Evaluation of Road Base Material Derived from Tank Bottom Sludges

EPA Grant Number: R827015-01-0
Title: Evaluation of Road Base Material Derived from Tank Bottom Sludges
Investigators: John N. Veenstra, Dee Ann Sanders, Donald R. Snethen
Institutions: Oklahoma State University
EPA Project Officer: Bala Krishnan
Project Period: July 23, 1999 to June 22, 2000 (N/C Ext. to December, 22 , 2000)
Project Amount: $70,556
Research Category: Beneficial use of waste products

Description:

REPORTING PERIOD: Aug. 23 - Nov. 23, 1999

 

  1. Five tank-bottom sludge samples have been collected from field sites in Garfield, Beaver, Woods, and Okmulgee Counties in Oklahoma. Five additional sludges will be necessary to complete the protocals outlined in the project. These additional tanks cover oil production facilities in the southwest and southern portion of Oklahoma. Upon the advice of Dr. Susan Pfiffner of the IPEC Scientific Advisory Committee, an amended Health and Safety Plan is currently under preparation to cover tank sampling. The plan will be reviewed by a CIH prior to any more sampling being accomplished; the revised H&S plan will be sent to IPEC as soon as it is available (before 1 December 1999).
  2. Preliminary testing has begun on the sludges to characterize primarily physical properties. Chemical testing of sludges will begin after all ten test sludges are obtained. Some trial road base mixes with the project soils have been prepared to develop some experience with handling and preparing test specimens of the sludge-treated soils.
  3. Five granular soil blends were tested, classified, and compared to ten published gradation limits for soil asphalt applications. Based on tested soils' gradation characteristics, two samples were selected for use with the overall testing program: a well graded, rounded, fine to medium sand with silty fines; and a well graded, angular medium to fine, silty sand with some fine gravel.
  4. A sample of CMS-1 asphalt emulsion was obtained from Koch Asphalt to provide the baseline stability properties of the soil asphalt mixtures. Test specimens (three) were molded at four asphalt emulsion contents for both selected soil samples. Test specimens were cured, tested for volumetric properties, then tested for stability.

 

PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER:

Complete a revised Health and Safety Plan

Complete field sampling.

Complete material testing and begin the optimization studies of the road base mix.

Perform environmental analyses on tank bottoms; begin analyses on road base test specimens.