Composting of Nitrocellulose Fines Regulatory and Logistical Feasibility BAAP Installation.

Abstract

The production of nitrocellulose for munitions purposes results in the production of nitrocellulose fines (NC fines). BAAP currently has stored approximately 500 tons of NC fines (dry basis). Composting has been evaluated as a means of managing these fines and yielding a nonreactive beneficial soil amendment. This paper summarizes the regulatory logistical and feasibility of the following end-use options for the finished NC fines compost: (1) land application (with harvesting) by the installation; (2) providing local farmers with compost as a soil amendment; (3) application for mining reclamation: and (4) disposal of the compost in a landfill. Mining reclamation was not logistically feasible. All of the end-use options were found to be feasible with regard to regulatory constraints. Because finished NC compost is not specified in federal or Wisconsin state regulations for solid waste, the nonhazardous nature of the compost needs to be assured through demonstration of nonreactivity and/or chemical content determination. Based on predicted compost application rates. the anticipated 450 tons/year of compost would require approximately 320 acres/year of land. Based on preliminary site selection criteria, these land requirements appear to he achievable. Total costs per ton of compost (including disposal) range from $3,030/ton for supply to local farmers to $3.250/ton for application by the installation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA311096

Entities

People

  • J. M. Savage
  • L. H. Myers
  • W. L. Lowe

Organizations

  • Weston Solutions (United States)

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ammunition
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Demonstrations
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Environmental Protection
  • Explosives
  • Materials
  • Materials Handling
  • Microorganisms
  • Moisture
  • Moisture Content
  • Nitrocellulose
  • Organic Compounds
  • Regulations
  • Solid Waste
  • Waste Disposal Facilities
  • Wisconsin

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Wetland-Land-Environmental Management.