ETL 1110-3-487
1 Mar 98
transportation (DOT) paving standards for mixture strength parameters such as Marshall and
indirect tensile tests (EPA 1992).
6. Costs.
a. The costs involved in the use of contaminated soils in ASB will vary considerably with the
type and level of contamination as well as with geographic location, due to differing requirements
between states. In 1991, Ellison (Ellison 1991) gave a most likely cost range of to per
m3 ( to per yd3) and stated that under ideal conditions the range might be to per
m3 ( to per yd3). These costs do not directly reflect the costs involved in alternative
methods of treatment or disposal or the costs involved in building an ASB without contaminated
soils. Costs can be significantly reduced by combining both operations, disposal and construction,
into one project. Savings will be reduced if the contaminated soil has to be transported long
distances or if substantial amounts of the existing contaminated soil can not be used in the ASB
(Dineen 1991). The costs involved must include the cost of toxicity or leachate testing to achieve
regulatory approval.
b. Cost estimates on alternative methods of dealing with contaminated soils reflect a desire to
achieve the most economical and environmentally sound method of remediation. Disposal costs
in solid waste landfills will vary greatly in regards to geographic location and the type and level of
contamination. Costs can range from to 2 per ton with the national average in 1988 being
per ton (EPA 1992). Costs associated with the use of contaminated soil in hot-mix asphalt
mixtures, in 1992, ranged from to 0 per ton (EPA 1992). Other remediation alternatives
tend to have somewhat higher costs associated with them when compared to ASB procedures;
however, they also can accommodate more variation in petroleum substances and levels of
contamination. There are no direct cost comparisons available between the various remediation
techniques that consider contaminated materials at levels of contamination suitable for the ASB
procedure.
7. Performance History.
a. The ASB produced with contaminated soils has generally been used as fill material and for
surfacing light-duty access roads, storage areas, and parking lots (Friend 1996). Contaminated
soils have been used in ASB construction for surface courses for secondary roads (Neeley 1990
and Ellison 1991).
b. The Waterways Experiment Station (WES) has provided technical assistance on material
characterizations, mix designs, and construction procedures on two projects using contaminated
materials for asphalt pavement construction. A diesel contaminated soil, a contaminated asphalt
cement, and existing reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) were used to construct ASB at Eielson
AFB, AK. At Guam, a contaminated asphalt cement and asphalt cutback were used to develop
B-6
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