A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
PCBs in sealants in water distribution reservoirs
Disposal of PCB‐laden caulking material turned into a headache for East Bay MUD.
In a routine response to taste and odor complaints, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) drained and cleaned a 65‐mil‐gal reinforced‐concrete reservoir used to store treated water. The polysulfide caulking material used to seal joints between floor panels was in poor condition and required replacement. The deteriorated caulking was analyzed to determine whether it would require special handling before disposal. Analyses indicated that the caulking contained about 20 percent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Tests confirmed that the caulk did not pose a threat to drinking water quality; however, it was inappropriately released to a nearby drainage course, thus contaminating soils. EBMUD is completing a $2‐million remediation and restoration of the drainage course and is investigating PCBs in sealants in all its distribution system reservoirs. Unless disposed of properly, the PCB‐laden sealants pose a tremendous liability for EBMUD and for other water utilities with similar facilities.
PCBs in sealants in water distribution reservoirs
Disposal of PCB‐laden caulking material turned into a headache for East Bay MUD.
In a routine response to taste and odor complaints, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) drained and cleaned a 65‐mil‐gal reinforced‐concrete reservoir used to store treated water. The polysulfide caulking material used to seal joints between floor panels was in poor condition and required replacement. The deteriorated caulking was analyzed to determine whether it would require special handling before disposal. Analyses indicated that the caulking contained about 20 percent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Tests confirmed that the caulk did not pose a threat to drinking water quality; however, it was inappropriately released to a nearby drainage course, thus contaminating soils. EBMUD is completing a $2‐million remediation and restoration of the drainage course and is investigating PCBs in sealants in all its distribution system reservoirs. Unless disposed of properly, the PCB‐laden sealants pose a tremendous liability for EBMUD and for other water utilities with similar facilities.
PCBs in sealants in water distribution reservoirs
Sykes, Richard G. (author) / Coate, Alex R. (author)
Journal ‐ American Water Works Association ; 87 ; 96-100
1995-04-01
5 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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