Valuing waste minimization options with a life cycle computer model

Processes at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) cover a very broad range of operations from nuclear fuel reprocessing to laboratory experiments to maintenance of the vehicle fleet. All of these processes generate varying types and amounts of waste. According to Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines, any process that generates hazardous, low-level radioactive, or mixed waste (a combination of hazardous and low-level radioactive wastes), must have a process waste assessment (PWA) performed. INEL is currently developing a methodology to assess the cost of various processes and is using this methodology is to provide a vehicle for the waste generators to complete their PWAs in a standard format and to perform a life cycle cost analysis of the process