This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is prepared to describe the technical approach and
the instructions for applying MuniRem® products to treat explosives contaminated carbon
media for disposal or reuse. Explosives contaminated carbon media are mainly derived from
treating explosives contaminated wastewater by carbon filtration. The two outcomes of this
process are decontaminated carbon media and non-hazardous wastewater. Figure 1 (below) is
a generic schematic of a process flow diagram (PFD) for the application of MuniRem® reagents
to treat explosives contaminated carbon media.

Equipment and Supplies

• MuniRem-OPT
• Level C PPE
• Diaphragm Pump
• Forensic Test Kits for Explosives
• Spill Containment Kits
• MuniRem Solution Tank
• Wastewater Collection and Treatment Tote (450 gallons)

Procedure

1. Prepare about 500 liters (132 gallons) of 15% MuniRem® reagent solution
(weight/weight basis).
2. Disconnect the tank containing explosives contaminated carbon media and connect to
the MuniRem Solution Tank.
3. Direct the effluent of the Explosives Contaminated Carbon Media Tank to the
Wastewater Collection Tank.
4. Flush the Explosives Contaminated Carbon Media Tank with the prepared solution of
MuniRem.
5. After the initial flushing, fill the Explosives Contaminated Carbon Media tank with a
fresh 15% MuniRem reagent solution and allow the media to soak for 12 hours.
6. After 12 hours of soaking, empty the spent solution into the Wastewater Collection
Tank.
7. Flush the carbon media with two fresh MuniRem reagent solution pore volumes.
8. Check for explosives in the MuniRem reagent solution effluent with the forensic test kit.
9. If explosives are detected, soak for another 12 hours in a fresh 15% solution of
MuniRem reagent.
10. If no explosives are detected after step 8, proceed to flush with 500 liters (132 gallons)
of freshwater, but do not add it to the effluent wastewater tank.
11. If the collected wastewater in the tote tests positive for explosives, it should be further
treated by incrementally adding MuniRem reagent powder, mixing at low (about 30)
RPM, and intermittently checking for explosives every two hours.
12. Characterize the wastewater composition per local regulations before disposal or reuse.
13. The treated carbon media can now be disposed of or reused per local regulations.

Figure 1. Example PFD Schematic for Treating Explosives Contaminated Carbon Media

Alternative Treatment of Explosives Wastewater with MuniRem Reagents.

Note that explosives wastewater can also be treated with MuniRem reagents. The MuniRem
reagent in powder form is added to the wastewater incrementally, mixed, and allowed to react
for a couple of hours. The mass of MuniRem reagent required is determined by the mass of
explosives in the wastewater, thus the need for incremental addition of the MuniRem reagent.
The complete destruction of all explosives is confirmed using forensic explosive test kits, e.g.,
EXPRAY® or QTest®, etc. The resulting wastewater is characterized and disposed of as a non-
hazardous waste.