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UNACCEPTABLE WASTES
Curtis Bay Energy is explicitly prohibited under its operating permit, issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), from accepting certain types of waste for treatment. In addition, certain types of waste pose safety hazards to workers at Curtis Bay Energy or can cause damage to the facility’s processing equipment. Curtis Bay Energy will not accept any of the following for treatment:
I. Controlled Hazardous Substances (CHS) andHazardous Wastes as defined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.13.02)
II. Radioactive Hazardous Substances (RHS) as defined in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 26.15.02), or other solid waste emitting radiation at more than three (3) times the rate of Background Radiation at the BRMWI. Background Radiation at the BRMWI registers at approximately 10,000 counts per minute on a rate meter. The facility’s radiation detector alarms are set at 30,000 counts per minute.
III. COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
When heated to high temperatures, empty gas cylinders (including aerosol cans) often explode causing damage to the refractory material lining the inside of the waste-to-energy systems. If the cylinders contain oxygen or a combustible material, the damage is greater.
IV. FLUORESCENT and HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE LAMPS, CATHODE RAY TUBES
Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps often contain mercury. Cathode Ray tubes do contain mercury. Incineration of these items can increase airborne emissions of mercury from the facility. The US EPA is currently considering regulating all spent lamps of this type as Hazardous Waste because of the mercury content.
V. LARGE NON-COMBUSTIBLE ITEMS
Non-combustible materials, such as metal furniture, office equipment, and concrete or other construction materials, are not reduced in size in the waste-to-energy process. If these items are too large (more than 12 inches in any dimension) they can jam the ash removal mechanism of the waste-to-energy system, causing equipment downtime and exposing workers to hazardous conditions while the jam is being cleared.
VI. MEDICAL WASTE THAT IS NOT PACKAGED, NOT LABELED, NOT ACCOMPANIED BY PROPER SHIPPING PAPERS, OR NOT TRANSPORTED IN CERTIFIED VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS.
