We have a new project that is generating around 10 gallons of an aqueous solution per week consisting of <1% of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid that is being collected and disposed of as hazardous waste. The
PI wants to know if he can neutralize this solution and dispose as wastewater. There are two issues at play:
=B7
Does this waste qualify under the exemption to treat hazardous waste without a permit? The waste is hazardous because of its corrosivity (D002), and is listed as U134. But does the toxicity of the hydrofluoric acid, even at
these very low concentrations, disqualify it from the treatment exemption?
=B7
If it can be treated, is there a widely accepted methodology for neutralization? I have seen multiple procedures either using calcium chloride solutions to bind the fluorine then flocculate into a cake for later disposal, or
using sodium bicarbonate solutions for pH neutralization.
Regards,
G. Benjamin Cieslinski, EH&S Specialist III
Tulane University, Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS)
Mailing: 1430 Tulane Avenue $8480, New Orleans, LA 70112-2699
Office: 1440 Canal St. Suite 1156
Direct: (504) 988.3996
Cell: (504) 491.5122
For non-emergency OEHS assistance,
please go to
OEHS
Help Desk
=A9Confidentiality Notice: The documents accompanying this transmission contain confidential privileged information. The information is the property of the sender and intended
only for use by the individual or entity named above. The recipient of this information is prohibited from disclosing the contents of the information to another party. If you are neither the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for delivery
to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that disclosure of contents in any manner is strictly prohibited. Please notify G. Benjamin Cieslinskiat Tulane University by calling 504.988.3996 immediately if you received this information in error.
