Abstract: An in situ process for treating ambient solid materials (e.g., soils, aquifer solids, sludges) by adding one or more divalent metal cations to the ambient solid material. The added divalent metal cations, such as Cu2+ or Zn2+, combine with metal oxide/hydroxides (e.g., ferric oxide/hydroxide or aluminum oxide/hydroxide) already present in the ambient solid material to form an effective sorbent material having a large number of positively-charged surface complexes that binds and immobilizes anionic contaminant species (e.g., arsenic or chromate). Divalent metal cations can be added, for example, by injecting an aqueous solution of CuSO4 into an aquifer contaminated with arsenic or chromate. Also, sludges can be stabilized against leaching of anionic contaminants through the addition of divalent metal cations. Also, an inexpensive sorbent material can be easily formed by mixing divalent metal cations with soil that has been removed from the ground.

Abstract: A containment system for use adjacent to a selected region of a subterranean formation and comprising a plurality of laterally interlocked casing strings. At least one electrically conductive element is disposed along at least a portion of a casing string and is used for performing electrical time domain reflectometry. At least one protective element may be positioned between portions of adjacent casing strings of the barrier, and at least one electrically conductive element may be disposed at least partially within the at least one protective element for use in indicating at least one characteristic of at least a portion of the containment system. Electrical time domain reflectometry (TDR) may be used to indicate the at least one characteristic; for instance, TDR may be used to indicate leakage through the barrier or a discontinuity or void in a barrier filler material.

Abstract: Liquid chemical compositions are disclosed for anaerobic biodegradation, detoxification, and transformation of toxic organic and inorganic compounds in a contaminated geologic media under reducing conditions, including, but not limited to, denitrifying, manganese-reducing, iron-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions. One such liquid chemical composition includes sodium nitrate in the range of one-fifth (0.2) to four (4) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; sodium hexametaphosphate or other biologically hydrolyzable ring or linear polyphosphate in the range of one twentieth (0.05) to five (5) pounds per gallon of the chemical composition; a surfactant in the range of 0.01% to 10% by volume of the chemical composition; and a diluent in the form of water.

Abstract: A method for reducing the leaching of lead from a lead projectile impact area acting to collect or stop such projectiles includes contacting the lead projectile impact area with a seed of dry granular lead stabilizing agents. This seeding or coating of lead stabilizing agents stabilizes lead in the bullet/shot impact area while also allowing for future lead bullets, fragments or lead shot fired into the soil to be stabilized upon contact with the lead stabilizing agent seeds or contact with rainwater leaching through the lead stabilizing agent seeds produced from the projectile coating, or excess seed from the lead shell projectiles. This method eliminates the need to remove or re-treat range soils and greatly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with the use of lead as projectiles in the open environment as well as at control trap ranges.

Abstract: Methods for inducing the precipitation of substantially water insoluble mineral carbonates in pores, spaces and fractures by conveying a carbon-dioxide (ie. CO2) bearing gaseous phase or an oxidised-carbon-bearing aqueous phase into spaces where reaction with an existing or introduced fluid phase of appropriate composition occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces where reaction of the fluid components with a fluid delivery medium occurs, or by conveying a fluid of appropriate composition into spaces under controlled physical conditions such that unassisted reaction of the fluid components occurs.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the conversion of waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as existing gypsum stacks, into waste containment or landfill facilities. Advantageously, waste containment facilities and business methods according to the invention enable the creation of a positive revenue stream from previously negative assets such as gypsum stacks. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks, or from the on-site formation of containment facilities from waste gypsum or other waste minerals as they are transported and positioned at a waste site. Waste containment facilities created according to the invention can be used for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the conversion of waste materials derived from gypsum mining and processing, such as existing gypsum stacks, into waste containment or landfill facilities. Advantageously, waste containment facilities and business methods according to the invention enable the creation of a positive revenue stream from previously negative assets such as gypsum stacks. Methods of the invention include the creation of waste containment facilities from existing gypsum stacks, or from the on-site formation of containment facilities from waste gypsum or other waste minerals as they are transported and positioned at a waste site. Waste containment facilities created according to the invention can be used for the short-term, long-term or permanent storage of waste materials such as solid waste, community refuse materials, biomass, industrial waste, phosphate waste, and for composting or otherwise processing materials such as biomass.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization of metal bearing waste is provided that is based upon the discovery that landfills have anaerobic environments. This process includes adjusting the pH of the waste and adding a sulfide containing reducing agent to the waste to achieve a reducing environment. In one embodiment, electric arc furnace dust is stabilized for landfill disposal. Also provided is a method for a determination of landfilled waste leachability. This method is performed under conditions that simulate the chemical characteristics of landfills. In one embodiment, stabilized metal bearing waste is deoxygenated and a simulated leachate is prepared under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing toxic materials in a waste matrix and in the pore water of the waste matrix. The method includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix (and pore water) an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix/water, an agent for controlling the pH of matrix/water, and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the toxic material in the matrix/water.

Abstract: A water-base fluid for use in drilling wells and other drilling operation includes a shale which swells in the presence of water. The fluid preferably includes: an aqueous based continuous phase, and a shale hydration inhibition agent having the formula: H2N—R—{OR′}x—Y in which R and R′ are alkylene groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and x is a value from about 1 to about 25. The Y group should be an amine or alkoxy group, preferably a primary amine or a methoxy group. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in sufficient concentration to reduce the swelling of the shale. The fluid may be used for formulating drilling fluids such as invert emulsion drilling muds or clear brine drilling fluids. The fluid may also be used in the slurrification and disposal of drill cuttings that contain water swellable clays or shales.

Abstract: Processes and methods relating to treating contaminants and collecting desired substances from a zone of interest using subterranean collection and containment barriers. Tubular casings having interlock structures are used to create subterranean barriers for containing and treating buried waste and its effluents. The subterranean barrier includes an effluent collection system. Treatment solutions provided to the zone of interest pass therethrough and are collected by the barrier and treated or recovered, allowing on-site remediation. Barrier components may be used to in the treatment by collecting or removing contaminants or other materials from the zone of interest.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for reducing the leaching of lead from lead projectile impact area acting to collect or stop such projectiles. The method includes contacting the lead projectile impact area with a seed of dry granular lead stabilizing agents. The seeding or coating of lead stabilizing agents provides a means to stabilize lead in the bullet/shot impact area while also allowing for future lead bullets, fragments, or lead shot fired into the soil to be stabilized upon contact with the lead stabilizing agent seeds or contact with rainwater leaching through the lead stabilizing agent seeds produced from the projectile coating, or excess seed from the lead shell projectiles. This method eliminates the need to remove or re-treat range soils and greatly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with the use of lead as projectiles in the open environment as well as at control trap ranges.

Abstract: Methods for in situ formation in soil of a permeable reactive barrier or zone comprising a phosphate precipitate, such as apatite or hydroxyapatite, which is capable of selectively trapping and removing radionuclides and heavy metal contaminants from the soil, while allowing water or other compounds to pass through. A preparation of a phosphate reagent and a chelated calcium reagent is mixed aboveground and injected into the soil. Subsequently, the chelated calcium reagent biodegrades and slowly releases free calcium. The free calcium reacts with the phosphate reagent to form a phosphate precipitate. Under the proper chemical conditions, apatite or hydroxyapatite can form. Radionuclide and heavy metal contaminants, including lead, strontium, lanthanides, and uranium are then selectively sequestered by sorbing them onto the phosphate precipitate. A reducing agent can be added for reduction and selective sequestration of technetium or selenium contaminants.

Abstract: A method for treating a landfill formation. The method includes the steps of preparing a water soluble resin solution, preparing a catalyst solution, and introducing separate streams of the resin and the catalyst into the landfill formation in a manner that avoids mixing air into the resin and catalyst streams and promotes mixing of the resin and catalyst streams to yield a substantially fluid impervious treatment substrate within desired locations in the landfill formations to inhibit effusion of gas and travel of liquids therein.

Abstract: Oil drill cuttings, containing an oil-based mud, may be treated by mixing the cuttings with an organic solvent. The oil drill cuttings are then separated from the organic solvent and extracted oil. The organic solvent is then separated from the oil, and mixed with the extracted oil drill cuttings to extract additional oil therefrom. The oil drill cuttings are again separated from the organic solvent and oil, the oil separated from the solvent, and recombined with the oil from the first extraction step. The oil base and other mud components are recycled, depending on the treatment procedure, for subsequent use in drilling.

Abstract: A method of quickly decomposing and removing an organic chlorine compound, which comprises coating a liquid containing an organic chlorine compound on the surface of a photocatalyst so that the liquid does not flow, said photocatalyst comprising a hollandite-type crystal phase represented by the formula: AxMyN8-yO16 (wherein A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Ba and Na, M is a bivalent or trivalent metal element, N is an element which forms a rutile-type oxide, such as Ti, Sn or Mn, provided that A may be a Na element, only when M is Cr, and x and y satisfy 0.7<x≦2.0 and 0.7<y≦2.0, respectively), followed by irradiation with light in air so that the organic chlorine compound undergoes quick and complete oxidative destruction.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing arsenic in a waste matrix includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix, an agent for controlling the pH of the matrix and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the arsenic in the matrix.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising a) providing a supply of biosolids; creating a slurry of the biosolids suitable for injecting; selecting an injection formation below a ground surface, the injection formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; injecting the biosolids slurry into the injection formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected injection formation; and allowing degradation of the injected biosolids slurry.

Abstract: A systematic method for disposing of industrial waste and increasing production of hydrocarbons from the earth is provided. The method may be used for increasing production of natural gas, natural gas liquids or crude oil. Waste streams from emitters of industrial waste, such as chemical plants, refineries, power plants and other installations are collected and processed to produce streams adapted for use in different types of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Gas streams are processed and injected into depleted or partially depleted gas or oil reservoirs, displacing natural gas that is produced from production wells. Liquid streams are processed and injected into depleted oil reservoirs or gas reservoirs after gas injection. Material that cannot be injected into a hydrocarbon reservoir is injected into a salt dome cavern.

Abstract: A method of injecting steam into a landfill is provided. The steam enhances methane gas production in the landfill during the anaerobic phase, accelerates decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the trash prism during both the aerobic and anaerobic phases, and increases the rate of settlement of the landfill. A method of introducing a gaseous anaerobic fertilizer into the landfill is also provided. The fertilizer accelerates the decomposition/biodegradation of the organic component of the trash prism. A method of reducing the volume of a plastic component of the trash prism is provided, wherein the temperature and pressure of injected steam are raised to a level sufficient to melt plastic. Finally, a method of reducing the volume of a quantity of refuse prior to placing the refuse in a landfill is provided, wherein the refuse is heated to melt a plastic component of the refuse.

Abstract: A process for treating earth materials such as rock heaps to prevent acid rock drainage therefrom is disclosed. First, the oxygen concentration in the gas-phase of the rock heap is decreased, that is, displaced and/or depleted. This first step may be accomplished physically, chemically or biologically. Then, the gas-phase oxygen concentration in the heap is maintained at a low level. This second step may be provided for in a self-sustaining manner, like, for example, by covering the rock heap with soil and vegetation so that acid rock drainage is prevented indefinitely. Alternatively, the density of the gas-phase of the rock heap may be increased, and maintained at an elevated level indefinitely. The process is applicable to waste heaps from mining and industrial operations such as power generation and minerals processing, and to rubble collections in open and closed mines.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, the method comprising a) providing a supply of biosolids; creating a slurry of the biosolids suitable for injecting; selecting an injection formation below a ground surface, the injection formation comprising a natural gas formation in a gas accumulation zone; injecting the biosolids slurry into the injection formation at a pressure sufficient to create and maintain fractures within the selected injection formation; and allowing degradation of the injected biosolids slurry.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, such as municipal sewage waste, comprising injecting the biosolids into a subsurface injection formation. The method can include recovering methane generated from the degradation of the biosolids.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing a greenhouse gas emission component of a combustion gas from a thermal power generation plant. The thermal power generation plant is located in a coastal region adjacent the ocean. The plant is located beneath a seawater reservoir and a discharge line via a cooling water loop provides cooling water to the power station. The discharge line in turn feeds a modified hydroelectric plant and an intake pipe is located with its outlet beneath the ocean surface. A bypass line is connected to the discharge line 14 and extends to deep ocean sinks. In operation, seawater is pumped from the ocean to the elevated reservoir via the intake pipe and discharge line and thereafter combustion gas from the flue stack or emission system of the power station is injected into the discharge line. Electricity is generated by the power station during peak demand periods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment system (10) including: (a) a water permeable wall portion (12) defining a water treatment portion (18) of a waterway to be treated; and (b) a treating portion (20) retained in a desired position relative to the permeable wall portion (12) by retaining means (26) wherein water to be treated permeates through said wall portion (12), said retaining means (26) and said treating portion (20) for removing pollutants contained therein prior to discharge of water from the system (10).

Abstract: A material and method for removal of environmental oxyanions (and especially phosphates), the material comprising a substrate such as a clay modified with complexing elements selected from Group IIIB, Group IVB, and lanthanide elements (or a mixture of such elements). The resultant modified substrate can bind oxyanions and make them unavailable for utilisation in the environment; in the case of phosphates, by algae and the like. The method includes forming a capping of material at the sediment/water interface, applying the material in the form of pellets at the sediment/water interface, or injecting the pellets into the sediment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of forming phosphate mineral species of the apatite family, and the mineral species thus formed, by contacting soil or solid waste material containing leachable lead with a combination of a sulfate reagent that includes one or more reactive sulfate ions and a phosphate supplying reagent that includes one or more reactive phosphate ions. The mineral species are stable, substantially water insoluble and non-leachable under normal environmental conditions. The sulfate reagent is sulfuric acid or alum in liquid or powder form. The phosphate supplying reagent is phosphoric acid, trisodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, mono basic calcium phosphate or dibasic calcium phosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the phosphate supplying reagent is phosphoric acid and the sulfate reagent is sulfuric acid or liquid alum.

Abstract: In a method for the treatment, in particular stabilization, of materials containing environmentally noxious constituents, especially from the incineration of waste, in which the materials are treated with ferrous compounds and water, the materials are washed and stabilized chemically using a solution containing ferrous ions (Fe++) which allows the formation of stabilizing ferric oxides (Fe+++) on the materials, the ferric oxide formation being carried out by means of an oxidation under controlled conditions with respect to the nature and the amount of oxidizing agent, temperature and pH, whereafter, if desired, the treated materials are subjected to a thermal after-treatment.

Abstract: A process and machine for receiving and processing to a transportable and usable condition, water soaked waste dredge removed from watery bodies. The process includes the steps of separating oversize material from the watery bulk waste, grinding organic oversize material to pulp, adding the pulp to the watery bulk, adding stabilizers to the bulk, conveying the aggregate to a transporting vehicle and performing the mixing process within the vehicle. The process further includes transporting the mixture to a point of use, spreading the mixture, spreading a pozzolanic binder on the mixture and mixing the binder with the mixture in situ.

Abstract: A method for treating materials dredged from a waterway, such as a harbor or channel, and forming a mixture suitable for beneficial re-use as structural fill. The dredged materials (28) may be placed in a treatment vessel (26) which transports the dredged materials (28) through a plurality of processing stages including a dewatering stage, a debris removal stage, a fixation, stabilization and solidification stage, a curing stage, and an offloading stage. The fixation, stabilization and solidification stage involves adding a cement type additive such as Portland Cement along with other additives which stabilize the dredged materials by chemical fixation and solidification to form the structural fill.

Abstract: A phosphate mineral based reactive barrier system. Phosphate minerals are known to be sinks for heavy metal contaminants. The reactive barrier prevents the release of contaminants from waste materials, sediments or dredged materials via reaction with the contaminants at the interface between the barrier and the waste material, sediments or dredged material. The barrier is comprised of a phosphate mineral material where the form of the phosphate mineral is variable but primarily insoluble. This barrier is placed below, around, and/or on top of the contaminated materials such that the contaminated materials are completely enveloped, capped, or contained by a grout curtain. The barrier can be in a (i) slurry form, (ii) blended matrix form with other inorganic agents, or (iii) composite form with a geotextile or geofabric. These methods of construction can be used singly or jointly. In some cases, pH control may be used to optimize the chemical reactions within the barrier system.

Abstract: A method for the disposal of biosolids, such as municipal sewage waste, comprising injecting the biosolids into a subsurface injection formation. The method can include recovering methane generated from the degradation of the biosolids.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing arsenic in a waste matrix includes the steps of combining with the waste matrix an agent for controlling the oxidation-reduction potential of the matrix, an agent for controlling the pH of the matrix and an agent for adsorbing or coprecipitating the arsenic in the matrix.