacter Bacillus Alcaligenes Aspergillus and Fusanus often have this ability Aromatic hydrocarbons furthermore are attacked by species of Streptycetes and white molds

Oxygen is introduced to the system through intensive soil aeration Ir sreshycial cases other oxygen carriers such as nitrate or hydrccer-peroxiir - be added

Bergedorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 Telefon (04222) r t022-^27 Telefax 04222- 25 03

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

bull 3 - Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Use of the special shredder of the MAULWURF or MOLE type assures complete mixing and homogenization of the soil and added components This allows for complete and quick degradation of the pollutants Spots of extreme contashymination levels are thus reduced by this equalizing procedure so that leshyvels in the resulting mixture are low enough to allow immediate and consisshytent microbial degradation (see diagram)

The biological breakdown of toxins takes place in a totally enclosed dynashymic fermentation system in which all parameters such as temperature oxyshygen content nutrient levels and microbial populations can be maintained at their optimum levels Volatile pollutants are contained under a specially designed air-discharge biofilter Leaching water is avoided through carefjl controls and by preventing rain water from entering the system Thus the contaminants do not escape to the environment

The cleaned soil is then tested vigorously both chemically and biologicalshyly Aside from measurements of contamination other characteristics are measured such as particle size humus content water content potential soil flora and fauna (as well as the ability to support higher plant l i f e 1

the absence of weeds and its hygienic suitability for an appropriate future application

The entire process from collection of the contaminated soil to delivery or the cleaned soil is under constant biological and chemical supervisior This assures that dangerous residues are not forgotten and that the preshyscribed limits are not surpassed

Through appropriate initiation and constant maintenance of the proper i=shygradation conditions successful regeneration of contaminated soil via tre TERRAFERM method can be reached within 3 to 5 months depending on the type and amount of mineral hydrocarbon pollutants (see diagram The resishydual concentrations lie within the naturally occurring ranges

The rapid degradation process has decisive effects on the costs of soil cleaning Depending on the pollutant type and concentration the cos c this procedure lie between 60 and 150 Ston The space required cr this method is also minimal roughly 5 square feetton The specially descnei machinery is so rcbil^ that the method can be implemented at tr~ srill site or elsewhere

Microbiological on-site and off-site soil regeneration has thas neco~c an ecologically and economically sound method through the TERRAFEF BICSYSTEr SOIL The short tirre and small space required make it tne ideal ~et-od tcr cleaning a wide ranee cf organic pollutants

B-4

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH A CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

58880shyIf TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM-SOIL

45888shyDegradation of hydrocarbons

3588B-N

38B887

PPlaquo old h j d r o c a r h o n s 25886shy contaminat ion ( d r y b a s i s )

28888- crude oi 1

d i e s e l oi 1 15888^

18888shy

5888shyo rge t_ value

peak 8 12 15 IB 21 va lues

weeks

Soil preparation machinery in act ion

Bergeaorfer Strafle 49 bull 2875 Ganderkesee 1 bull Telefon (04222) C 10 22 -10 27 Telefax (04222) 25 03

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

3-6

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

A Unique Dry Bioreactor for Regeneration of PCB Contaminated Soil

Volker Schulz-Berendt UMWELTSCHUTZ NORD GMBH amp CO Bergedorfer Str 49 2875-Ganderkesee 1 West-Germany

amp

Thomas Lissner BIOREMEDIATION SERVICE Inc PO Box 484 Big SandyTexas Phone (214) 636-4146 Fax (214) 636-4160

Since 1975 Umweltschutz Nord is busy in the development and pracshytical application of techniques for the treatment of contaminated soil and water During these years research activities at laborashytory scale and field investigations were always combined with the transformation of its results into large-scale techniques By this a method for biological regeneration of contaminated soil the TERRAFERM BIOSYSTEM SOIL has been developed

Since the biological degradation of organic compounds leads to a valuable product which can fulfill its functions as soil again this is an ecological valuable method for the clean up of contamishynated sites

B-7

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 3 shy

Investigations with percolating soil columns in the laboratory and field experiments showed that microbial degradation of PCBs takes place under the following conditions

addition of an easily available organic carbon source (draff)

- low water content of the soil (60 of water holding capacity)

- changing oxygenic and anoxygenic atmosphere

By controlled process regulation PCBs were degraded from nearly 100 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 14 weeks in the laboratory and from about 10 ppm to lt 1 ppm during 6 months in the field

To optimize process regulation and by this to degrade high concenshytration of PCBs in polluted soil at a large scale a bioreactor was constructed This soil fermenter consists of a large tube with a lengths of 150 feet and 10 feet in diameter A large double-snail inside the reactor is used to fill and empty it and to move the soil during the degradation process With this soil reactor about 200 cubicmeters can be treated all at once

The surrounding conditons in the soil like oxygen-level moisture temperature or pressure can be adjusted exactly

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

Large scale implementations of microbial cleaning techniques have been extremely successful in the treatment of mineral oil spills Futher successes have been observed in the microbial degradation cf aromatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons

Although the capability of microorganisms to transform chlorinated organic molecules like PCBs exists in nature and has been demonshystrated by many laboratory experiments the following problems have not been solved to date

- large scale biological soil decontamination is not feasible with pure cultures

- combinations of different PCBs are only degradable by microbial

communities with a wide range of nutrient and energy sources

- the complete mineralization of PCBs includes the cooperation of various species of microorganisms

Thereby it is evident that microbial degradation of PCBs could not be established in soil by the addition of specialized microorgashy

nisms alone but that the environmental conditions must be suitable

for microbial activity too Different steps of the degradation

process are bound to different soil conditions A rapid and comshy

plete breakdown of PCBs therefore can only be realized by a regushy

lated change in soil conditions

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10

UMWELTSCHUTZ NORDGMBH amp CO

Sanierung von Boden und Gewasser

- 4 shy

Our next step in the development of PCB-biodegradation is the deshycontamination of a polluted soil with PCB-concentrations up to 2000 ppm By regulating the soil conditions in the large scale soil fermenter we expect to reach a PCB-level of lt 1 ppm within 6-8 months

Thereby the biological decontamination of PCBs in soil will become an ecologically and economically attractive alternative to other methods of disposal

B-10