State University System of Florida
Florida Center for Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
PROJECT SUMMARY
Objectives:
The general objective of this study is to formulate recommendations for the reuse of sediments from stormwater retention systems and street sweepings, based on new physical and chemical data for these sediments and in light of the applicable environmental regulations. The specific objectives of the study are: (1) to generate a GIS-based database of stormwater retention systems and street sweeping routes in Escambia County, (2) to determine physical and chemical characteristics of sediments from stormwater retention systems and street sweepings, (3) to verify the effects of land-use on the chemical and physical characteristics, (4) to ascertain the effect of the clean-out history of the stormwater retention systems and street sweeping frequency on the chemical and physical characteristics, and (5) to identify and evaluate potential reuse options for the sediments.
Methodology:
The GIS database will be used to identify sampling locations in function of local land use and clean-out history/sweeping frequency. County personnel will assist us in extracting and homogenizing sediments from stormwater retention ponds, swales, and street sweepings. We believe that this close cooperation with the county will produce samples that are fully representative of the sediments they extract under normal working conditions. In lab we will use standard EPA procedures to analyze for metals, including the eight RCRA metals, aluminum, antimony, beryllium, copper, nickel, sodium, thallium and zinc, and for two nutrients, total nitrogen and phosphorous. The physical characteristics, particle size and total solids, will be determined with conventional USDA methods. Potential reuse options will be identified by a survey of solid waste managers in Northwest Florida and will be evaluated against applicable environmental regulations, including the recently promulgated brownfield cleanup standards.
Rationale:
Local government must dispose off, or reuse, materials extracted from stormwater management systems and street sweepers. Currently, most of these materials are reused as daily cover in landfills. Since this is not a preferable reuse, alternative reuse options have to be identified. This study will formulate recommendations for those alternative reuses for use by local government agencies.
Accomplishments:
The Department of Environmental Studies, under leadership of Dr. Droubay, is heavily involved in Brownfields development projects and regional solid waste management issues.