Radioactive waste disposal classification system

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as part of its development of regulations for the disposal of radioactive waste, has contracted for the development of a radioactive waste classification system. The need for removing the waste from man's environment increases as the potential for endangering the health and safety of the public increases. The classification system being proposed is based on the requirements for safe disposal. The steps which were followed are: define safe, determine the pathways through the environment, formulate categories for the classification system and recommend disposal concentration guides for each category. The proposed categories are based on the length of administrative controls, the accessability of the waste and the hydrologic conditions. 13 figures, 6 tables