Methodology for compliance with DOE Order 5820.2A, Chapter 3: Management of low-level radioactive waste

This document was prepared by the Defense Low-Level Waste Management Program (DLLWMP) and provides detailed technical guidance for managing the Department of Energy's (DOE's) low-level waste (LLW) according to the policies and requirements of DOE Order 5820.2A, Chapter III (the Order). The report includes guidance for complying with each requirement of the Order. The areas encompassed by those requirements are summarized as follows: Performance Objectives--There are four stated performance objectives: (1) Protect public health and safety; (2) ensure that external exposures to the waste and concentrations of radioactive materials will result in an effective dose equivalent that does not exceed 25 mrem/yr to any member of the public; (3) ensure that effective dose equivalents received by any individual who may intrude into the waste after the 100-year period of institutional control will not exceed 100 mrem/yr for continuous exposure and 500 mrem/yr for a single acute exposure; and (4) protect groundwater resources, consistent with federal, state, and local requirements. Performance Assessment--Performance assessment is the critical step in determining that the disposal system is designed in such a way as to ensure compliance with the performance objectives stated in the Order. Performance assessments will include: scenario development, pathways analyses, dose projections, and modeling the response of both natural and engineered systems