DSHW-2004-004698 - 0901a068801560c4

ATK
ALLIANT TECHSYSTEMS
May 21, 2004
8200-FY05-020
Dennis R. Downs, Director
Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste
Department of Environmental Quality
P.O. Box 144880
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4880
Dear Mr. Downs
ATK Thiokol Propulsion
P.O. Box 707
Brigham City, UT 84302-0707
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
RECEIVED
MAY 24 200^
UTAH DIVISION OF
SOLID & HAZARDOUS WASTE
RE: Request for Emergency Permit as Required Under R315-3-6.2, ATK
Thiokol, EPA ID # UTD009081357
Pursuant to our oral request for an emergency permit from Mr. Jeff Vandel of your staff on this
date, I have prepared this written follow-up letter. ATK Thiokol requests an emergency permit to
be valid through June 11, 2004, to allow treatment of two 55 drum equivalents of partially-
reacted magnesium powder and its intermediate reaction products, by water submersion in a burn
tray at our M-136 thennal treatment facility.
While preparing to clean and decontaminate building M-42 (addressed in our May 13 letter to the
State), we discovered some partially reacted magnesium powder and intermediates, that require
further trealment to safely dispose. Normally, we would thermally treat this material using donor
propellant, but due to a persistant exothermic reaction, we feel this approach would be unsafe.
After discussions with experts in this area, we believe the following treatment/handling process
will be protective of both worker safety and the environment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
All material in question will be swept up and collected in poly bags.
The material will be placed into a sound bum tray at the M-136 burn grounds
The tray will be properly labeled and the material covered with water.
After the waste is completely reacted, the waler will be pumped off and sent to M-
705 waste water treatment plant for processing.
5. The wet cake will be air dried, then removed and sent to the M-136 landfiii for final
disposal.
Based on Mr. Vandel's verbal approval, we plan to move forward on this project. Thank you for
your assistance in obtaining this emergency permit. Please contact Mr. Gene Curtis of my staff if
you have any questions or need further clarification.
Sincerely
r.4 »-<_ (cl fJ. ^<-.
G. E. Gooch, Manager
Environmental Services