SCS was retained by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) to evaluate alternative solid waste management strategies for eight communities in the South Hampton Roads Region. The study was initiated to address technologies, institutional approaches, disposal alternatives, transportation, and economic factors that may affect the management of solid waste after the inter-local agreements between the communities and the Southeastern Public Services Authority (SPSA) expire in 2018.
As a part of this study, an assessment was conducted of new and emerging technologies that could potentially be viable options in 2018 and beyond. The assessment included discussion of the primary characteristics, emissions and useful by-products, main advantages and disadvantages of the technologies, how they would fit into the county’s infrastructure, estimated costs, and regulatory permitting aspects.
Several major types of technologies were reviewed including biochemical (i.e., hydrolysis, etc), biological (i.e., aerobic composting, etc.), and thermal (i.e., pyrolysis, gasification, plasma).
Key factors that were assessed for the technologies included:
