Evaluation of potential mixed wastes containing lead, chromium, or used oil
This paper presents the results of follow-on studies conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on certain kinds of low-level waste (LLW) which could also be classified as hazardous waste subject to regulation by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Such LLW is termed ''mixed waste.'' Additional data have been collected and evaluated on two categories of potential mixed waste, namely LLW containing metallic lead and LLW containing chromium. Additionally, LLW with organic liquids, especially liquid scintillation wastes, are reviewed. In light of a proposed EPA rule to list used oil as hazardous waste, the potential mixed waste hazard of used oil contaminated with radionuclides is discussed. It is concluded that the EPA test for determining whether a solid waste exhibits the hazardous characteristic of extraction procedure toxicity does not adequately simulate the burial environment at LLW disposal sites, and in particular, does not adequately assess the potential for dissolution and transport of buried metallic lead. Also, although chromates are, in general, not a normal or routine constitutent in commercial LLW (with the possible exception of chemical decontamination wastes), light water reactors which do use chromates might find it beneficial to consider alternative corrosion inhibitors. In addition, it is noted that if used oil is listed by the EPA as hazardous waste, LLW oil may be managed by a scheme including one or more of the following processes: incineration, immobilization, sorption, aqueous extraction and glass furnace processing.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA); Ecology and Environment, Inc., Buffalo, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 7094574
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-NUREG-39319; CONF-870306-38; ON: DE87006470
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Waste management '87, Tucson, AZ, USA, 1 Mar 1987; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
LOW-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
RADIOACTIVE WASTE PROCESSING
CHROMIUM
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
LEAD
MIXTURES
SOLID WASTES
WASTE OILS
DISPERSIONS
ELEMENTS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
METALS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES
052001* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Processing