Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management and Disposition Proceedings of a Workshop (2017) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 1-8
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In the United States, LLW is not necessarily defined by low levels of radioactivity. The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 (LLRWPA amendments4)
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.6 LLW is physically and chemically diverse, ranging from lightly contaminated soils and building materials to highly irradiated nuclear reactor components. The laws and regulations related to the disposal of LLW in the United States have evolved over time and across agencies and states (see Box D-2 in Appendix D)
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The workshop began by defining the "universe" of LLW within the United States and elsewhere -- first by introducing the types of LLW that exist and then by discussing the standards, orders, regulations, and laws that define and control their disposal. Next, case studies were presented to highlight the successful disposal of a variety of wastes that previously lacked a clear disposition pathway -- these case studies are referred to as "success stories." The studies were selected from within and outside of the United States.
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LLW regulatory structure was mentioned in several presentations and discussions. Participants noted that the current regulatory structure is the result of "tweaks" and "adjustments" 11 The planning committee proposed "exempt waste" as a category for the subgroup, but the topic of the subgroup's discussion focused on very low-level waste and very low-activity waste.
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Participants also discussed the complexity of the definition and regulation of TRU waste, noting that multiple laws and regulations contain definitions of TRU waste that can be inconsistent with each other.12 It was also noted that the current LLW regulatory system has the flexibility to deal with unanticipated waste streams through case-by-case exceptions -- which adds to the system's complexity. The unintended impacts of this complex system include the following: potential loss of public trust and confidence; mounting costs for disposal that are passed on to rate payers; and levels of regulation that are disproportionate to the hazards posed by LLW.
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Another point that was repeatedly raised by participants at the workshop was the importance of site characteristics of modern facilities in the United States, many of which are located in arid regions of the country. Several participants noted that the United States should find a way to integrate this new knowledge into the regulations and rules that govern the management and disposal of LLW.
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INTRODUCTION 7 1.6 ORGANIZATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS This proceedings is organized following the general structure of the workshop: • Chapter 2 includes introductory remarks by the chair and an over view of the scope of the LLW challenge (or the "universe" of LLW) , • Chapter 3 presents the case studies of successful LLW disposition, • Chapter 4 identifies common themes for finding successful dis position solutions, applies them to a set of five challenging LLW streams, and summarizes concrete next steps towards a disposition pathway that might be taken for each.
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