MIL-HDBK-1005/16
connection and proper provisions to minimize worker health and
safety risks should be provided. If high solids concentrations
are present, it may be advisable to install a sedimentation basin
upstream of the OWS.
5.7
Oil/Sludge Removal and Disposal. Sludges and oils that
are not periodically pumped from separator holding tanks can
render OWSs inoperative. Reliable oil removal from the surface
of the separation chamber is a frequent problem with both
commercially available units and custom-designed separators.
Currently, the most satisfactory method involves suction removal
by installation personnel using equipment normally used for
cleaning catch basins. This equipment is commonly referred to as
a "vacuum" or "vac-all" truck.
Oils and oily sludges removed from the OWS may be
disposed of by reuse/recovery, incineration, sale by the Defense
Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO), waste hauler,
landfill, and land disposal. It is recommended that final
disposal options be evaluated concurrently with oil/water
separation methods and environmental requirements to establish
the most cost-effective total system. The sludge may require
regulation as a hazardous waste if levels of pollutants exceed
RCRA or state hazardous waste levels. Further, a leaking OWS
containing a hazardous waste can result in designation as a solid
waste management unit (SWMU) and be subject to corrective actions
under RCRA regulations (40 CFR Subpart F).
5.8
Guidance Documents. The following documents provide
additional guidance in designing or selecting OWSs. Also refer
to the References section in this handbook.
a)
ETL 1110-3. Selection and Design of OWS at Army
Facilities, Army Engineering and Technical Letter August 26,
1994. This ETL is a comprehensive design guidance document for
OWS.
b)
MIL-HDBK-1005/9. Industrial and Oily Waste
Control.
c)
API Publication 421. Design and Operation of Oil-
Water Separators, American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street,
Northwest, Washington, D.C. 22005, February 1990.
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