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U.S. Department of Energy
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Pilot- and field-scale uranium lysimeter studies at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10166711
;  [1]; ;  [2]
  1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
  2. Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (United States)
The Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant initiated the Uranium Lysimeter Demonstration Project in 1988 as a critical component in the development of new disposal facilities for solid low-level waste (LLW) generated at the Plant. Data collected over a long period of time (in excess of 20 years) relevant to the disposal concerns of the Y-12 Plant are not currently available. The research activities associated with this project were designed to provide comprehensive data on the fate of depleted uranium disposed of in landfills and burial trenches over long periods of time (up to five years). Of particular interest is determining the radiological and chemical characteristics of collected Y-12 waste streams and their respective leachates under field conditions. The data collected during those studies will be used in the preparation and validation of pathways models currently being developed to calculate the radiological dose and chemical toxicity to man resulting from LLW disposal. It is also anticipated that the results of this research will be usedto meet regulatory requirements for siting and permitting future on-site LLW disposal facilities. The project objectives will be met by construction, loading and operation of field leaching facilities (lysimeters) and the completion of several pilot-scale studies.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OS21400
OSTI ID:
10166711
Report Number(s):
Y/WM--123; CONF-921101--1; ON: DE92018245
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English