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Abstract: Approximately 50 billion tons of sand are used each year by the construction industry. The construction industry is the biggest consumer of this natural resource. Other industries that use sand at great volumes include the fracking industry, the glass industry and the electronics industry. The demand for sand and gravel products is significantly higher than the amount of sand our resources can sustainably provide. According to the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYC DDC), construction and demolition (CCD) waste makes up 25–45% of the solid waste stream in the United States by weight. In New York City, CCD waste makes up more than 60% of the solid waste stream. And according to Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF), as of 2020,CCD waste is accepted at MSW landfills in 41 states and comprises roughly 12 percent of the landfilled waste stream. Illegally dumped material is not accounted for. Because of high tipping fees, high transportation costs and the lack of permitted facilities in close proximity to the work, contaminated material has been dumped in local communities (including Long Island, NY where Posillico is located) posing a danger to public health and groundwater quality.

This field trip will involve a tour of Posillico Material’s Wash Plant Facility in Farmingdale, New York followed by a classroom presentation that will discuss: the theory and process of soil washing, Posillico Material’s Wash Plant Facility, the regulatory hurdles, different Wash Plant processes, Long Island geology, New York State historic fill, the types of material accepted, and the types of products that are produced from the washing process which demonstrates the sustainable value that soil washing produces. This event is limited to 30 persons that will tour the facility in two smaller groups followed by a combined group classroom presentation.

The ultimate goal is to change the industry and project required specifications to have recycled products to be an option and not just native/virgin material, where applicable. Based on engineering specifications for projects, the recyclable product the Wash Plant produces is a less expensive and more sustainable option for backfill needs. Recycled aggregate is a sustainable alternative to virgin material and can be used interchangeably in many applications. There are engineering, economic, and environmental benefits to using a washed recycled aggregate.

Approved for 1 PDH Credit