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OIT, Inc. may incinerate contaminated soil, but no sludge

Release Date: 3/21/1997
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March 21, 1997

OIT, Inc., an incineration company in Fairbanks recently closed by the state for air quality violations, will be allowed to incinerate petroleum- contaminated soils if the company can demonstrate the ability to operate within state air quality standards.

OIT will not, however, be allowed to incinerate sewage sludge. The state has rescinded the provisions of OIT's air permit that previously allowed sewage sludge processing. All sludge is required to be removed from the property, a Department of Environmental Conservation official said today.

John Stone, DEC's air quality maintenance manager, said, "We are lifting the emergency order that banned all incineration there, with the conditions that no sludge burning is resumed and that the company demonstrate that it can meet air quality standards while processing contaminated soils. This will give them the opportunity to salvage pending contracts for soils and still maintain clean air for the surrounding community."

The major problems with sewage incineration at the facility were related to foul odors, which will not recur in processing only contaminated soils. However, the company had ash and dust problems with contaminated soils and will have to show that these are under control before resuming soils processing, Stone explained. The company is required to remove all remaining
sludge and to decontaminate equipment to eliminate potential odors.

For further information, contact John Stone, DEC Juneau, 907-465-5100.