Environmental and other evaluations of alternatives for long-term management of buried INEL transuranic waste

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1979

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5780296· OSTI ID:5780296

This study identifies, develops, and evaluates, in a preliminary manner, alternatives for long-term management of the TRU waste buried at the RWMC at the INEL. The technology required for managing the waste, the environmental effects, the risks to the public, the radiological and nonradiological hazards to workers, and the estimated costs are discussed. The RWMC was established in the southwestern corner of the INEL in 1952 as a controlled area for burial of solid radioactive waste generated by INEL operations. It encompasses about 144 acres. Since 1954, solid waste contaminated with transuranic radionuclides has been received from defense-related activities at the RFP and from other operations of the AEC and its successor agencies. Approximately 2,200,000 ft/sup 3/ of TRU waste was buried in pits and trenches at the RWMC between 1954 and 1970. Since 1970, about 1,100,000 ft/sup 3/ of TRU waste has been received and stored retrievably on aboveground asphalt pads at the RWMC. The containers (metal bins and drums and wooden boxes) for the stored waste are generally in good condition. However, the containers for the buried waste have deteriorated badly; some of the waste, such as large pieces of equipment, was buried without containers. Some of the soil immediately adjacent to the buried waste has become contaminated. Six alternatives for the long-term management of the buried TRU waste were studied. These alternatives are identified and concepts within these alternatives developed and evaluated.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-07-1570
• OSTI ID: 5780296
• Report Number(s): IDO-10085; TRN: 80-002994
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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