Low-level radioactive waste disposal facility closure

Technical Report · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1990

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6324264· OSTI ID:6324264

White, G J; Ferns, T W; Otis, M D; Marts, S T; DeHaan, M S; Schwaller, R G; White, G J ^[1]

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1. EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (USA)

Part I of this report describes and evaluates potential impacts associated with changes in environmental conditions on a low-level radioactive waste disposal site over a long period of time. Ecological processes are discussed and baselines are established consistent with their potential for causing a significant impact to low-level radioactive waste facility. A variety of factors that might disrupt or act on long-term predictions are evaluated including biological, chemical, and physical phenomena of both natural and anthropogenic origin. These factors are then applied to six existing, yet very different, low-level radioactive waste sites. A summary and recommendations for future site characterization and monitoring activities is given for application to potential and existing sites. Part II of this report contains guidance on the design and implementation of a performance monitoring program for low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities. A monitoring programs is described that will assess whether engineered barriers surrounding the waste are effectively isolating the waste and will continue to isolate the waste by remaining structurally stable. Monitoring techniques and instruments are discussed relative to their ability to measure (a) parameters directly related to water movement though engineered barriers, (b) parameters directly related to the structural stability of engineered barriers, and (c) parameters that characterize external or internal conditions that may cause physical changes leading to enhanced water movement or compromises in stability. Data interpretation leading to decisions concerning facility closure is discussed. 120 refs., 12 figs., 17 tabs.

• Research Organization: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (USA). Div. of Engineering; EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, ID (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: NRC
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6324264
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-5615; EGG--2604; ON: TI91004056
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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BASELINE ECOLOGY
CLIMATES
DECOMMISSIONING
DISSOLUTION
ECOLOGY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
HYDROLOGY
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
LAND USE
LEACHING
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MEASURING METHODS
MONITORING
MONITORS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PERFORMANCE
RADIATION MONITORING
RADIATION MONITORS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RECOMMENDATIONS
REGULATIONS
SAFETY
SEISMIC EFFECTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SURFACE CONTAMINATION MONITORS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
WATER POLLUTION MONITORS