Alternatives to shallow land burial for disposal of low-level radioactive waste

This discussion of alternatives to Shallow Land Burial for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste is a generalized, abridged synopsis of options being considered in Illinois and elsewhere. The comparisons made in this paper must be understood as broad generalizations subject to substantive change when considered in specific detail. Additionally, the comparisons are numerical and ''numbers'' tend to be interpreted as precise and accurate when, in fact, they may not be. Nevertheless, the comparisons made here are useful as ''first-cut'' approximations. They should bot be interpreted as absolute or final. Rather, they should be examined as an indication of what needs to be done. Designs need to be improved so that the enhanced protection of the public that is provided by most of these options can occur without additional risk to workers. Procedures need to be developed that will protect workers without compromising the facility's design basis. The ''real'' costs of shallow land burial, including post-closure remediation, must be compared with the projected costs of the alternatives. The generators of low-level radioactive waste must be willing to pay these costs. Quite simply, private industry and government regulators must be committed to the design, construction, operation, closure and funding of ''safe'' low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities