The challenge of packaging and transporting mixed waste samples and residues arising from the Department of Energy's Analytical Services Program

This paper discusses the background and magnitude of challenges that the US Department of Energy (DOE) faces in accomplishing its task to characterize and remediate wastes at its sites. The analytical-sample-shipment needs are discussed, anticipated packaging and transport problems are assessed, and the way in which DOE's Transportation Management Division is preparing to support other DOE organizations in addressing these challenges is summarized. Many challenges arising from the need to ship analytical samples are centered upon resolving packaging issues. Resolution of these challenges will require further efforts to define and quantify packaging requirements better and to develop methods for addressing resultant issues in a timely, an efficient, and a safe manner