VLS develops mercury disposal technology

VLS Environmental Solutions, based in Houston, has unveiled a patent-pending technology designed to permanently dispose of elemental mercury.

According to VLS, this technology is the “first and only Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)-compliant disposal option for elemental mercury in the United States.” Treatment and disposal will occur at VLS’ Texas Molecular RCRA permitted treatment, storage and disposal facility in Deer Park, Texas.

“This is a watershed moment for mercury waste management,” VLS CEO John Magee says. “Our process provides the first true domestic solution for mercury disposal since the Mercury Export Ban Act (MEBA) took effect in 2013. Government agencies and industry stakeholders now have a viable, compliant option for final disposal.”

The facility in Deer Park has the capacity and existing infrastructure to safely treat and dispose of elemental mercury in accordance with regulations and existing permits, according to VLS. The site is fully permitted by both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to accept and dispose of mercury at this facility.

VLS says its technology directly supports the mining, energy, chemical and other manufacturing sectors. It also can support the needs of federal agencies that are currently managing legacy mercury reserves.

“Methods like indefinite long-term storage, or stabilization and landfill, just delay the problem and can pose potential serious risks,” said Chris Lobue, VLS executive vice president of hazardous waste. “There is a reason stabilization and landfill of mercury above the water table isn’t allowed under current EPA regulations. The elegance of the VLS solution is that it fits within existing regulations and uses a proven technology that was originally designed to protect drinking water sources.”