Information Notice 1990-31, Update on Waste Form and High Integrity Container Topical Report Review Status, Identification of Problems with Cement Solidification, and Reporting of Waste Mishaps

Update on Waste Form and High Integrity Container Topical Report Review Status, Identification of Problems with Cement Solidification, and Reporting of Waste Mishaps

ML031210556
Person / Time
Site:	Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, Fort Saint Vrain, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant
Issue date:	05/04/1990
From:	Bangart R Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
To:
References
IN-90-031, NUDOCS 9004260013
Download: ML031210556 (7)

UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 May 4, 1990

NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 90-31: UPDATE ON WASTE FORM AND HIGH INTEGRITY

CONTAINER TOPICAL REPORT REVIEW STATUS,

IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS WITH CEMENT

SOLIDIFICATION, AND REPORTING OF WASTE

MISHAPS

Addressees

All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power

reactors, fuel cycle licenses, and certain byproduct materials licenses.

Purpose

This information notice Is being provided to inform addressees of recent develop- ments concerning the stability of waste forms that contain Class B or Class C

low-level waste. The developments pertain to: the status of reviews of topical

reports (TRs) on waste stabilization media and high integrity containers; the

results of the Workshop on Cement Stabilization of Low-Level Waste held in

Gaithersburg, Maryland, on May 31 to June 2, 1989; the identification of con- stituents that create problems with cement solidification of low-level wastes;

and the notification to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) of mishaps

with waste stabilization.

It is expected that addressees will review the information for applicability

to their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid problems

in solidification of wastes in cement and in disposing of certain waste streams.

Addressees

are encouraged to distribute the notice to responsible radiological

staff and waste handling personnel. However, suggestions contained in this

information notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specific

action or written response is required.

Discussion:

Update on Waste Form and High Integrity Container TR Review Status -

In Information Notice No. 89-27, Limitations on the Use of Waste Forms and

High Integrity Containers for the Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste,"

March 8, 1989, it is pointed out that waste generators are required, under

10 CFR 20.311, to certify that any Class B or C wastes that they send for

disposal are structurally stable, in accordance with 10 CFR Part 61. The

information notice goes on to describe the NRC review of TRs on waste soli- dification media and high integrity containers for the disposal of Class B

or Class C wastes. The status of these NRC TR reviews is summarized. A

9004260013

IN 90-31 May 4, 1990 description is provided on how the Agreement State authorities that host the

three operating low-level waste disposal facilities have implemented NRC

decisions on the TRs. The information notice states that the status of ap- proved waste stabilization media and high integrity containers will change

periodically as TR reviews are completed, and as new TRs are submitted for

review. The information notice states that NRC will periodically issue up- dates of the status of topical report reviews, to keep licensees fully informed

of approved solidification media and high integrity containers for disposal of

Class B and C wastes. Attachment 1 provides the status of NRC topical report

reviews as of April 1, 1990. Licensees are directed to Information Notice 89-27 for further information that applies to disposal of Class B and C wastes. Waste

generators are urged to contact the disposal facility operators for additional

information and procedural details before pursuing disposal options for Class B

and C wastes.

Cement Solidification Workshop -

Information Notice 89-27 pointed out that NRC had not approved any topical

reports describing commercial cement stabilization of low-level wastes. This

situation still exists (see Attachment 1). To gather information that would

provide an improved understanding of the complex technical concerns regarding

the use of cement for waste stabilization and that would lead to both short-term

and long-term regulatory resolution of TR reviews on cement stabilization media, NRC hosted the Workshop on Cement Stabilization of Low-Level Radioactive Waste

on May 31 - June 2, 1989. During the workshop, the following topics were dis- cussed: lessons learned from small- and full-scale waste forms and observations

at nuclear power plants; implications of laboratory test experience with cement

solidification and the application to problem waste streams; stabilized waste

form testing guidance (including NRC's 1983. "Technical Position on Waste Form"),

and process control programs and waste characterization. The results of the work- shop have been published as an NRC Conference Proceedings report, NUREG/CP-0103.

Licensees are encouraged to obtain a copy of this report and determine if any

topics discussed will potentially improve their application of waste solidifi- cation processes.

Waste Constituents That Create Problems with Cement Solidification -

One important item that licensees should be fully aware of, which was dis- cussed in detail during the workshop, is continuing concerns with deleterious

chemical reactions during waste solidification using cement. This subject was

first brought to the attention of licensees by Information Notice No. 88-08, March 14, 1988, "Chemical Reactions with Radioactive Waste Solidification

Agents." As a result of the continuing concerns with this subject, NRC has

developed the list in Attachment 2 of waste constituents that could cause

problems with solidification campaigns, particularly at nuclear power plants.

The first part of the list identifies "problem' constituents of wastes that

are expected ingredients in certain waste streams. Licensees should ensure

that proper formulations are being used for these types of wastes, especially

if the wastes require structural stability. The second part of the list covers

"problem' constituents of waste streams that are not expected ingredients in

IN 90-31 May 4, 1990 the wastes, and may cause a problem with cement solidification if they ac- cidentally get into a waste stream, especially since the waste-processing

vendor may not necessarily be using a formulation that would successfully

treat the waste stream. Some of these constituents may be a problem for

successful cement solidification, even at parts per million concentrations, depending on the waste stream they are in and the synergistic effects that

could arise. NRC has identified these as waste constituents that could be

controlled and possibly prevented from entering waste streams with good house- keeping, inventory control, use limits, or pretreatment, thereby minimizing

the potential to affect cement solidification. NRC encourages licensees to

determine if they are using any of these items, and if they are, to determine

if housekeeping, inventory, or use controls are adequate to prevent these

"problem" constituents from entering waste streams that are to be solidified;

especially waste streams that require structural stability. Licensees who

are aware of having small concentrations of these "problem" constituents in

their waste streams, and are using a proper solidification formula to treat

the wastes, should be aware that changes in concentrations of these consti- tuents may result in a problem. Licensees are also encouraged to evaluate

the use of alternative products or chemical constituents, in order to reduce

or eliminate the possibility of "problem" constituents entering the waste

stream. Licensees should inform solidification vendors of circumstances

that may result in waste constituent changes, so that the vendor may determine

the correct formula to use in solidification. This will help in avoiding pro- blems such as those reported in Information Notice No. 88-08.

Licensees should be aware that several of the waste constituents listed in

Attachment 2 may result in a situation that produces mixed hazardous and

radioactive waste. The currently operating low-level radioactive waste

disposal facilities are not permitted to receive mixed wastes. Licensees

should contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more information

on what constitutes a mixed hazardous and radioactive waste and refer to the

joint NRC Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance document entitled,

"Guidance on the Definition and Identification of Commercial Mixed Low-Level

Radioactive and Hazardous Waste and Answers to Anticipated Questions."

Notification of Waste Stabilization Mishaps -

NRC has become increasingly concerned about mishaps that have occurred during

the solidification of low-level radwaste at power plants and other facilities.

These mishaps, some of which were described in Information Notice No. 89-27, have included waste forms that have failed to solidify completely and that

swelled and/or disintegrated over relatively short times after solidification.

These mishaps result in questions as to whether the waste form will satisfy

the Part 61 stability requirements. To maintain current information about

problems encountered in solidifying wastes and placing wastes in high integrity

containers for structural stability, NRC is evaluating mechanisms for obtaining

reports of mishaps like the ones described above. Licensees will become in- volved in the reporting process to the extent that the waste that is involved

in mishaps reported to NRC is the ultimate responsibility of the waste generator.

Waste mishaps reporting will be addressed in a future information notice.

IN 90-31 May 4, 1990 No specific action or written response is required by this information notice.

If you have any questions regarding this information notice, please contact

the technical contact listed below or the Regional Administrator of the

appropriate regional office.

Richard L. Bangart, DirectoVW

Division of Low-Level Waste Management

and Decommissioning

Office of Nuclear Material Safety

and Safeguards

Michael Tokar, NMSS

(301) 492-0590

Attachments:

1. Topical Report Review Status Summary: Solidified Waste Forms and

High Integrity Containers (HICs)

2. List of Waste Constituents That May Cause Problems with Cement

Solidification

3. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices

4. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices

Attachment 1 IN 90-31 May 4, 1990 TOPICAL REPORT REVIEW STATUS SUMMARY

SOLIDIFIED WASTE FORMS AND HIGH INTEGRITY CONTAINERS

APRIL 1, 1990

Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards

Vendor Docket No. Type Disposition

Waste Chem WM-90 Solidification (bitumen) Approved

General Electric WM-88 Solidification (polymer) Approved

DOW WM-82 Solidification (polymer) Approved

Chichibu WM-81 Rev 2.1 HIC (poly impreg/concrete) Approved

Nuclear Packaging WM-45 HIC (ferralium/FL-50) Approved

Nuclear Packaging WM-85 HIC (ferralium/family) Approved

LN Technologies WM-93 Rev 1 HIC (stainless/poly) Approved

Chem-Nuclear WM-18 HIC (polyethylene) Not Approved

Westinghouse WM-80 HIC (polyethylene) Not Approved

TFC Nuclear WM-76 HIC (polyethylene) Not Approved

U.S. Gjtsum WM-51 Solidification (gypsum.) Not Approved

U.S. Ecology WM-91 Solidification (bitumen) Discontinued

VIKEM WM-13 Solidification/oil (cement) Discontinued

Stock WM-92 Solidification (cement) Discontinued

Nuclear Packaging WM-71 Solid/Encap (cement/qypsum) Withdrawn

Chem-Nuclear WM-19 Solidification (cement/ Withdrawn

Chem-Nuclear WM-96 Solidification (cement) Withdrawn

Westinghouse WM-79 Solidification (SG-95) Withdrawn

Nuclear Packaging WM-87 HIC (316-stainless/SDS) Withdrawn

LN Technologies WM-57 HIC (polyethylene) Withdrawn

Chem-Nuclear WM-47 HIC (fiberglass/poly) Withdrawn

Chem-Nuclear WM-101 Solidification (cement #1) Under review

Chem-Nuclear WM-97 Solidification (cement #2) Under review

Chem-Nuclear WM-97 Rev 1 Solidification (cement #2) Under review

Chem-Nuclear WM-98 Solidification (cement #3) Under review

LN Technologies WM-20 Solidification (cement) Under review

LN Technologies WM-99 Solidification (cement/decon) Under review

Westinghouse WM-46 Solidification (cement) Under review

U.S. Ecology WM-100 Solidification (NSI bitumen) Under review

Bondico WM-94 HIC (fiberglass/poly) Under review

Babcock & Wilcox WM-95 HIC (coated carbon steel) Under rev iew

U.S. Ecology WM-102 Solidification (LLW bitumen) Under review

Pacific Nuclear WM-103 HIC (enviroglass) Under review

Attachment 2 IN 90-31 May 4, 1990 LIST OF WASTE CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH CEMENT SOLIDIFICATION

POTENTIAL PROBLEM CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY BE EXPECTED IN THE WASTE STREAM

Inorganic Constituents Organic Constituents - Aqueous Solutions

Borates [1] Organic acids [1]

Phosphates Formic acid (and formates)

Lead salts

Zinc salts "Chelates" [1],[3)

Ammonia and ammonium salts Oxalic acid and oxalates

Ferric salts Citric acid (and citrates)

"Oxidizing agents" [1] (often proprietatry) Picolinic acid (and picolinates)

Permanganates [1] EDTA (and its salts)

Chromates [2] NTA (and its salts)

Nitrates (1]

Sulfates [1] "Decon solutions" I13 Soaps [1]

Detergents [13 Organic Constituents - Oily Wastes

Benzene 1,2 Toluene E1]32:

Hexane (1]

Miscellaneous hydrocarbons

Vegetable oil additives

POTENTIAL PROBLEM CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY BE AVOIDED BY HOUSEKEEPING OR PRETREATMENT [4]

Generic Problem Constituents Specific Problem Constituents - Organic [5]

Oil [1] and grease Acetone [1],[2]

'Aromatic oils' [1] Methyl ethyl ketone [2]

"Organic solvents" [1],[2] Trichloroethane [2]

Dry-cleaning solvents [11,[2] Trichlorotrifluoroethane [2]

uIndustrial cleaners" [1],[2] Xylene [2]

Paint thinners (13jf2] Dichlorobenzene [2]

"Decon solutions E1]

Soaps [1] Specific Problem Consituents - Inorganic

Detergents [1]

Sodium hypochlorite [1]

NOTES.

1. These constituents have been specifically identified by vendors as having the

potential to cause problems with cement solidification of low-level wastes.

2. The presence of these constituents may result in the generation of mixed

wastes. The Environmental Protection Agency should be contacted for more

information.

3. All of these chelating agents could also be identified as "organic acids."

4. Good housekeeping and pretreatment could also be effective in preventing problems

with cement solidification for many of the constituents listed in the top list.

5. These specific constituents also fall into several of the "generic" problem

constituents "categories" listed at the left.

Attachment3 IN 90-31 Attachment 4 May 4 1990 IN 90-31 Page i of 1 Pay 4 I.90

PageI of 1 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED

LIST OF RECEITLYISSUED NRCINFORSMTIOI NOTICES

IRSS INFORMATION NOTICES

format"on Duta oT

InTOrmation DUti OT Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to

Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to:

90-30 Ultrasonic Inspection S/I/gO All holders of OLS

Techniques for Dissimilar qr CPs for nuclear

90-24 Trarspttion of Vodal 04/10/90 All NRClicensees Metal Welds powerreactors.

SVLFs-s Raa1ograp"ic a1thorized to use, 90-29 Cracking of Cladding and

Exposure Deice transport, or operate 4/30/90 All holders of OLS

radiographic exposure Its HSat-Affected Zonerin or CPS for nuclear

devices and source the BRsn Metalof a Reactor power reactors.

Vessel Read

changers.

90-20 Personnel Injuries 03/22/90 90-28 Potential Error in High 4/30/90 All holders of OLs

All U.S. NRCliceusees

Resultingfrom Isqroper who Process or incinerate Steamline Flow Satpoint or CPSfor BRRs.

Operation of Radwasto radioactive waste

Incinerators 90-2? Clarification of the 4/30/90 All uranium fuel

Recent Revisions to the fabrication and

90-16 Compliance with lew 03/07/90 All mterials licensees Regulatory Requireamnts conversion facilities.

Decmmissioning Rale for Packsging of Uranium

Htxsfluoride (UF6) for

90-15 Reciprocity: Notificeti1e Transportation

03/07/90 All holdersof NRC

of Agreement State Radiation materials licenses that

Control Directorn before S9-70, Possible Indications of 4/26/90 All holdersof OLs

wathorize use of radio- Supp. I Misrepresented Vendor

Segimning Work in Agreent active material at or Cps for nuclear

States temporary job sites Products power reactors.

90-14 Accidental Disposal of 03/06/90 All lRCbyproduct 90-26 Inadequate Flow of 4/24/90 All holders of OLs

Radioactive Materials materials licensees Essential ServiceWater or CPu for nuclear

to Rom. Coolers and Negt power reactors.

90-09 Extended Interim Storage of 02/05/90 All holders of NRC Exchangers for Engineered

Law-Level Radioactive Waste materialslicenses Safety-Feature System

by Fuel Cycle and Materials

Licensees 90-25 Loss of Vital AC Power 4/16/90 All holders of OLs

with Subsequent Reactor or CPSfor nuclear

90-01* Importance of proper 01/12/90 All holders of NRC Coolant SystemHeat-Up power reactors.

Resoonsete Self-Identified materialslicenses

Violations by Licensees 90-24 Transportation of odel 4/10/90 All MRC licensees

Spec 2- Radigraphic authorized to use, Exposure Device transport. or operate

radiographic exposure

devices and source

'correct Iusber for SO-O1shot d be 00 0145. changers.

OL* Operating License

CP

• Construction Permit

UNITED STATES FIRST CLASS MAIL

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION POSTAGE b FEES PAID

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 USNRC

PERMIT No. G-6)

OFFICIAL BUSINESS -

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE, $300

1 2-0-4 5 6lA5 lCYl1 US NRC-OIRM

DIV OF INFO SUP SVCS

CHIEF

RECORDS & ARCHIVES SVCS SECT

W/F Pl-122 WASHINGTON DC 20555