VLS Environmental Solutions, a leader in sustainable environmental management, has officially announced the launch of a revolutionary, patent-pending technology, designed to facilitate permanent disposal of elemental mercury.
According to certain reports, the stated technology arrives as the first and only RCRA-compliant disposal option for elemental mercury in the United States, thus marking a significant milestone in hazardous waste management.
More on the same would reveal how this promised treatment and disposal of elemental mercury will occur at VLS’ Texas Molecular RCRA permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) in Deer Park, Texas. You see, this state-of-the-art facility is built up from scratch for the sole purpose of safely treating and disposing elemental mercury in accordance with regulations and existing permits.
Making the given value proposition even better would be the fact that VLS Texas Molecular is already fully permitted by both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“This is a watershed moment for mercury waste management,” said John Magee, CEO of VLS Environmental Solutions. “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.”
To understand the significance of such a development, we must take into account how, back in 2008, the introduction of MEBA prohibited the export of elemental mercury, leaving industry and government entities without a single regulatory-compliant disposal option.
Against that, VLS is bringing forth a mechanism capable of eliminating the need for indefinite storage, and at the same, reducing risks to public health and the environment.
“Methods like indefinite long-term storage, or stabilization and landfill, just delay the problem and can pose potential serious risks,” said Chris Lobue, 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.”
Talk about VLS’ take on a slightly deeper level, it is meticulously conceived to support the needs of mining, energy, chemical, and other manufacturing sectors. Furthermore, the underlying solution can support the needs of federal agencies that are currently managing legacy mercury reserves. As a result, the relevant agencies and industries no longer have to bear large unnecessary costs historically-associated with storing elemental mercury stockpiles in perpetuity.
Founded in 2007, VLS’ rise up the ranks stems from a far-reaching product suite. This suite includes non-hazardous waste services, offering innovative solutions for landfill diversion, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration, as well as ensuring efficient and sustainable waste processing.
The company even provides hazardous waste services. Here, it essentially specializes in the management, treatment, and disposal of hazardous materials through advanced technologies, such as waste sequestration and strict safety protocols, to protect the environment and ensure compliance.
VLS also has rail services in its portfolio, an area where it ensures comprehensive railcar cleaning, light and heavy repair, and field services for railcars transporting chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases.
Rounding up highlights would be an assortment of marine services that include advanced barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free services for chemical solvents.
“This is more than a technological advancement—it’s a paradigm shift in mercury waste management,” said Robert Wheatley, Chief Strategy Officer at VLS Environmental Solutions. “Our solution enables industries to resolve mercury challenges domestically, creating both environmental and economic value.”
