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Shipyards work together to combat contaminants. Expert argues EPA's regulatory methods are
"flawed."
Assessing the Degree of Appropriate Treatment of Shipyard and
Drydock Wastewater Discharges and Stormwater Runoff - G F Lee & A J-Lee G Fred Lee & Assoc, CA
Session 9B was treated to G. Fred Lee of EnviroQual who discussed the problems of regulating runoff in wastewater and stormwater. Dr. Lee insists the government's methods of regulating chemical inputs by setting minimum
concentration levels is simplistic and incorrect. Instead, we should shift regulatory emphasis on chemical impacts. Current guidelines are "fundamentally flawed" according to Lee. Citing his extensive
experience with Federal and State regulatory issues, Lee points out the city of Los Angeles, CA spends $50 billion to treat stormwater runoff. He insists it would be far more accurate, valid and less expensive to
perform site specific evaluations of the environmental impacts and contaminant sources. Lee says "if you want to tell if something is toxic, ask [test] the organism." Lee notes the key to properly regulating
runoff either from drydocks or city streets is to make a commitment to search for undetected or subtle water quality problems not yet found. This commitment will develop enough public acceptance in order to change EPA's
standards and the current invalid regulatory process.
Contact: G. Fred Lee - gfredlee@aol.com
Stormwater Collection, Treatment, Recycling and Reuse in a Shipyard - G C Schafran, et al., Old Dominion University, VA Gary
Schafran reported on Old Dominion University's extensive study on shipyard practices regarding stormwater recycling, reuse, treatment, and collection. In brief Schafran highlighted issues such as:
- Regulations for shipyards are primarily Federal. State regulations vary widely.
- Future regulations will likely be based upon Total Maximum Discharge Limits (TMDL).
- All shipyards evaluated had established plans and operations to reduce contamination possibilities.
- Few shipyards treat stormwater runoff.
- Few shipyards recycle or reuse runoff.
- TSS, metals and organic compounds are primary contaminants of concern in State and Federal permits.
Shipyards have been most effective in reducing organic compound inputs through "best management practices" such as shifting industrial processes indoors and using preventative methods such as tarps and liners.
Schafran noted U.S. shipyards studied have done a good job in communicating with one another with regards to changing operations to reduce potential pollutants in stormwater runoff. Many shipyards use similar operational
techniques thanks to the industry's self-cooperative efforts. Contact: Gary Schafran - schafran@cee.odu.edu
Bargebased Wastewater Treatment Technologies Used in Virginia Shipyards - T Beacham, T Fox et al., CASRM, VA Tom Fox of CASRM ended the day's sessions with a presentation on barge based wastewater treatment
technologies in Virginia shipyards. It appears the state of Virginia has established the nation's toughest restrictions on TBT levels at 50 parts per trillion. Shipyards are now coping with the arduous task of meeting
an unreachable target, according to Fox. CASRM has developed a barge based system to treat TBT at flows of up to 100 gallons per minute. A typical yard may generate 150,000 gallons of wastewater in hull cleaning
operations such as hydroblasting. CASRM is also developing a "Rapid TBT Analysis" methodology. A rapid analysis of TBT levels is pre-requisite in the entire process of treating TBT in shipyards. Fox
believes their system will get its first test this October at one of the Virginia marine shipyards . |
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