TXDOT-Dallas performs quality control tests on their asphalt mixtures before paving roads.Their testing operations included a trichloroethylene solvent used to separate the asphalt from the rocks and sand in the mixture. These were then disposed of as hazardous waste. The trichloroethylene was eliminated by purchasing convection ovens that separates the asphalt, from the rock and sand mixture. The oven runs once a week, for several hours at high temperatures and does not run when it is not testing mixtures.
Another operation at TXDOT is their sign production. TXDOT used Naphtha in their silk screening process to design signs. The process consisted of a silk screen impregnated with paint and used to imprint signs. Since naphtha is a highly flammable, hazardous substance, TXDOT eliminated naphtha by implementing letter cutting process to create the wording on the signs.
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The elimination of trichloroethylene and Naphtha from their operations reduced air emissions and storage areas in the sign shop and decreased human health risks. TXDOT no longer is a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) and is now considered a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator (CESQG). This status exempts them from pollution prevention plans, Annual Progress reporting and RCRA..
Details of Reductions
Additional Information :
By eliminating the trichloroethylene solvent and implementing the convention ovens, TXDOT-Dallas has saved over $13,800 a year on solvent and drum disposal.
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