Ag. Jensen et Sa. Batterman, AN EVALUATION OF COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS-WASTE THERMAL-DESTRUCTION CAPACITY, Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association [1995], 44(8), 1994, pp. 995-1003
Thermal destruction capacity for commercial hazardous waste in the Uni
ted States is examined to determine current and future capacity requir
ements. This study focuses on commercial incinerators and cement kilns
burning conventional hazardous wastes. Aggregate maximum and availabl
e capacity estimates are derived using the most recent information. On
a national basis, available capacity far exceeds present demand. On a
regional basis, capacity appears sufficient with the exception of the
California area. However, this shortfall appears insignificant given
the overall capacity situation. While incineration demand may increase
for solids and sludges as a consequence of Land Ban disposal restrict
ions and other reasons, capacity for these wastes again appears suffic
ient to meet current and projected demands. Thus, arguments that addit
ional commercial incineration capacity will be needed to accommodate a
n expected increase in incinerable hazardous waste cannot be supported
by the available information. The analysis raises concerns about the
determination of realistic capacity estimates, and the lack of interac
tion between the capacity assurance process that documents the need fo
r capacity and state siting processes for new waste management facilit
ies. The excess incineration capacity shown in this paper will contrib
ute to the successful implementation of EPA's goal to reduce national
capacity.