LEAD WASTE
MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING
Research on the dangers of lead exposure has resulted in many
changes in manufacturing.
However, low levels of lead still exist in contaminated
soil, paint in older homes, drinking water, and glazed pottery.
Low levels of exposure to lead have been linked to mental
and behavioral development in children, increased blood
pressure, nerve disorders, joint pain, and memory problems.
One developing
area of concern is the use of lead shot and bullets at shooting
ranges. Thousands of
tons of lead bullets and shot are produced annually, much of
which is disposed of improperly.
Possible exposure due
to improper management of lead include:
1.
Emission into
the air when dissolved by acidic rain or soil.
2.
Water pollution
resulting from dissolved lead or lead particles in storm water
runoff.
3.
Pollution of
ground water by dissolved lead.
4.
Inhalation of
lead dust particles from firing.
5.
Ingestion of
lead particles that have gathered on the hands of shooters.
LEAD MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES
Though most federal laws apply to lead recyclers and
reclaimers, range owners should follow the best management
practices to protect the environment and their own liability.
Benefits of
Recycling and Managing Used Shot
1.
Practicing safe
recycling and collection of spent lead shot protects people and
the environment from toxic exposure.
2.
Range owners
can improve their public image by being proactive and
maintaining a clean facility.
3.
Lead reclaimers
and recyclers sometimes share a percentage of profits with range
owners who collect lead.
4.
Proactive
prevention of soil contamination will save expenses on future
operation changes, should the law require them.
5.
Responsible
management protects range owners from possible lawsuit actions
for lead exposure. These types of lawsuits have been numerous
within the United States
Responsible
Lead Management
1.
One of the most
effective practices of lead management is the containment of
bullets and shot. Containment enables easier reclamation of
bullets and recycling of lead.
Bullets can be contained using a variety of methods, including earthen
backstops and traps made out of sand, steel, rubber granule, and
shock absorbing concrete.
Laying surface
traps and directing shooting angles can also contain shot fall.
2.
Monitoring and
adjusting soil pH, if outdoors, and controlling runoff can also
prevent lead contamination.
Adjusting soil pH may involve adding components such as
phosphate or lime.
Owners can control runoff by planting vegetation, spreading
mulch or compost, and installing surface covers.
3.
Hiring and
regularly implementing lead reclamation is vital.
Processes may include:
Hand raking and sifting the soil for fragments. Employers or reclaimers
who perform hand raking should take protective measures to avoid
lead exposure.
For larger ranges, purchasing or occasionally renting separation
machinery may be best.
The machinery moves large amounts of soil through levels
of screens to obtain lead fragments.
Soil can be collect first by hand or by vacuuming.
Soil washing
proves to be more effective in extracting lead particles, though
it is a more costly option.
The soil within a water solution moves through a
mechanical screening process that separates clay, gravel, and
other particles from lead shot and fragments.
4.
One final
consideration is the use of alternative ammunition.
There is ammunition available comprised of
bismuth, steel, and tungsten/iron, though cost and safety
concerns should be considered.
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