Grantee Research Project Results
Alaska Hazardous Waste Management Feasibility Study
EPA Grant Number: EM840677Title: Alaska Hazardous Waste Management Feasibility Study
Investigators: Dotson, Aaron , Dev, Subhabrata
Current Investigators: Dev, Subhabrata , Dotson, Aaron
Institution: University of Alaska - Anchorage , University of Alaska - Fairbanks
Current Institution: University of Alaska - Anchorage
EPA Project Officer: Ludwig-Monty, Sarah
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Amount: $300,000
RFA: Congressionally Directed Spending (2023)
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Endocrine Disruptors , Land and Waste Management , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
This study addresses the critical issue of hazardous solid waste disposal in Alaska, where geographical constraints and environmental concerns have led to high transportation costs and environmental risks associated with shipping waste out of state.
Objective:
The project seeks to address four objectives. First, identify feasible in-state disposal options for hazardous waste in Alaska, specifically focusing on potential locations along the rail-belt corridor. This objective includes a comprehensive evaluation of site suitability, logistical considerations, and an analysis of the permits required for such facilities, along with their associated costs. Second, develop a conceptual design for the hazardous waste treatment and disposal facility. This design will encompass various aspects, such as site layouts, liner design, leachate collection systems, and the provision of rough cost estimates covering construction, operation, and maintenance. Third, address public perception and the political landscape that surrounds hazardous waste disposal in Alaska. To do so, we will identify strategies for handling community concerns conducting interviews with key stakeholders where necessary. Lastly, we aim to conduct a comparative analysis evaluating identified in-state disposal alternatives against the backdrop of the current out-of-state disposal practices. It will encompass a range of metrics, including transportation emissions, costs, and environmental impacts.
Approach:
Our approach to accomplishing these objectives is guided by a structured methodology. For the first objective, we will assess potential in-state locations along the rail-belt corridor, considering environmental and logistical factors. Simultaneously, we will delve into the permitting process, closely examining the permits required and their associated costs. For the second objective, we will craft a conceptual design for the hazardous waste facility, drawing from industry best practices. We will explore up to three potential site layouts and generate preliminary cost estimates encompassing construction, operational costs, and closure-related expenses. To address the third objective, we will envision a public engagement plan designed to tackle public concerns and perceptions head-on through community outreach initiatives. This will include conducting interviews and surveys with key stakeholders. Finally, for the fourth objective, we will conduct a comparative analysis. To accomplish this, we will compare in-state disposal options with existing out-of-state practices, closely scrutinizing key metrics such as transportation emissions, overall costs, and environmental impacts. The data gathered from objectives one and two will play a pivotal role in informing this comparative analysis.
Expected Results:
Upon the successful completion of this study, we anticipate a range of outcomes. Firstly, we expect to identify up to three viable in-state hazardous waste disposal options, accompanied by preliminary specifications, operational plans, and cost estimates for each option. Furthermore, our study will yield a comprehensive report on public engagement and the political landscape, outlining opportunities and barriers while offering strategies for addressing public concerns and gaining community support. Additionally, we will produce a detailed conceptual facility design and rough cost estimates covering construction, operation, and closure. Lastly, we will deliver a comparative techno-economic analysis, offering insights into the feasibility of in-state disposal alternatives compared to out-of-state practices. This analysis will include a comprehensive evaluation of crucial metrics, such as transportation emissions, costs, and environmental impacts. In sum, these expected results are poised to provide valuable insights into the viability of in-state hazardous waste disposal in Alaska and its potential benefits, ultimately contributing to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective waste management practices in the region.
Supplemental Keywords:
chemicals, toxics, PAHs, PCBs, Dioxin, metals, heavy metals, solvents, organics, DNAPL, NAPL, regionalization, sustainable development, waste reduction, waste minimization, environmental engineering, social science, surveys, interviews, Alaska, EPA Region 10Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.