Perchlorate Removal, Destruction and Field Monitoring Demonstration

Abstract

Abstract : The Department of Defense (DoD) has used perchlorate (ClO4 -) as an oxidizer in ordnance items and rocket motors for more than half a century. This very water soluble and environmentally persistent compound now contaminates drinking water for tens of millions of people in the United States. In 2002, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a provisional perchlorate Oral Reference Dose (RfD), which translated into a drinking water equivalent level of 1 part per billion (ppb). This drinking water equivalent level (DWEL) was recently increased to 24.5 ppb following the release of a report by the National Academy of Science. As a result of EPA establishing a reference dose for perchlorate having a DWEL of 24.5 ppb, DoD issued a policy letter that establishes 24 ppb as the level of concern for managing perchlorate. The letter further states that, Once established, DoD will comply with applicable state or federal promulgated standards whichever is more stringent. The letter also provides guidance for perchlorate with respect to sampling and analysis, record keeping, environmental restoration, operational ranges, drinking water systems, and wastewater discharges. These guidance letters will impact many end users and stakeholders. Issues that these end users and stakeholders face using ion exchange technologies include a simple and effective regeneration process, disposal of concentrated regenerant streams, and cost.