Project Number: 1265-12000-035-01
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 18, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2008

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to assemble known information on foundry sand including physical and chemical characterization, regulatory requirements, and agricultural usage into a text or data-base, to complete an inventory of pertinent information related to the foundry industry, to create guidelines for use of recycled foundry sands in soil blends, to work with nurseries to assist in evaluation of use of recycled foundry sand in nursery operations.

Approach:
By using previously collected references, a document will be prepared summarizing the points of interest to the project. A survey will be formulated and then distributed to foundries in USEPA Region 5 to create an inventory of information on the foundry industry. The by-product blend model will be used to develop practical guidelines for use of foundry sands in soil blends. Horticultural nurseries with experience and interest in beneficial use of by-products will be contacted to help to develop and implement a plan for incorporation of recycled foundry sand into common practices.