"Bridgeview Update" (from Spring 1998 Evergreen Association Newsletter) The latest inspection report for Bridgeview indicates problems have been occurring with samples of chem-claved waste showing signs of bacterial growth on incubator spore samples after three days incubation. A DEP inspector who visited Bridgeview on February 2 examined three spore samples in the incubator at that time from the Chem-Clav 2000 dated January 30, January 31, and February 1. The February 1 sample showed growth. One sample from the Chem-Clav 3000 dated January 30 also was in the incubator and showed growth. These waste containers were reprocessed, sampled again, and rechecked on February 5 and 9, at which time no growth was observed. Another inspection of incubator spore samples on February 12 indicated possible growth in two samples from waste processed in the 2000 unit February 10 and 11. Re-inspection of the samples on February 13 showed definite growth in the February 10 sample. Bridgeview explains it has experienced problems with samples occurring both as a result of environmental contamination from mishandling of the samples (incubator sample appears cloudy) and failure of the Chem-Clav units to treat the waste (incubator sample shows orange colonies). To solve the first problem, the facility will likely install a glove box to prevent environmental contamination of the samples. Bridgeview meanwhile must inform DEP as to why samples have been showing environmental contamination and indicate how it will correct these problems. Until these problems can be resolved, Bridgeview must hold all treated waste at the site until the three-day incubation period has been completed. An OFF-HOUR inspection Saturday, November 22, 1997, at 5 a.m. by DEP air quality and waste management inspectors revealed no problems, except for an uncovered ash container. None of the equipment was operating and no employees were present at the time. Manifests for all waste to be treated were locked in the office. Inspectors returned on November 25 to complete the inspection and noted: problems with Bridgeview's handling of manifests; a Chem-Clav steam vent dripping liquid smelling of the chlorine treatment solution; boxes of waste from CT on the loading dock without lids; shredder cooling water being discharged to the storm drain without a permit from Water Quality; bacterial growth in an incubator control sample. With the exception of the incubator spore samples, all problems had been corrected by the February inspection. Installation of the new 3000 lb./hour Chem-clav unit has been completed and the unit has been operating since last fall. Operating hours at the facility are 7 p.m. Monday to 3:30 a.m. Saturday and dayshift works Saturday and Sunday. -------- This plant was initially a pet crematorium. While the pet crematorium is still a part of their operations, the state Department of Environmental Resources (now named the Department of Environmental Protection) permitted them to expand their operations to include a wider range of medical wastes.