Considerations for closure of low-level radioactive waste engineered disposal facilities

Technical Report · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:10127622

Proper stabilization and closure of low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities require detailed planning during the early stages of facility development. This report provides considerations for host States, compact regions, and unaffiliated States on stabilization and closure of engineered low-level radioactive waste and mixed waste disposal facilities. A time line for planning closure activities, which identifies closure considerations to be addressed during various stages of a facility`s development, is presented. Current Federal regulatory requirements and guidance for closure and post-closure are outlined. Significant differences between host State and Federal closure requirements are identified. Design features used as stabilization measures that support closure, such as waste forms and containers, backfill materials, engineered barrier systems, and site drainage systems, are described. These design features are identified and evaluated in terms of how they promote long-term site stability by minimizing water infiltration, controlling subsidence and surface erosion, and deterring intrusion. Design and construction features critical to successful closure are presented for covers and site drainage. General considerations for stabilization and closure operations are introduced. The role of performance and environmental monitoring during closure is described.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (United States). National Low-Level Waste Management Program; MK-Environmental Services, San Francisco, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 10127622
• Report Number(s): DOE/LLW--133; ON: DE93007226
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

052002
054000
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
BACKFILLING
CLOSURES
CONTAINERS
COVERINGS
DESIGN
DRAINAGE
ENGINEERED SAFETY SYSTEMS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MIXTURES
MONITORING
PLANNING
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RECOMMENDATIONS
STABILIZATION
US EPA
US NRC
WASTE DISPOSAL AND STORAGE
WASTE FORMS