Hazardous Waste and Nuclear Waste
Class #7
Homework:
Homework #5 is due now – before proceeding.
Case studies due before next class
Research papers due following next class
Final examination
Current Events
Radioactive Wastes, "Rad" Wastes, Nuclear Wastes
Rad. Wastes have a special classification among all waste streams
generated in the U.S. Why?
* Public & private uses of nuclear materials
* Looooong half-life
* Effects of radiation
* Public apprehension
* Scientific & technical disposal challenges
* Political difficulties – siting, transportation, etc.
The Legacy of Chernobyl by Z. Medvedev
Nuclear Production Cycle
Reg. Management – Federal
DOE manages rad. materials & wastes at gov’t. sites
DOD manages rad. materials at military facilities (worldwide)
EPA sets standards for public exposure
NRC regulates civilian use of nuclear materials
OSHA regulates civilian workplace exposure
DHHS sets standards for x-ray machines & other equip.
DOT regulates transportation
Reg. Management – Other
* Implements selected federal regs. & standards
* Establishes radon standards
Radon and radon daughters
Naturally occurring – particularly in "Reading Prong"
One classification of radioactive wastes:
* High Level Wastes (HLW)
decommissioned weapons
spent fuels
other "hot stuff" - long half-life
* Low Level Wastes (LLW)
contaminated rags, clothing, etc.
short half-life medical and diagnostic material
other material of very small quantity & threat
* Transuranic Wastes (TRU)
mostly from weapons production
atomic number >92, alpha emitters
* Tailings from the mining and milling of uranium ore
History of radioactive waste management began with Manhattan Project.
Creation of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
Congress commissioned a study by the National Academy of Sciences leading to a 1976 report regarding rad. waste management.
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
Two U.S. disposal sites to be identified by DOE– one eastern & one western.
Nine candidate sites identified in 1983.
By 1986 the candidate sites had been narrowed to three – all in the West.
DOE began intensive studies of these locations.
Hanford, WA
Deaf Smith, TX
Yucca Mountain, NV
In 1987 Congress amended the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, and declared
Yucca Mountain to be the site of choice for disposal of U.S. HLW.
Why, and where are we in 1998?
Yucca Mountain continues under study and has begun initial construction
with an anticipated opening in 2010. Maybe!
In the meantime what are we doing with our ever increasing volume of HLW? Storing it on site – for the most part.
Low Level Wastes are being disposed at DOE managed sites (DOE &
DOD materials only). Other LLW are going to commercial disposal sites.
Transuranic Wastes (TRU) are beginning to be disposed in the salt dome
formation of the "WIPP" site near Carlsbad, NM.
Finally, our vast quantities of mining and mill tailings aren’t going anywhere. They are being reprocessed, or stabilized on site.
Reminders: One more class.
ENV 410C - Lectures