Abstract: A structure for diverting fish away from water intakes comprises a porous dike having a bottom portion, a central portion, and a top portion, the top portion preferably being submerged a short distance below the surface, and the central portion having flow passages. In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom portions comprise solid blocks and the flow passages in the central portion are lined with zebra mussel resistant sleeves to minimize clogging. Preferably the sleeve can be readily replaced as desired.

Abstract: A structure for diverting fish away from water intakes comprises a porous dike having a bottom portion, a central portion, and a top portion, the top portion preferably being submerged a short distance below the surface, and the central portion having flow passages. In a preferred embodiment, the top and bottom portions comprise solid blocks and the flow passages in the central portion are lined with zebra mussel resistant sleeves to minimize clogging. Preferably the sleeve can be readily replaced as desired.

Abstract: A two step process for destruction of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds contained in pitch from ballasts of fluorescent lamps comprises: (a) contacting the pitch with a sufficient amount of an organic solvent such that the pitch and the solvent together form a liquid phase in which the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds are dissolved; and (b) chemically destroying the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in the liquid phase. In preferred embodiments of the process, the solvent comprises mineral oil and the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds comprise polychlorinated biphenyls. Chemical destruction of the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds preferably comprises treatment with an alkali metal dispersion, preferably sodium metal in mineral oil.

Abstract: A two step process for destruction of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds contained in pitch from ballasts of fluorescent lamps comprises: (a) contacting the pitch with a sufficient amount of an organic solvent such that the pitch and the solvent together form a liquid phase in which the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds are dissolved; and (b) chemically destroying the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds in the liquid phase. In preferred embodiments of the process, the solvent comprises mineral oil and the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds comprise polychlorinated biphenyls. Chemical destruction of the polyhalogenated aromatic compounds preferably comprises treatment with an alkali metal dispersion, preferably sodium metal in mineral oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a toxic contaminant from porous material by placing the material and a fluid solvent for the toxic in a drum and rotating the drum around its horizontal axis. Also provided is apparatus for placing the drum in a sealable container and sealing the container during the decontamination cycle.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the dehalogenation of halogenated aromatics whereby an inert solvent, an alkali dispersion and high level contaminated material is placed in a vessel, and a low level contaminated inert fluid is then added as a coolant to maintain the temperature below the flash point during the reaction. The low level contaminated fluid is also decontaminated. Typically, the alkali by-product is then neutralized with water. Also taught is the use of water contaminated inert fluids as coolants for the reaction.