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HTS announces emission results

EAST LIVERPOOL — Air emissions of dioxin are more than 50 times lower in the area than the national standard for clean air, according to the final results of tests conducted last month at the Heritage Thermal Services treatment facility.

According to a press release from HTS, results of the tests, which were forwarded to federal and state environmental agencies, averaged 0.004 billionths of a gram per cubic meter of air. The U.S. EPA clean-air standard allows for 0.2 billionths of a gram in each cubic meter of air that flows from the stack. For perspective, there are about 28 grams in a single ounce.

The three-part, dioxin-specific test was conducted Oct. 3-4 at the facility, located in the East End of East Liverpool.

“The steps Heritage-followed for conducting the test, which is required every two-and-a-half years, were approved in advance by U.S. and Ohio environmental regulators. The plan was also available to the public for review and comment,” the release states.

Under the Maximum Achievable Control Technology Rule for Hazardous Waste Combustors, the U.S. EPA regulates dioxin emissions more stringently and uniformly than before the regulation went into effect.

“Heritage was the first commercial hazardous waste incinerator in America to demonstrate compliance with all of the rule’s requirements, including the one for air emissions of dioxin,” the release reads.

Dioxin is a generic term for a group of 210 chlorine-related compounds, known as dioxins and furans. The compounds are generated by various industrial activities and natural sources, such as forest fires.

Heritage Thermal Services provides incineration treatment for hazardous and non-hazardous wastes generated by private industries and public organizations. The company’s environmental professionals accept, store and treat bulk liquids, bulk solids, containers and lab packs. Heritage also provides services for DEA-controlled substances.

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