Conceptual engineering cover design for the solar evaporation ponds at the Rocky Flats Plant

Journal Article · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:89468

Nixon, P; Stenseng, S ^[1]; Ogg, R; Austin, M

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1. Parsons Environmental Service, Denver, CO (United States)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) operated five lined solar evaporation ponds (SEPs) at the Rocky Flats Plant (RFP) in Jefferson County, Colorado, from 1953 until 1986. Figure I presents a location map of the RFP with respect to the surrounding region. The SEPs, which are identified as individual hazardous substance site Number 101, are included in the RFP Operable Unit 4 (OU4). The SEPs were used primarily to store and evaporate low-level radioactive process wastes and neutralized acidic wastes containing aluminum hydroxide with high levels of nitrate. Operation of the SEPs has resulted in contamination of the surrounding soils and may be a potential source of ground-water contamination. Under an interagency agreement (IAG) with the Colorado Department of Health (CDH) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DOE is required to close and remediate OU4 in accordance with an approved Interim Measures/Interim Remedial Action program. The IAG integrates the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (40CFR265) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act requirements for surface impoundment closure and environmental restoration. This report describes the design of an engineered,multi-layered, cover for the pond.

• OSTI ID: 89468
• Report Number(s): CONF-941102--
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 71; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

05 NUCLEAR FUELS
COVERINGS
DESIGN
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
ROCKY FLATS PLANT
SETTLING PONDS