Progress and challenges in low-level waste disposal in North Carolina

Conference · Fri Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1991 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States)

OSTI ID:7066849

Murray, R L; Walker, C K; MacMillan, J H

Eight states in the Southeastern US responded to the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980 by forming the Southeast Compact. Included are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The Compact commissioners in 1986 selected North Carolina as the second host state for a disposal facility using a procedure based on state features and capabilities. South Carolina is the first host state. The North Carolina General Assembly in 1987 created the North Carolina Low-Level Radioactive Waste management Authority (the Authority), a 15-member citizen board. The Authority was given responsibilities, powers, and a target schedule to site, operate, close, and maintain the disposal facility. The North Carolina radiation Protection Commission issued rules based on NRC's 10CFR61 and unique North Carolina law. Shallow land burial is banned, and engineered barriers are required. The project has been delayed by several factors and events: lengthy site operator contract negotiations, the insertion of the precharacterization step, the extended review of the site characterization plans, and litigation by Richmond and Chatham counties. Complaints include allegations that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is needed before site characterization can begin and that the Authority has failed to comply fully with the law during the site-screening process. As a result of delays, the facility is not likely to be open for waste disposal until 1995. With Barnwell scheduled to close December 31, 1992, generators must store wastes for {approximately}2 years or make other arrangements.

• OSTI ID: 7066849
• Report Number(s): CONF-911107--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States) Journal Volume: 64
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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COMPLIANCE
DESIGN
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DOCUMENT TYPES
DOSES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
FINANCING
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RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
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