Vermont Yankee experience with interim storage of low level radioactive waste in concrete modules
- Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation, Vernon, VT (United States)
This paper discusses the implementation of interim storage of low level radioactive waste using concrete modules at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station in Vernon, Vermont. Under the threat of possible loss of disposal capability in 1986, Vermont Yankee first considered the on-site storage option in 1985. prior to settling on a design, an investigation and economic analysis was performed of several designs. Modular concrete storage on a gravel pad was chosen as the most economical and the one providing the greatest flexibility. The engineering work, safety analysis, and pad construction were completed in 1985. Because of the passage of the Low Level Radioactive Waste Policy amendments Act in 1985, the loss of disposal capability did not occur in 1986. However, because the State of Vermont failed to meet the milestones of the Amendments Act, Vermont Yankee was restricted from the existing disposal sites on January 31, 1989. As a result, modules were purchased and waste was stored on site from 1989 until 1991. In 1991, the State of Vermont came back into compliance with the Amendments Act, and all waste stored on-site was shipped for burial. During the storage period 2 types of modules (1 box type and 1 cylinder type) were used. Lessons were learned, and changes were made to better control the off-site dose contribution of the waste. Recommendations are made to enhance the usability of the facility, such s lighting power, phones, etc. A shortcoming of the module storage concept is the inability to move waste during inclement weather. Despite this, the modules have provided an economical, technically sound, method of waste storage. The storage pad has not been used since 1991, but work is under way to review, and update as necessary, the safety analysis and procedures in preparation for reuse of the on-site storage facility after June 30, 1994.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst. (EPRI), Palo Alto, CA (United States); Williams (Paul) and Associates, Medina, OH (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 133041
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-105134; CONF-940746-; TRN: 96:005338
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on low-level waste (LLW), Norfolk, VA (United States), 24-26 Jul 1994; Other Information: PBD: May 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings: 1994 EPRI International Low Level Waste Conference; PB: 825 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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