Analysis of the technical capabilities of DOE sites for disposal of residuals from the treatment of mixed low-level waste

Abstract

For almost four Workgroup has years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through its Federal Facility Compliance Act been working with state regulators and governors' offices to develop an acceptable configuration for disposal of its mixed low-level waste (MLLW). These interactions have resulted in screening the universe of potential disposal sites from 49 to 15 and conducting "performance evaluations" for those fifteen sites to estimate their technical capabilities for disposal of MLLW. In the residuals analysis project, we estimated the volume of DOE's MLLW that will require disposal after treatment and the concentrations of radionuclides in the treated waste. We then compared the radionuclide concentrations with the disposal limits determined in the performance evaluation project for each of the fifteen sites. The results are a scoping-level estimate of the required volumetric capacity for MLLW disposal and the identification of waste streams that may pose problems for disposal based on current treatment plans. The analysis provides technical information for continued discussions between the DOE and affected States about disposal of MLLW and systematic input to waste treatment developers on disposal issues. INTRODUCTIONThe Federal Facility Compliance Act (FFCAct) of 1992 [I] requires the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to work with its state and federal regulators and with members of the public to establish plans for the treatment of DOE's mixed low-level waste (MLLW). Along with other radioactive and hazardous waste, MLLW has been generated for more than 50 years through DOE activities related to the production of materials for nuclear weapons and research with nuclear materials. Because MLLW has a hazardous component, it must usually be treated to comply with the land disposal restrictions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) [2]. The DOE currently generates, stores, or expects to generate (over the next five years) about 130,000 m' of MLLW managed under FFCAct agreements at 39 sites in 19 states. In collaboration with the States and the National Governors' Association, the DOE has developed the required site treatment plans (STPs). Although the FFCAct does not specifically address disposal of treated MLLW, both DOE and the affected States recognize that disposal issues are an integral part of treatment discussions.

Savannah River Site Approved Site Treatment Plan, 1998 Annual Update

“…The volume of the CIF liquid waste blend tanks are not included in (3) (1) This capacity is that allowed by RCR4 PaH A interim status or Part B Permits. (2) There is no MLLW related capacity on the TRU pads. The MLLW in storage on the TRU pads or in Buildings 645-N and 645-4N uses storage capacity and storage space assigned to mixed TRU waste.…”

“…Salient features of the enclosures are (1) leak proof roof with ultraviolet light protection (Ledlar or equivalent), (2) hjgh wind load resistance, and (3) no center columns.…”

“…Cleanup-( 1) actions undertaken during a removal or remedial response to physically remove or treat a hazardous substance that poses a threat or potential threat to human health and welfare, the environment, and/or real and personal property. Sites are considered cleaned up when removal or remedial programs have no further expectation or intention of returning to the site and threats have been mitigated or do not require action; or (2) actions taken to deal with a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance that could affect humans and/or [he environment.…”