Evaluation of Proposed New LLW Disposal Activity: Disposal of PCB Waste Containing Unanalyzed Radionuclides

WILHITE, ELMER L

Savannah River Site (S.C.)

关键词: Waste Forms;    Compliance;    Flexibility;    Wastes;    Radioisotopes;   

DOI  :  10.2172/826445
RP-ID  :  WSRC-RP-2004-00434
RP-ID  :  AC09-96SR18500
RP-ID  :  826445

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

A number of low-level waste containers that also have PCBs in them contain radionuclides that have not been analyzed in a Performance Assessment. A simple bounding analysis (i.e.,assigning the most restrictive of the trench radionuclide limits to each of the unanalyzed radionuclides and adjusting for differences in Maximum Contaminant Level for selected radionuclides) shows that disposal of these radionuclides will not compromise performance objectives. One intent as expressed in the performance assessment/composite analysis guidance is to ensure that proposed or discovered changes in wasteforms, containers, radionuclide inventories, facility design, and operations are reviewed to ensure that the assumptions, results, and conclusions of the approved Performance Assessment (PA), and Composite Analysis (CA), as well as any Special Analyses (SA) that might have been performed, remain valid (i.e., that the proposed change is bounded by the PA and CA) and the changes are within the bounds of the Disposal Authorization Statement (DAS). The goal is to provide flexibility in day-to-day operation and to require those issues with a significant impact on the PA's conclusions, and therefore the projected compliance with performance objectives/measures, to be identified and brought to the proper level of attention. It should be noted that the term performance measure is used to describe site specific adaptations of the DOE Order 435 Performance Objectives and requirements (e.g., performance measures such as applying drinking water standards to the groundwater impacts assessment). The intent of this document is to provide an evaluation to determine if disposal of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) waste containers with unanalyzed radionuclides in trenches (or, for one container, in the Low Activity Waste Vault) is within the assumptions, parameters, and bases of the approved PA and CA. If it is, then this document serves as the technical basis for authorizing the proposed action. If no t, then, according to the SRS Disposal Authorization Statement, the PA and CA would need to be updated as appropriate and DOE approval sought of the update (i.e., SA or revision of the PA or CA).