EPRI's programs in low-level waste management

The programs at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) are conducted in two departments. Those related to low-level waste siting technology and safety analysis are within the Systems and Materials Department. Those that relate to process technology for low-level waste disposal, equipment that would be at a power plant, are in the Engineering and Operations Department. The EPRI program objectives in waste disposal are: (1) help establish technically sound disposal regulations and licensing procedures; (2) focus R and D programs on developing essential information; (3) help implement safe disposal in a reasonable time frame; (4) provide input to needed legislation; (5) provide input to public understanding. In the area of low-level waste disposal, EPRI's objective is to provide a technology package, including the analysis of tradeoffs between waste form package and site characteristics to open a new low-level waste disposal site. To accomplish the low-level waste siting technology objective, the focus is on preparing a handbook illustrating the necessary analysis to license a new low-level waste disposal site. EPRI's accomplishments in 1982 are: retention quotient methodology for high-level waste extended to low-level waste; and development of low-level waste siting technology. Programs that are ongoing in the areas of process technology are: assessment of volume reduction technologies; assessment of incinerator performance; identification and reduction of low-level radioactive waste source; use of microwave technology in solidifying resins