Industry focuses on minimizing wastes.

3

The paper titled "Foundry Wastes in Michigan: inventory and Minimization Potential" (91120), by K. Rundman, D. Talford, C. Baillod, L. Coduti and S. Murto, Michigan Technological Univ., Houghton, was the kickoff presentation for the Environmental Control Division.

A survey for estimating material flow and costs was sent to 128 foundries where sand was a major mold and coremaking material. Waste consisted primarily of spent sand and slags ranging from 1/4-1 ton of waste/ ton of castings. None of the foundries thermally reclaim sand, even though several spend more than $1 million each per year on sand purchase and disposal.

Michigan foundries generate 864,000 tons waste sand/slag per year. Regional clustering of Michigan foundries indicates that centralized sand reclamation, reuse and storage facilities may be an attractive approach to managing foundry wastes. The major contributors to the solid waste problem are molding and core sands. The increased use of chemical bonding agents for molds and cores has caused heightened concern on the environmental effects of these chemicals. Federal and state laws have focused attention to this problem.

Comparison of EP-Toxicity and TCLP Testing of Foundry Waste" (91-143) by P. Turpin and R. Stanforth, RMT, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, focused on the inherent differences between the two testing methods. TCLP has replaced the EP-Toxic test for determining whether wastes are hazardous by toxicity characteristics. This new test was promulgated March 25, 1990 proposed by the USEPA in 1986 to replace EP-Toxic) and results in mandatory confirmation that wastes are not hazardous under TCLP. TCLP increased the list of parameters for which waste could be classified as toxic by including a number of organic compounds.

Life Threatening Heat Hazards: A Case Study" (91-132), by D. Hinkamp, St. Mary's of Nazareth Hospital, Chicago, and D. Alderink, Aiderink & Assoc., Grand Rapids, Michigan. Alderink presented a case history of occupational heat stress resulting in a disabling, near-fatal injury. This case illustrated the many important aspects for prevention of heat-related disorders. Lack of training can be a hazard in many work settings and, in this case, was probably the single most contributing factor. Some general precautions that can be implemented in the work environment were discussed.

The panel on "Environmental/Safety Hot Issues" (91-173) targeted four areas of interest to foundrymen. J. Childress, Intermet Foundries., Lynchburg, Virginia, discussed workplace safety and health legislation. The chosen topics were the American Disabilities Act, the OSHA Criminal Penalty Reform Act and Workplace Protection Act of 1991, and the Privacy for Consumers and Workers Act. M. Slattery, RMT Inc.,Schaumburg, Illinois, another panelist, discussed the activities of the AFS 10-F Committee. The committee has focused on five areas to concentrate their efforts: a proactive approach to the new land ban regulations, increased environmental coverage in modem casting, binder system solid waste as a research effort, stormwater regulations, and preparation of an industry statement on RCRA.

D. Alderink, Alderink & Assoc., Grand Rapids, Michigan, discussed the effects of carbon monoxide and asbestos on indoor air quality and the pending seat belt standards for industrial truck drivers. A case history of cumulative trauma disorders in the meat packaging industry was presented by panelist T. Rafalski, Grede Foundries, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The four steps for implementing a sucessful ergonomics program are management commitment, organization of a task force, employee training and documentation. The AFS Ergonomics Committee is currently working on a handbook to help reduce cumulative trauma disorders.

G. Mosher, AFS, Des Plaines, Illinois, reported on the results of a nationwide foundry solid waste survey (91-175). "There are approximately nine million tons of solid foundry waste disposed annually that don't necessarily need to go to a landfill. Congressional actions are forcing this to happen," Mosher said. There are alternate beneficial reuses that can be employed to deal with this disposal problem. We need to approach congress on the issue of nonhazardous waste rulings."

G. Allen, Ashland Chemical, inc., Columbus, Ohio, explained how two of the 11 titles in the Clean Air Act affect foundries (Title I-The Urban Air Quality issue, and Title III-the Hazardous Air Pollutants).