Stabilized Petroleum Waste Interaction with Silty Clay Subgrade

Concern for contamination of soil and groundwater by petroleum products is generally associated with spills or leaks from product storage and distribution facilities. However, accidental releases are also of concern at refineries which handle large quantities of hydrocarbons over extended periods. In addition, crude oil refining generates unusable by-products. This has decreased in recent years due to improved process efficiencies that have been spurred by both price increases and environmental concerns. However, near many refineries are tracts containing wastes from earlier years which remain in outdoor storage.