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Disposal of hazardous elemental wastes

Journal Article · · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00120a718· OSTI ID:6947764
A low-cost permanent geological method for the disposal of hazardous wastes is presented. The RUMOD (regional underground monolith disposal) system processes wastes into a granular form, transports it in bulk to a regional disposal site, mixes it with special cement-based grouts, and pumps it into large caverns 300-2000m underground. The final waste form is a series of monoliths composed of waste and a cement-based grout, with dimensions up to 25 m wide, 60 m high, and several hundred meters long. This approach has not been seriously considered in the past because of projected high costs. But recent technical developments suggest that it may now be possible. The disposal site, underground cavern construction, regional treatment facilities, as well as economic factors of the system are discussed. The major technologies required for RUMOD are in commercial use, but they have not been integrated for use as waste disposal systems.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
OSTI ID:
6947764
Journal Information:
Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 18:2; ISSN ESTHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English