Abstract |
The U.S. EPA has used Method 9090 for evaluating the chemical resistance of geosynthetics in hazardous waste land disposal facilities since the implementation of RCRA. This evaluation has been required for each unit within each facility. Although method 9090 should have been used, a variance was granted if the owner/operator could demonstrate that the incoming waste stream characteristics had not changed and that the geosynthetic materials were essentially the same. To demonstrate the geosynthetics were essentially the same a 'fingerprint' was required. The Agency developed a series of recommended tests for fingerprinting each type of geosynthetic material. The paper will present a discussion on the status and future of chemical resistance testing and U.S. EPA Test Method 9090, and the relationship between fingerprinting and chemical resistance testing. |