Determination of optimum alternative LLRW disposal site/disposal technology combinations

As individual states and regional compacts of states implement the Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) Policy Act of 1980, they must select both a disposal site and disposal technology. The impacts to be considered on the health and safety of the general public include radiological and nonradiological effects. Economics are included in that excessive disposal costs deprive the public of alternative personal expenditures. A figure-of-merit methodology is developed to assist in identifying the disposal site and technology having the least overall impact. The figure of merit begins with a nominal positive value selected to represent the societal benefits derived from operations that result in the generation of radioactive waste. An incremental adjustment, either positive or negative, is made to the figure of merit for each impact considered. An economic basis provides a common denominator between impacts and the figure of merit