The History of Stabilization/Solidification Technology

Abstract

The processes and techniques of S/S matured into an accepted, and important, part of environmental technology. How this came about is both interesting and instructive for those working this discipline as well as others fascinated by a technical area that is still part art and part science. With few exceptions, the history of S/S for use on hazardous waste residues dates only from about 1970, when the EPA was established. Most of the impetus for S/S of hazardous wastes was provided when the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act was passed in 1976, although real implementation did not occur until after 1980 with the promulgation of regulations for a Federal hazardous waste management system under Subtitle C of RCRA. With the passage of the HSWA in 1984 and the subsequent LDR regulations beginning in 1985, and CERCLA and SARA and their regulations, most of the present regulatory system came into being. The most recent, and far reaching, ramifications of regulation with respect to S/S are due to the Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) under the RCRA. From 1990 until the present time can be considered the maturation period for S/S technology. Few new process developments have occurred since.