Low-level waste research and development program

Solid wastes generated by laboratory and industrial activities involving radionuclides are frequently contaminated with low-level radioactivity. Where contamination levels are relatively low, it is cost effective to dispose of these wastes by shallow land burial. Some disposal sites have been used for over 30 years while others have been newly opened. During this time period, changes in burial techniques and in situ monitoring practices have been made to keep pace with increased awareness of and concern for environmental radioactive contamination. Corrective action may be required where inadequate containment of radionuclides at older burial sites causes contamination of the biosphere. This project provides for the development and implementation of new methodologies in environmental monitoring, updating of existing procedures, and standardization of monitoring criteria for all present and future burial facilities. These guidelines, with appropriate modifications, may be extended to encompass alternative disposal options to shallow land burial, such as deep disposal in geologic formations. The most significant mechanism for transport of radionuclides from shallow land burial sites in the eastern United States is ground-water flow. Water flowing laterally into buried waste or percolating downward from the surface leaches radionuclides from the waste and flows onward, spreading the contamination. Several radionuclides, especially 90Sr, are found in solution in ground waterflowing from older burial sites. Methods for immobilization of such radionuclides or for their collection and removal are badly needed. Furthermore, the continued development and implementation of improved shallow land burial practices is necessary. The overall goal of this work is to develop the necessary technology to ensure the safe, economical, and environmentally and socially acceptable disposal of solid low-level radioactive wastes