forms must therefore be assessed within this system context of overall repository safety. The committee recognizes that it is not waste form performance per se, but rather the safe performance of the integrated system of engineered and natural barriers, that must be demonstrated. It is within this system context that the committee has evaluated ANL’s progress toward obtaining the necessary DOE-RW acceptance of EMT waste forms, qualifying them for final disposal in a geologic repository in the future.

To date, both commercial SNF and vitrified defense HLW have been subjected to detailed characterizations of their radionuclide-release performance under expected repository conditions.³ The resulting data have been used to guide isolation strategies. These data also have led to an initial design of engineered barrier systems (EBS) and in the assessment of safety and viability of waste forms for placement in a geologic repository.⁴

Acceptance of DOE SNF and HLW waste forms by DOE-RW for final geological disposal involves many characterization and testing issues with respect to quality assurance and performance. To ensure a coordinated effort between DOE-RW and DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (DOE-EM) to resolve such issues, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was issued⁵ that establishes the terms and conditions under which DOE-RW will permit DOE-EM to dispose of its SNF and HLW. The MOA identifies the responsibilities of DOE-RW and DOE-EM for data on transportation, storage (if needed), safeguards, characterization, and final acceptance for disposal of these materials. Responsibility to treat the EBR fuel rests with DOE-NE, but the ultimate disposition of this treated EBR-II fuel and any HLW generated is the responsibility of DOE-EM. Hence, the committee presumes that the waste qualification activities of the EMT program will be guided and governed in the post-demonstration period by the MOA.