Transport of low level wastes from COGEMA reprocessing plants

Wastes generated by reprocessing plants fall into two main categories: high level wastes and low level wastes. Low level wastes are conditioned for disposal in shallow-ground repositories. This paper is devoted to packages which have been developed by COGEMA for transport and final of low level wastes. Most low level wastes consist of contaminated items that are immobilized in a concrete matrix. The application of IAEA transport regulations concerning the classification of these wastes as LSA materials is unclear, especially concerning the definition of the material to be considered in order to calculate its specific activity, and concerning the method to be used to demonstrate the homogeneity of the material. These two problems concern all operational wastes generated by nuclear facilities. This is why, the French Competent Authority drafted a guide in 1991 in collaboration with the main French radwaste generators (COGEMA, CEA, EDF) for the characterization of wastes as LSA. COGEMA, in applying this guide, has developed packages for shipment of low level wastes. For some wastes, the material may not be classified as LSA. In this case an overpack is used for the shipment to give the package Type B characteristics. (author). 3 refs