Description of DCI Role: Investigation of Industrial Residuals for Beneficial Reuse
Project Team Leader(s): Ron Duckworth, Joe Reitberger, Jerry Cole
Project Cost: $107,000
Time Period of Project Work: 2007 - 2008
Client: Confidential

Project Description
An industrial client developed a unique process to biologically produce a multi-purpose chemical previously manufactured solely from petroleum resources. The process uses a genetically modified bacterium and produces multiple waste streams. Preliminary studies yielded no beneficial use options acceptable to the client. DCI developed a phased plan to further evaluate selected streams. The strategy included analytical data collection and evaluation, identification of acceptable beneficial use options, greenhouse and storage studies, regulatory submittals, feasibility demonstration tests, and pilot scale operating plans. DCI determined that the streams were suitable for beneficial use and identified specific potential options that were deemed acceptable by the client. The greenhouse and storage studies confirmed the viability of the identified beneficial uses. Initial discussions with state regulatory agencies were successful and the project is currently awaiting approval of funding to proceed to the field demonstration phase.