Waste  Treatment 
Home
 

Waste  Treatment 
Overview
 

Solidification/  Stabilization 

Brownsfields 

Superfund Sites 

Resources 

FAQs 

Tech Support 

Stay Informed 

Radioactive 
Waste
 


Solidification/Stabilization
Waste Treatment Home >Solidification/Stabilization

Perhaps the most unique application of cement in waste management is for solidification/stabilization (S/S) treatment of waste. S/S treatment of waste involves mixing cement into contaminated media or waste to immobilize contaminants within the treated material.

Click here to preview a video on how S/S works - or download the Full Video (170MB) PC users right click on the link and select Save Target As... Mac users press and hold your mouse button down and select Download Link to Disk.
By mixing portland cement into a waste containing free liquids, the waste gains physical integrity or become more solid. The chemical properties of hydrating portland cement are used to lower the solubility of toxic contaminants in the waste and is some cases, to also lower the toxicity of a hazardous constituents.

S/S is used to treat industrial waste to make it safe for land disposal. S/S is also used to treat contaminated soil, sediment or sludge at clean-up (remediation) sites. At remediation projects, S/S treatment can be applied to a variety of contaminated media (ex. soil and sediment) with a variety of contaminants (ex. heavy metals, PCBs, and oil). S/S treatment can be applied to material excavated from the site or treatment of media in place (in-situ). In-situ treatment can have the added benefit of improving soil conditions for construction of structures and pavements.

EPA has identified S/S treatment as Best Demonstrated Available Treatment Technology (BDAT) for many Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous wastes. According to the EPA, solidification/stabilization (S/S) is the most frequently selected treatment technology for controlling the sources of environmental contamination at Superfund program sites. Over 25% of selected remedies for these sites include the use of S/S. Sources at these sites are often contaminated soils or sediments.

There are many advantages to using portland cement as a S/S binding reagent. First of all, portland cement is manufactured to specification, which ensures uniformity.

Also, its performance is proven and well-documented It has been used to treat waste in the U.S since the 1950's. Since then portland cement has been used to treat the greatest variety of waste than any other reagent.

And finally, cement is readily available in all parts of U.S. and Canada. It is economical and can be purchased in small or bulk quantities.

  • S/S Applications:
    • Brownfields Clean-up and redevelopment of contaminated industrial and commercial sites
    • Superfund Sites Federal program to clean up releases of hazardous substances at abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
    • Radioactive Waste Safe management and disposal of radioactive waste.
    • Federal Facilities Remediation projects conducted by Federal Agencies other than EPA.

  • S/S Technical Resources
  • S/S Frequently Asked Questions


  •  
    Careers | Sitemap | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | © 2008 Portland Cement Association - All Rights Reserved