4.4.4.5   Short-Term Effectiveness -- Alternative 4

As discussed in the previous section, the primary effect of
quicklime treatment is a short-term release mostly in the first
few hours after mixing, of PCBs and their degradation products. 
Unless totally enclosed, this process may have a negative effect
on the surrounding area.  The potential short-term effectiveness
of the quicklime technology application involves worker safety
considerations and potential community exposure.  The
technology's impact in each area is discussed below.

Worker Safety

Worker exposure to the contaminants can occur during excavation,
transportation, screening, sorting, and treatment of the wastes. 
Worker exposure during these phases can be reduced by employing
dust control measures such as wetting or applying foam to the
wastes.

During the treatment stage, environmental conditions may be
particularly hazardous because 80 percent of the PCBs could
become airborne, and hazardous PCB degradation products could be
formed from the treated materials.  In order to minimize the risk
of exposure to the workers, the proper protective equipment would
need to be worn.  Fugitive dust emissions during the dry mixing
of lime and PCB-contaminated waste would need to be controlled. 
By enclosing the treatment system in an appropriate building with
proper ventilation and contaminant containment, emissions can be
minimized.  Workers should also be monitored for heat and cold
stress.

Potential Community Exposure

Implementation of quicklime treatment in an enclosed building
should minimize the risk of community exposure to fugitive
emissions.  The only potential exposure to the community would
result from an accidental short-time release possibly because of
a failure of the ventilation system or breakdown of other release
controls.