HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-12-23 92-62 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACTION
Item No. 92-62
Date December 18, 1991
Item/Subjectz Resolve - Authorizing Real Estate Negotiations with
Nein Biowaste Associates.
Responsible Department: Community and Economic Development
Commentary:
The proposal by Nein Biowaste Associates (MBA) has been presented
to the City Council at two workshop sessions. The attached Resolve
would officially authorize City staff to enter into negotiations with
MBA regarding land at Bankir Industrial Park as a site for the
proposed bio -medical waste incinerator. The Resolve includes several
general conditions which would guide such negotiations. The Resolve
would also authorize MA to identify BanAir Industrial Park as a site
for the purposes of submitting preliminary air quality modeling data
to the Maine Department Environmental Protection.
It should also be noted that this Resolve does not commit the City
of Bangor to approving the results of such negotiations. It should
also he noted that the proposed incinerator would require conditional
use approval through the City's Land Development Code (including a
public hearing) and various permits from DEP. Attached are
informational materials and a report from the Staff/Council team which
has been investigating the proposal.
De aztment Head
Manger's Commentsi
awd
City Manager
Associated Informations' �d,���.U-Vw
Finance Director
Solicitor
X assage 21
_First Reading Page 1 of
Referral
92-62
AssignedCouncilor Semi, December 23, 1991
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.)¢BDIU¢F.....Ancharizing.Beal..Eacaze...tte9eclatA.ans_with ......... _...... _....
BY use GW CounnU of the City ofBansor,
ABSOLVED,
WHEREAS, Baine Biowaste Associates has approached
the City of Bangor about the potential lease or purchase of land
in BanAIr Industrial Park for the purpose of constructing a
biomedical waste incinerator; and
WHEREAS, BanAir Industrial Park is sorted as an
Urban Industry District which permits incineration of waste
material as a conditional use; and
WHEREAS, the proposed incinerator would support
the areae medical industry by providing a competitively, priced
and stable solution for disposing of biomedical waste.
BOF], THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City
Council does hereby authorize City Staff to negotiate with Raine
Biowaste Associates regarding the lease or purchase of Clty-owned
land at BanAfr Industrial Park. Such negotiations shall include
conditions which address issues such as3
1. prohibiting the facility from accepting
out-of-state waste;
2. requiring that all facilities be fully
taxable or make full payments in lieu of
taxes;
3. providing the City authority to review and
approve site and facility design;
4. providing the City access to records and
information regarding transportation handling
and incineration of biomedical waste;
5. requiring City approval of future expansion
of the facility or changea in material to be
incinerated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the City Council
authorises Maine e£owaste Associates to identify Bankir Industrial
Park as a site for the purposes of submitting a draft air quality
modeling protocol to the Heine Department of Environmental
Protection.
In City Council December 23,1991
passed
Vote 4yas,2 noel abstained -.ems
2 Absent
Voting Yes Bragg,Cohen,Saxl
Soucy
Voting No Elanchette,Franksl
Absent Baldacci,Stone
i
ty Cle
92-62
RESOLVE
Authorizing Real Estate Negotiations
with Maine Biowaste Associates
REPORT OF
MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATOR
REVIEW TEAM
A. ON -SITS VISITS
In late October, the team traveled to New Hampshire to visit
two incinerators. The following will highlight each visit.
Elliot Hospital
Manchester. New Hampshire
- 350 bad facility
- 2 year old fixed hearth system
- capacity of 680 lbs. per hour
- no scrubber or bag house
- 100' stack
- primarily handled in-hospital waste but also takes waste
from smaller facilities.
- 408 of material burned was red bag waste
- hospital located in residential area
- initial problems with soot after start-up
- adjustments made and problem cleared up -.
- heat recovery was important
- ash is 108 of Volume
- burns 8 hours a day
- shut down 1 day per week
Comments
- seemed to be fairly low tech operation
- New Hampshire regulations apparently not as stringent as
Maine i.e. no scrubber requirements
- Mode Island Hospital
providence
- 1,000 bed facility in generally residential area _
- rotary kiln system approximately 7 years old
- capacity of 10333 lbs. per hour
- screw feed -
- 1001 stack
- burned in-house medical waste exclusively
- heat recovery boiler
- scrubber system
- ash is 58 of volume
- shuts down 2 days, every 3 weeks for maintenance
- 3 day storage capacity on-site
Commenta
- need for operational capabilities was emphasized
- hospital officials indicate there was no ongoing monitoring
system by the State.
- ram feed recommended
- fiberglass stack is important
wastewater should be checked for heavy metals
- rotary kiln seems to be more appropriate technology
B. DISCUSSIONS WITH REGULATORY OFFICIALS. - --
New Hampshire - Nanchesten City Health Officers
confirmed incinerator had start-up problems because of
burner imbalance.
- soot - visual
- problems ironed out now - no complaints in last year
- thought astand-alone, regional facility in an industrial
setting was a great idea.
Rhode Island - Providence Code f G
- was not aware of any problems
Rhode I d Department Of Environmental
- no problems
- they monitor
if built today, there would be additional air pollution
control equipment.
C. METING WITH DNP STAFF
- see summary of regulations
- concerns with small generators
- refrigeration required within 24 hours
- any shutdowns must be reported -
- 2 licenses - air emissions
- biomedical waste treatment facility license
- license would only be to burn biomedical waste
- 'best available technology required
- self -reporting of violations required
- inspectors based inBangor
- air quality inspection at least once every 2 years. -
- Biomed division will inspect annually
- only concern was the capacity of the proposed .facility and
whether there was sufficient demand. --
PROPOSAL BY MAINE BIO -MEDICAL WASTE ASSOCIATES
SONWARY OF INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITIES
Councilor Jane Seal, Jim Ring from the Engineering Department
and Nen Gibb from the Department of Community and Economic
Development have been reviewing the proposal from Maine
Bio -Medical Waste Associates to develop an incinerator at Ban
Industrial Park. This review has been based on two major factors:
1. Real Estate Decision - As a landowner, should the City of
Bangor make land at BanAir Industrial Park available for
this proposed use?
2. Land Use Decision - net are the environmental (air
quality, traffic, noise, safety) issues related to the
proposed project?
In order to examine these and other factors, the review team
has been involved with the following activities.
1. The team traveled to Ranchester, New Hampshire and
Providence, Mode Island to visit similarly aazed
bio -medical waste incinerators. The facility located at
Eliot Hospital in Manchester was somewhat smaller in
capacity than the proposed project in Bangor while the
Mode Island hospital facility was slightly larger.
At each location, the team toured the facilities and met
with operators in order to understand the mechanics of
the incineration operation and to identify important
issues.
2. Following the visit, City staff talked with
representatives of local and state regulatory agencies in
Hew Hampshire and Mode Island.This was designed to
follow-up on discussions with facility operators.
3. The review team met with WEA representatives to discuss
their proposalandto address questions/issues arising
from the on-site visits.
4. The review team traveled to Augusta for a meeting with
the Air Quality Bureau and Bureau of Hazardous Materials
and Solid Waste Control of DEP. At this meeting, the
team reviewed with DEP Staff, the provisions of Maine's
Bio -Medical Waste Management Mies.
REPORT OF
MEDICAL WASTE INCINERATOR
REVIEW TEAM
A. ON-SITE VISITS
In late October, the team traveled to New Megabits to visit
two Incinerators. The following will highlight each visit.
Elliot Hospital
Eanchester. New H h' -
- 350 bed facility
- 2 year old fixed hearth system
- capacity of 680 Its. per hour
- no scrubber or bag house
- 100' stack
- primarily handled in-hospital waste but also takes waste
from smaller facilities.
- 408 of material burned was red bag waste
- hospital located in residential area
- initial problems with soot after start-up
- adjustments made and problem cleared up
heat recovery was important
- ash is 108 of volume
- burns 8 hours a day
- shut down 1 day per week
Comments
seemed to be fairly low tech operation
- New Hampshire regulations apparently not as stringent as
Maine i.e. no scrubber requirements
Rhode Island Hospital
Prnv'dence
- 1,000 bed facility in generally residential area
- rotary kiln system approximately 7 years old
- capacity of 1,333 lbs. per hour
- screw feed
- 100' stack
- burned in-house medical waste exclusively
- heat recovery boiler
- scrubber system
- ash is 5% of volume
- shuts down 2 days, every 3 weeks for maintenance
- 3 day storage capacity on-site
consents
- need for operational capabilities was emphasized
- hospital officials indicate there was no ongoing monitoring
system by the State.
- ram feed recommended
- fiberglass stack is important
- wastewater should be chocked for heavy metals
rotary kiln seems to be more am
propriate technology
_i
2. .. {
a
B. DISCUSSIONS WITH REGULATORY OPFICIALS
New Hamvshire - Manchester City HealthOfficer:
- confirmed incinerator had start-up problems because of
burner imbalance. -
- soot - visual
- problems ironed out now - no complaints in last year
- thought a stand-alone, regional facility in an industrial
setting was a great idea.
Rhode Island - Providence Code f
- was not aware of any problems
Rhoda Island DeDdrtopnt Of Envirantental Na
- no problems Y
- they monitor
if built today, there wvuld'be additional 'air pollution
control equipment
C. MEETING WITH DR? STAP£
- see summary of regulations
- concerns with small generators
- refrigeration required within 24 hours _
- any shutdowns meet be reported -
- 2 licensee - air enissiova
- biomedical waste treatment facility license
- license would only be to burn biomedical waste
- 'best available technology,,- required -
- self -reporting ofviolationsrequired
- inspectors based in Bangor
- air quality inspection at least once every 2 years
- Biomed division will inspect annually
- only concern was the capacity of the proposed facility and
whether there was sufficient demand.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the City proceed with negotiations with -
Maine Bio -Waste Associates for the following reasons.
* proposed site is in an industrially zoned area. The size
and scope of the proposed operations should be compatible
with neighboring industrial uses.
* the proposed site is a significant distance from existing
development. The nearest residential site is about 800
feet away and upwind. Existing Industrial operations at
BanAir Park are approximately 1,000 feet away. The nearest
large scale residential area is approximately 1 mile in
distance.
the proposed site is well served by I-95 and Route 2,
thereby providing excellent access for trucking purposes.
* the State of Maine has extensive regulations which address
the transportation and handling of bio -medical waste and
-air quality Issues.
+ siting a stand-alone regional facility in an industrial
area is a preferred solution to on-site incineration at
facilities adjacent to residential areas or the cost and
unreliability of shipping waste out of state.
* the .proposed facility will support the City of Bangor's
largest employment sector. In addition to Saint Joseph
Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center, other health
care operations will be users of this facility.
• siting the facility on land owned by the City of Bangor
will enable the City to place additional restrictions on
the proposed operation which would not be possible if the
project was located on private land in Bangor or in an
adjacent casuunity (see proposed conditions).
POTENTIAL CONDITIONS REMANDING
THE LEASE OR SALE OF LAND IN
BANAIR INDUSTRIAL PARK
TO MAINE HIO -WASTE ASSOCIATES
* City has final approval for all site development standards
such as building design, setbacks, landscaping, stack height,
etc.
* No out-of-state waste shall be accepted at the facility.
* Facility shall only accept bio -medical waste unless otherwise
approved by the City of Bangor.
* Upon request, operators of the facility shall submit to the
City all records and infovation which is submitted to any -
regulatory agency. Examples include manifest records,
sarious reports, self notice of regulatory violations, and
hutdown notices.
+ The facility shall be limited in sive to the original
approved capacity unless otherwise approved by the City of
Bangor.
* All waste materials shall be contained and transported in
rigid containers.
* All approved and future development related to the
incinerator must be fully taxable or make payments in lieu of
taxes in an amount equal to full taxable value.
The City and NBA shall develop an agreement regarding the
on-site storage and refrigeration of waste materials..
* Pretreatment of wastewater may he required.
14igmoxys.`
OF I
g DEP ISSUE PROFILE
=a Biomedical Waste Management Rules
@01 OF*
revised: July 1991 contact: (267) 289-2651
------------------------------------ ---
-
Background
Maine's new Biomedical Waste Management Rules became effective on
January 1, 1991. The rules were developed as a result of legislation responding to
concerns about the potential public health and environmental hazards posed by
biomedical waste.
The rules identify biomedical waste subject to regulation; require the registration
of biomedical waste generators; and establish minimum standards for packaging,
labeling, handling, storing, transporting, treating, and disposing of biomedical
waste. In adddition, they specify facility siting, operating, and reporting
re tutrements and establish a biomedical waste tracking, or "manifest;' system.
W hat is biometbeal waste?
The rules describe seven categories of biomedical waste:
1. Discarded human blood, blood products, and body fluids that me removed
during surgery, autopsy, obstetrics, emergency care, or embalming;
2. Waste saturated with human blood, blood products, or body fluids. The intent
of this category, is to include waste generally associated with acute care
facilities. It is not intended to include small bandages and gauzes generated
at doetme' or dentists' offices;
3. Human pathological waste including tissues, organs, and anatomical ports
discarded from surgery, autopsy, obstetrics, and laboratory procedures;
4. Discarded "sharps" used in patient, animal, or cadaver care or in medical and
biomedical research laboratories. Sherpa are objects capable of causing
puncture wounds or cuts and include items such as hypodermic needles,
syringes, scalpel blades, capillary tubes, and lancets;
5. Discarded cultures and Stocks of infectious agents and the culture dishes and
devices used to transfer, maculate, and mix cultures; discarded clinical
specimens and the associated containers or vials; discarded biologicals
(preparations made from living organisms including serums, vaccines,
antigens, and antitoxins); and waste from the production ofbiologicals and
recombinant DNA research; and
6. Discarded carcasses, body parts, bedding, and other waste generated by
research facilities from animals remaining organisms or agents not usual to
the normal animal environment and that are pathogenic or hazardous to
hummn. This category does not include carcasses of animals that have died of
natural causes or been authorized.
printed on recycled paper
HWI-1
ftus calwaele Rulea2
7. The following may also be managed as biomedical waste:
a. Cytotoxic (antineoplastic) drugs (these drugs are toxic to cells and are used
primarily to inhibit or prevent the growth or spread of malignant cells) that
are amt identified as hazardous wastes in Maine's Hazardous Waste
Management Rules (Chapter 850); and
b. Chemotherapy waste, consisting of all materials that have come in contact
with, and have no more than trace emanate of, cytotoxic (antineoplastic)
agents.
What is not biomedical waste?
Human remains; urine and feces; sludge, septage, and wastewater; and
bandages that are only spotted with blood are not considered biomedical waste.
What is requiredofbiomedical waste geaaators?
Under the new rules, biomedical waste generators must:
1. Register each biomedical waste generating facility with DEP. Upon
registration, a facility identification number will he issued by DEP. This
number most appear on all containers of biomedical waste transported
off-site; and
2. Determine the amount of biomedical waste generated per month. If the total
amount generated is less than 50 pounds, then the generator:
a. Need manage only waste categories 4 and 5 described above;
b. Is rot required to prepare a written biomedical waste management plan;
and
c. May transport waste to another generator, a transfer facility, Ora
treatment facility without preparing a manifest.
Generators of more than 50pounds per month must manage all seven
categories of biomedical waste, develop a management plan, and use a
licensed biomedical waste transporter for all off-site shipments of biomedical
waste.
(Note: These rules do not apply to household generators of biomedical waste
except for the requirement that sharps most be packaged in rigid, leak- and
puncture -resistant containers.)
Whataboutwasteparkaglag, labeling.andstorage?
Biomedical waste other than sharps and bulk liquids must be packaged in sealed
red bags that are leak -proof and tear -resistant. Sherpa must be placed in rigid
leak- and puncture -resistant containers. And bulk liquids to be transported
off-site must be packaged in unbreakable flasks or battles.
In addition to the above requirements, all biomedical waste to be transported
off-site must be placed in rigid containers. These outer containers must be labeled
immediately atter packaging with the generator's name, address, telephone
number, and registration number.
Furthermore, biomedical waste must be stored in a secure area designated for
No material. And pathological waste, cultures, and animal carcasses stored
anywhere for more than 24 hours must be refrigerated.
What is required ofbiomedical waste haoaportms?
Any person transporting biomedical waste meet obtain a license from DEP
covering each business location, conveyance, and operator unless -
1. The person is the generator; and
2. The waste is transported to another medical facility or to a licensed biomedical
waste transfer, treatment, or disposal facility and the amount transported is
less than 50 pounds.
In addition, all transporters must have the equipment and training necessary to
deal with any biomedical spills.
Generators of biomedical waste who employ a licensed transporter must also
initiate a four-part manifest. Copy 4 of the mmtifest is retained by the generator;
copy 3 is retained by the transporter, copy 2 is retained by the treatment, storage,
or disposal facility; and copy 1 is returned to the generator of the biomedical
treatment facility. If the generator does not receive copy 1 within 35 days of
shipment, DEP must he notified. All records must be retained for 3 years, unless
enforcement action is pending in which case the retention time is automatically
extended until the action is resolved.
Ifow is biomedical waste treatew
Most biomedicalwaste generated in Maine must be incinerated. Exceptions to
this are that pathological waste may be interred, and discarded blood and body
fluids may be discharged through a sewer to a publicly owned wastewater
treatment works or properly functioning septic system.
What is a biomedical waste transfer facility?
This is a transportation -related facility where biomedical waste is held during the
normal course of transportation. It includes loading docks, parking areae, and
storage areae. Activities restricted to transfer facilities include the transfer of
biomedical waste from one licensed transporting conveyance to another.
Anyone operating a transfer facility must obtain a license from DEP. And
biomedical waste may not be stored for more than 96 hours at a licensed transfer
facility.
BiomediealWeAe lvke-1
W hat is a biomedical waste treatment facility?
This is a facility where biomedical waste is rendered noninfectious and
unrecognizable. In Maine, biomedical waste treatment consists of incineration
Any facility wishing to incinerate biomedical waste must obtain two licenses from
DEP: (1) a biomedical waste treatment facility license from the Bureau of
Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Control; and (2) an air emission license
from the Bureau of Air Quality Control.
All treatment facilities are also subject to design and performance standards to
ensure adequate treatment. For example, all incinerators must meet a
minimum temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit in the secondary chamber with
a minimum retermon time of 1.0 second. Any incinerator not meeting this
standard must be upgraded or replaced in order to continue treating biomedical
waste. Additional performance standards am included in the Biomedical Waste
Management Rules.
Finally, once burning is completed, the residual incinerator ash count then be
analyzed for hazardous components prior to landfilling. Incinerator ash is
considered to be, at a minimum, a special waste. Handling, storage, and disposal
methods for special wastes are described in the Solid Waste Management Rules.
Where cant I get additional in6ormatim7
For more information, phone DEP's Bureau of Hazardous Materials and Solid
Waste Control at 289-2651, or write to:
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Hazardous Materials and
Solid Waste Control
State House Station 17
Augusta, ME 04333
Mane 9iowaste Associates
COMpN7,Y MWED OL IONS
1) what will be processed at the proposed facility?
The proposed MA `-acility will incinerate up w 1,200 MendS of
biomedical waste per hour from Maim generators. The Maine
Depar went of Env!:amen:,a Protection has a lengthy definition for
biomedical waste. Generally speaking, biomedinel waste includes
blood, blood products and body tfssuSs, or waste saturated with
these items Such as socnges, surgical gloves, mocks, drapes and
dressings. Also lncluded are discarded sharps (needles), scalpel
blades and cultures. Biomedical waste is typically generated by
hospitals, clinics, :r dict and de.^.tai offices, laboratories,
nursing banes, funeral homes, and veterinarians.
2) Why is this facility needed?
The Iodine Oepachrent of Epviro mental PSotectim'a new, Prosodical
waste Ha.agemant Rules beano effective on January 1, 1991. These
rules set new admlLn4strative and technical standards for any entity
Involved in biomedical waste management. The Rules require the
registration of hipmsdica waste generar m and they establish
Packaging, labeling, handUng, storage, transportation, treatment
and disposal requirements. The pew Rules represent Significant
strides in the development of a system of accountability and In the
estableshnent of strict performance standards for transporters and
disposal facilities.
As a result, however, racy Maine biomedical weate generators,
particularly hospitals, now have a -site incinerators Nat are no
longer in compliance with the DEp RuleS. In many cases the
prospect of retrofit or modification is economically prohibitive.
In these cases, the generators are having their Waw transported
to out of state facflitiea at sighificaut transportation and
disposi costs. These high costs are in the final analysis borne
by the patient.
The regional Solution proposed by M will provide generators with
a state of the art. Mauna owned, Naim nanaged facility, long term
stable disposer costs, and regional control of transportation and
treatment technologies.
3) Where will the waste coma from?
The ma.:mum capacity of the fatuity is approximately 60 tum per
week. It is anticipated that the facility will receive
approximately 2S tons per week at stat -ups more than one-third of
thestart-up volume cdll come from Eastern H.sine Heddcal Center
and St. Joseph Hospital. The remaining capacity is sufficient to
meet a significant porion of the State of Maine's biomedical
Neste disposal capacity needs. The HMA facility will not receive
biomedical seats =m outside the state of Maine.
IPA will contract its services to hospitals, clinics,
veterinarians, laboratories, medical aid dente! practices, and
Other biomedicL waste generators. MA will be able to offer
long term contracts at stable prices, 'ohich will halo control
rapidly, escalating healtl..Care none.
47 How Will the waste be transported?
All biME&Cul waste transporters =at be licensed by the
Department of Environmental Protection. All biomedical waste
COMMIS to the FA. facility Wali be transported in zefrigerated
trucks by trained drovers. All Waste will be packaged by the
geoerator in accordance with the DWT Rules. The Rules require
packaging of all lumedical waste in Runners resistant plastic
bags, or in the case of needles and sharp objects, rigid puncture
proof contalnem These bags and cnn- ors are placed in an
additional plastic lined corrugated box. MA will not accept any
waste that is not properly packaged by the medical waste
generator. Likewise, 1ffi will not accept any trate that is not
aCCOmpanied by a Manifest Nutt the Senerator and transporter
portions completed.
The ®A facility will receive appsorneately five tmckloads Ivan
type) of waste per day at peak capacity. One of she criteria for
the selection of the site is its proximity and immediate access
W I-95. This Will keep transportation on local roads to a
minimum.
In the unlikely evert an accident occurs during transport, it i
improbable that sore than a few containers would be damaged. The
DEP Rules require biomedical waste transporters to provide spill
conted:went and clean-up kits in Every transport vehicle. Is
addition, all drivers oust be trained in, and able to carry out,
his/her part of the clean-up plan for the vehicle and waste in
question.
5) Alan is the difference between this facility and other
mcinemtorsx
nose of the studies and concert over the incineration issue is
based an unlcipal solid Waste tM) Incinerators, incinerators
Mat burn household anal comoercial solid waste. In the State Of
Maine there has bean a great deal of controversy In the past few
years surrounding IbR, inclonators. Tse municipal solid waste
stream is the met difficult Wane stream to incl erste due to the
mtsisrsrt
and w cizolled nature of the waste discarded by the
public. Me coadeustion process i strolled and the shear
se
size of thefacilities is a concern forcany people.
The proposed HER facility is very differentfrom these NEW
incinerators, so it is necessary to draw omeinportant
distinctions..
a) The biomedical waste stream is highly controlled, easily
combusted, and does not contain the dangerous components found in
bousehold and commercial waste, such as batteries, aerosol e
aid household hazardous waste. The infectious nature of some of
the waste presents problems in handling that are easily addressed
through adherence t0 The 934 Rules, but cause no problems Yh the
comanustion grecess.
b) At its maximum capacity o£ 6e tons per week, the IBA
facility is 8'o times smaller than the PERC NSW incinerator in
Orrington, Narub. This difference in stale makes any
praCiiC�1 comparison impossible.
6) Will the IBA facility accept rwd ioaciive or bamardeous waste?
No. ^aha MR facility will not be pameitted to handle radioactive
or hazardous waste. Radioactive waste is strictly regulated by
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. M OMedical. waste generators
Must adder@ to Mint guidelines and systems of accountability for
the handling and laposal of radioactive materials. As an
additional safeguard, tba HDA facility will use a radiation
detector to s 1 incoming waste prior re incineration. In the
event of a positive scan, the generator will be notified
immediately and instructed to remove the material for proper
disposal.
Hazardous waste ism
regulated by the federal Eiromentel
Protection Agency
Under RIX; Guidelines and by the Maine DEP. The
)BA facility will not handle this waste stream.
7) All storage and processing ares; will be cleaned and disinfected
on a daily basis. All liquids from Mash down and asinfection
will be drainad to a holding tank, then spray injected into the
primary combustion chesber of the incinerator and evaporated. Re
wash down or disinfection material from the waste handling areas
will enter Lie sewer system. -
The 9E4 Rules also contain requirements that must be followed by
licensed biomedical waste transporters for the cleaning and
disinfection of transport veUcles.
8) At what temperature will the waste be incinerated?
The Incinerator will be, a rotary, kiln design which provides a
constant tumbling of the waste, Hous allowing a mesimvm egposess of
The waste to the incineration process. The primary combustion
chamber will operate at a temperature of 1700-160 - with a two
second retention ti)ma for flue gases. No infection agents will
survive these temperatures..
g) What pcllutim control equipment will be used?
The ixinerator will use a o stage air pollution control system
with both a line coated beghoase and a wet scrubber. The flue -
gates will Dass through a healer tO cool them, than tbruugh a lime
coated baghouse to remove particulate and provide a p *tial
reduction Of acid gases. Tftar passing through the baghouse the
gases will pass throuob a ]xt ser'uhber to remove the remaining acid
gases. 1T.±s combination of air pollution control egmipmalt takes
advantage of the removal a£ficie.-wias of each V u m, while
minimizing the residual fly ash and scrubber solution blowdow.n.
121 What will be emitted from stack?
The at em±omiMe from un, stAch Of the air p011utien control
eguipma]t will be so len that the nae will not classify the project
as a 'major" emission source. ElrvizCulantel impact studies have
shown that she proposed mit will have less then 1/l2 the hourly
emission rates of carbon monoxide (co) and uroerned hydrocarbon
(WC's) t+.&1 either a single automobile traveling at qS bpH ar a
Style Conventional mandate" ,
P will also be using sophisticated ERT computer studies to
confirm that One facility will be in Compliance with all Of gD_'s
applicable standards.
Continuous monitoring acuipment will be in plane t0 record
temperatures and air emissions. There v_-i ba no odors emitted
from the stack.
11) Wbat happens to the residual ash?
Man are actually two different ashas produced by G.e process.
There is a residue from the primary combustion chamber ]bimh
CNIUlZs aSb and non burnable items, aid there is fly ash
collected in the baghouse. The residue from the primary
moustim Chamber is sterile, inorganic ash and non-burnable
items such as needles and glass. The fly ash from the baghouse is
a coaddlatWn of particulate that has passed through the 2022rF
eombu3tion Eons and salt campounds generated when acid gases
combine with lima. Mesa residues will be tested on a regular
basis to confirm that they contain no hazardous prope ties. ash
will be stored in closed, vrert±ght containers for subsequent
transpOTt tc a licensed landfill for disposal.
1g) net is discbagai down the guest?
caritary sewer discharge mill he from three sources]
I. ]Zest room facilities servicing approtimately s amploYeea. m
2. Wash dam] water from the cleating of due of, tee spaces and
rest rooms.
3. Tpp_ro:dmately 52 gallons per hour of used wet scrubbing
sOlut'On. This solution will contain salts as a byproduct of
acid gas removal. This solution will be starile and will be
monitored tO assure that it meets sewer discharge standards.
stern serer discharge will be from roads end other paved areas. No
water from any tare ha ilinq, processing, esi handling or storage
area will be discharged t0 the storm sewers.
13) Will there be noises, odors or vibrations from the facility that
will adversely effect the area?
Trete will be no objectionable noises, odors Or vibrariOna.
All process equipment will ba housed ic a fully insulated building.
Sound levels at the oropeYy lines will net he noticeably above
noticeably above background ambient levels.
- All Medical waste received for treatmant will be t1sezPurted and
stored in refrigerated areas All processing areas will be
cleaned daily with disinfectant. All odors are destroyed at
tesoeatues sienifirmtly lower then the teo®eratures maintained
in the W9W8tion process.
There are an vibrations caused by the process equipment that will
be noticeable outside the processing to=.
What advantages will the MBA facility offer Bangor?
NBA has asked for no concessdons frog the city of Bangor: MBA
will contrirnte she following,
personal Property Tae Base of appraxiaately 9
Real nsate Tax Base of approximately S
avron of S
The proposed NBA facility is a state-of-the-art facility utilizingthe
most advardad incineration and pollution control technology commanded
by the United States sevironeenaal protection Agency. The m facility
35 a positive step 1n dealing W,U1 the medical War" maaagemeent peerless
and enviroro}epal issues we are all going to be faced with in the 1990's
and Wali LNn the near cerWry, It is m erv!raneental ptebles. A
leadership role by the City of Bangor will show that those Issues can be
dealt witb 1n a positive Mesmer and that it is possible to develop real
solutions to real soulless.
RACHEL9S HAZARDOUS WASTE NEWS #179
Phowlerm news and resources m'he Movement I& EElwimnmamal turn May 21990
MEDICAL INCINERATORS EMIT DANGEROUS
METALS AND DIOXIN, NEW STUDY SAYS
Medal waste incinamtors are a major source of
toxic air amissions, especially dioxin and cadmium,
according to a -lengthy study just released by the
Caiifomia An Resources Board (CARS), a state
agenry- (Page numbers in orotax[(lzlmw) "'a to
rotes in this new "a
w'dmh G died lo our naxt-
41ast par=gmph.j The study says the public
thrown risks Iron breathing these em'ssions are-
unaccapteWy high. On Mav 23, Me CARE will Pro-
pose new air pollution mntrtls on California's most -
cu incinersmrs, CARB praturcu Iha naw roles will
force 129 of the sates 142 Ihidne:alOrs to Caere
operabon because compliance will be too toady.
Dioxin
Tne CARS stated dmxin in 1086 and declared it
'highly toxic in experiment animals. Toxic effects
in animals include severe weight lass, liver. necrosis
[dean of .s aj and hypart o rry [enlarosmxQ, skin
l=esion, imm r-muppression, reproductive loe¢ry,
terwaganesis Whir defects], caminogentr s [cancer]
and death. The CARS concluded that dioxin is an
animal carcinogen and a 'ooteotiai human carcim-
gen,' Tney stern repotted this bot acute (shen-
term) and chronic (longterm) exposure to dicein has
caused liver damage in humans (}g. 101.
Cadmium
Chronic axposure M cadmium, atoxic metal,
causes a Wine rage 0f adverse Effects In huniuls.
including-wdiovos-ulm fi evL artedes], mummer
(Fcmena), hepatic (liver), bone, hematotogirJ
@loos], immunological rimmune system]. respiratory
Qung], renal 53drasyj, reproductive and-Andogerrc
]birth defect] offecti Furrhermon?,'lhere is strong
evidence of an assoda6an bevam cadmium exprn-
sme and an increased risk of respiratory jlung7 con-
car,- says the CARS report (pg. 18).
California has 142, medical waste incinerators
operating today. Together, may bum 20,050 tons of
wastes per year, sic they we not huge. (Far sx-
amriode, a big municipal winos incinerator burns this
much waste every til days1 Mescal waste inclu-
des )aper, cardboard, plastic, most. toad wesbs,
cars, bottles, animal carcasses, owe: (hypodermic
needles, scaapse, e's.7. chemotherapy wastes cre-
pers, bandages, solvents, and pathological wesis
[body pats, bed pan residues, and so for -h7. Me&
.1 what also contains metals such as lead. cad-
mium, mercury, and nnq it can ams coram low-
level radioachrity (p} 34). -
Despite their relatively small size, Caf(minia's
142 medwasia incherems emIl substantial guar-
8bes of dioxins and cadmium: 16 grams N dmxin
each year (pg. 31) and 3o to 40 pounds of tadmi-
um LCs. 33) each year. -
To gather emissions data, the CARD menAoretl
eight medwasle mtlnenors The retort notes Mat
'A1Meugh the emissions bass were net condmted
for. compfan2 puroosas, we ooservsd that many of
Ma fadlitiers Iesied ceuia not marl Lla pa.celate
limitations in their permits. N woRbn, the hydro-
chloric add emissions were elevated.._. (pg. 48)
The eight emissions tests revealed many other
air contaminants emitted by was or more of the
indnemiors. Rare is a Oat of pollutants emitted,
icliowed by Me number (1 to 8) of incinariff out
V, 8 broad, found to be Unticg each pelluhrrt
arsenic ()1 ammonia (1); bentwo (8); bmmmichlo-
romelhane, (2); Cadmium (8). carbon babachbdde
(6); chranium (7); chbrad'oromoInalso a (3); chim-
ofonn (4); amens P: 1,2-ddxomoethane (5); d-'
chloromegrene (6): dgMomethane (3); dodos and
fuans (8): ethyl benzene (7): bad (8): mercury 157;
mesgdene R; iridial (3); padwtats matter (8):
napltimmle (5): teVamentrathers (A): toluene (7);
3icmwoefiane (31' 1,1,1.9ichloroeMane (6); bNilor-
oetytem (6); tridllaromeshane (5): vinyl chloride
(2); xyianw,(7) log. 511.
The CARD study Indicates that it will mM from.
swimmo to $479,000 to pff best available control
-air pollution control technology-(SAd (a house.
dryer ]also called a dry scrubbed] hog
Nter) on an existing Jorge, regional medwasla ih-
rinan_tors (pg. 115), of which California has 12
According to the CARB's data, small memvaste
incinerators serving an individual ins5ludon will not
be able to afford to initial air PcOumn equipment
that would allow commued operation of the iminera-
Air after the new dtoxin antl cadmium regulations
become =tithe sere alai e0emativ sr. For
include (a) shut
ese 129 in-
dosra.ens,
down and use a large regional itetlwasto serin -
tor, (b) soul dawn and use off-site 5.eam sled'aa-
'rs
)
.:fun 1.(cl shut down and use onvie steam stanTiza-
fdn.
Steam Yadfittden (also rated autoclaving)
means heading the wastes in a meta chamber by
inning the mount bar with saturated stow and nothing
the temperature at 250' Famenheit'or 30 minutes.
I: sracdvely statuses wasleq killing viruses and
coonda. The wastes than go to a landfill. Of mess
three options. the cheapest is orate sterilization:
this option would increase mems disposal costs
10 cents per 2urrd, and would increase patient
casts 16 cents per hospital bed per day, compered
m present msG o' onsfie midnera[an. The use of
Wharfs, regional incineration would iicrease disposal
coatis 16 cents per pound and wood increase aver-
age patent c0sts 41 cents per bad per day: Onsite
steam shinlization would increase cisp=a costs 16
rens par pound and would Increase patient casts
42 tens per bad per day. Thus, Snuffing. down its
incineraw and sending wastas out for regional
steem smroi o agn is the cheapest way for a hospital
to cone inn compliance with his proposed Cali-
fomia eir regulations for cadmium and dioxin (pg.
118).
A dliier=-rot sWdy of madn=I was�m, by members
of ina,CMl Engineering Depel0nert of University of
Cati(omia s Davis (rted balmy h our but para-
graph), points out that, in a typical hoibW, iniac
jape waste males vp only about 15% of the total
wase? stream. Infscicus was by itself will bum,
e.i
but the volums usualty nor su'mcent M allow heat
recovery. Therefore, the decision tG instill an int
cinerstor for infectious wase enmu:agas the burnmo
of omo.flon-infectious wastes. 11 egad, a mad•
waste incinerator Is a municipal said waste Monera -
tor with 15% of the wasth being inactions.
There are. however, a few ddfe:'eiroe$ between
munndpa was= and infectious wrombi Plastics
make up 3% ed 1% of municipal waste, but 14% to
30% of infGorou$ waste. Because plastics are the
major sources of cadmium am laza, medical waste
irm&manors emit more of these toxic Matta, per
pound of burned •waste, man do muracipal inrners-
tars.
Lead lo present as a pigment and a$ a sliffemllg
aid strengthening agent in many plastic items, OSP-
nosily those made of PVC (polyvinyl chlodde). For
example, me red bags themselves, 1n which 'red
bag' medical wase are packaged, a protect red
by a lead compound. Lead is also present in yallov
bags for colleclima soiled linens, yinow bedpans,
and yellow tops of urine containers. In plead=, a
bright color (yellow, orange, red, puryle) S often an
indication of a toxic metal (cadmium or lead).
The Davis researchers didn't say so, but hps-
pask; could refuse to pumhose hol supplies
made wink toxic metals, 0hus marmoset problems
Get CRAF Technical Support Docmnard 0
Propcsad Dioxins and Cadmium Control Meazura for
Medrcal Wast, b fneariars (Sacramento, CA: Air
Resources Board (1102 0 5L, P.O. Son 2815, Sea
rdnerib, CA 958121, 1990. Phone Information
Officer Jerry Melon at (916) 322-290. This III
Ment 5 about 500 pages long, pontine a great deal
of u=-ehA information on medical wale ixineraion,
and is free while supplies ksL
Atsn get. O.C. Hickman. D.P.Y. Chang, and H.
Glasser, -Cadmium. and Lead In Bio -Medical Waste
Incinerators; a paper viar nted at the 82nd Annual
Meating of. the Air and Waste ManingamentAsmda-
dion at Anaheim, CA, June 25'30, 1989; available
free from Den Chang. Department of Civil Engin itl-
mg, Malt ID,P. 1855, University of Caidornia at Davis.
Dais, CA 95515.
Foots Harz waste Abtts "s %Ibru weeny by 6 nmmanal robso 1 FgmtleSmt P.O. Box 3511, Pdrce!dt NJ =AIM
EdiWr paler !aon'a o,,, R D.: Asmozer esion Matic e. reasons; AriblaM anion Nrem EAank: absaoAms: Pbly2A Nlen,
plfiY Na1F�[ e tion oxoi ="0.'1 rr yor for iMm'dyins And billion POS, Sap for govaTmeN agencies, $ti Or 9ENam3
anti ASAS, suOu f0r businesses son gt]fP55i0Mi5. h Canada and MB.�LJ' .add sfjo: in aL oner Conshou 9M $11.00. All
payments in tea. Ands.. - Pmx'ed an.fc9A'RecatYed Yame+
SUBSCRIPTION OFDEF1 FORM
Ni
'ewimnbanta Raaeamh Fo nvaem
F.O. Boz 3%1
Prinon"'Id 085U35e1
Aud i MRFEMN REOUESTFD
Tn
.0.�'ptAAGE
.
W
Po" I No. LAC
svhone..
85. Ann Rahe
New Fork ou,vironmental Institute Inc-
33 Crntral'A"Ilor
.116.rnt'. RV I:.,!V
Mechanical
Ce
Otppnttlb"a
139 Caab SIre4
P.O. Bos 2829
SWAN PaNand Maine 061103529
CACT1 I99 5559
FAX (2M 393853
December 16, 1991
Ken Gibbs
Department of Economic Development
13 Barlow Street
Bangor, 115 04401
Subject: NBA
Dear Zen
Th1S letter is inespoaxa to the article "Daebsl's Hazardous Waste Nems
:179", dared May 2c 1990, presented by Mr. Dieffenbacher-Krall at the
December 9th council workshop.
It Should be noted that. the study released by the California Air Descartes
Board (CARO) refers to the state's own undiral waste inclearaters which
have had no air polueion control equipment.
MHATs proposal includes both a bagbouse filter and a wet Scrubber to
minimize air poletfon. The £olloviag table compares the NBA proposal
to the CARD study.
N.B_E. Emission Pate Equivalent E9issian Data Scission Rate as
(Based an 3600 TOnant. to 30,05a Tons/Br. OE stated In aitiela /179
Of Raate Pxetw_saPfl) Baste processed Refected far 20,090 lbna/Te. of
to In Article 1179 meant Proceaeed
G20110 0.8071 temlyaai 4.8293 Lbs/year 30-40 Lhs/Teat
Dioxins 2.3413 x 30 5 LM/Yr. 0.0001 lbsaamr 0.0352 Lba/Yset
or 0.0300 Gramage,i Or 0.059 Otam9/Yaer or Is GamemlYear
The State of Maine requires a Beet Available Control Technology (HRCT)
analysis performed for all new air emissio, avrttus that are to be per-
mitted. This analysis autcnatically allows the State to contfnaously
Improve ambient conditfoas by requiring applicants to only propose
state-of-the-art technology.
Md6's proposal.i srate-of-ehe rt: red will Comply vlch Mafne's
Bit's dieal va to at to or dispose o£ 'meZicaloat rules hjcbvaste tlncin¢rat'm OI (Zt¢z
r.
If 7a, have any questions, please do not hasltate to call. -
very truu�llyyyyopes.
B. Scot Shezi£-_-
. Presideut
®rtl® ie� (207)941-1240
wry
��IATIID
®re FAX(207)941-1206
Corpo
xs rate ONSce: 153 Peery Road, P. O. Box 569, Bangor, Maine 04402-0569
R.«uooswvaoxeosu
b3 Ham Rmd
seµm. MWW WWI
nlm m(nr%I.Aw
uasssouw December 16, 1991
rune wall
na MD
ma ear Chairman Cohen and Members of the Cit
s,gx,..R0 � Y Council:
m.vmm(zm)w,Hado
I am writing to express Darling's opposition to the
oauacsmrvry Proposed location of a regional Park.
Our
waste
uaryw. oma Facility at BanAir Intlustrial Park. Oux opposition
adro.. w;maws is based on the following:
TdWeo aV)ra(-tow
1) The proposed facility will have a
negative impact on future development in
vouc+ .wWMJDI BanAir Park.
WIHq""d
B.qm. M.;zaW� 2) Certain land and building values in the
T�vson<lmns+ttsw area will be reduced.
awrmssaewao,xc orv. 3) Bangor will become the dumping ground for
mennsl,m the State of Maine's biomedical waste.
WAsw.Mai"W41 In addition what guarantee is there that
n1gaM,amOm,-14W such waste will not be trucked in from
svr�w nc other states?
FutIsWHOLass PeMRmd 4) Similar plants such as MERC and PMC have
r o.Rw wv - not lived up to their assurances and have
R:gor. M.wawxavv caused envionmental problems.
T,Igm (mnwlIm
s.Ruxcs.rurovuria 5) Such use of public land should be
wmoH� approved by referendum. I am sure that
in rap amd the average citizen of Bangor would not
.osmsw favor the sale or lease of public land
a.qa. M.;mawzasw for a biomedical waste facility.
TapWft(m)WLO.L We will address this matter in further detail
MUNCHES, in the near future.
a p, Sincerely, _
s.,wmo,
saw DAAN1,II�NG'S I q
Rm�k
e�Wwn ' h
mamnx mn ohn H. Dan in
u,.mm President
s th Nm JBD/kam
SMtw,W% H,m
W MIM
Oly5 uu udeoal