An above-grade low-level radioactive waste disposal facility: The design and licensing status of the Central Interstate Compact facility

The Central Interstate Compact low-level radioactive waste disposal facility being developed near Butte, Nebraska, is scheduled to be the first operational above-grade LLRW disposal facility in the United States. Two types of above-grade structures are planned, one for the Class A waste and another for the Class B and C waste. The enclosed design of the Class A waste disposal structure permits waste placement independent of weather conditions. Approximately 20 of these structures are to be built during the 30 year operational life of the facility. The Class B and Class C waste will be disposed of in a single reinforced concrete structure that has 32 separate cells. After 30 years of operation when the structures are filled and sealed closed, they will be covered with a multilayered engineered closure cap that minimizes water infiltration and provides for long-term stability. The Safety Analysis Report and Environmental Report (license application documents) for the facility were submitted to the state of Nebraska for review in July 1990. Present plans call for the facility to be operational in 1995. (author)