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
Revision:	0
From:	Bangart R L Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
To:
References
IN-90-031, NUDOCS 9004260013
Download: ML031210556 (7)

UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONOFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY AND SAFEGUARDSWASHINGTON, D.C. 20555May 4, 1990NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 90-31: UPDATE ON WASTE FORM AND HIGH INTEGRITYCONTAINER TOPICAL REPORT REVIEW STATUS,IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEMS WITH CEMENTSOLIDIFICATION, AND REPORTING OF WASTEMISHAPS

Addressees

All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear powerreactors, 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 Clow-level waste. The developments pertain to: the status of reviews of topicalreports (TRs) on waste stabilization media and high integrity containers; theresults of the Workshop on Cement Stabilization of Low-Level Waste held inGaithersburg, 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 mishapswith waste stabilization.It is expected that addressees will review the information for applicabilityto their facilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid problemsin solidification of wastes in cement and in disposing of certain waste streams.

Addressees

are encouraged to distribute the notice to responsible radiologicalstaff and waste handling personnel. However, suggestions contained in thisinformation notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specificaction 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 andHigh Integrity Containers for the Disposal of Low-Level Radioactive Waste,"March 8, 1989, it is pointed out that waste generators are required, under10 CFR 20.311, to certify that any Class B or C wastes that they send fordisposal are structurally stable, in accordance with 10 CFR Part 61. Theinformation notice goes on to describe the NRC review of TRs on waste soli-dification media and high integrity containers for the disposal of Class Bor Class C wastes. The status of these NRC TR reviews is summarized. A9004260013 IN 90-31May 4, 1990 description is provided on how the Agreement State authorities that host thethree operating low-level waste disposal facilities have implemented NRCdecisions on the TRs. The information notice states that the status of ap-proved waste stabilization media and high integrity containers will changeperiodically as TR reviews are completed, and as new TRs are submitted forreview. The information notice states that NRC will periodically issue up-dates of the status of topical report reviews, to keep licensees fully informedof approved solidification media and high integrity containers for disposal ofClass B and C wastes. Attachment 1 provides the status of NRC topical reportreviews as of April 1, 1990. Licensees are directed to Information Notice 89-27for further information that applies to disposal of Class B and C wastes. Wastegenerators are urged to contact the disposal facility operators for additionalinformation and procedural details before pursuing disposal options for Class Band C wastes.Cement Solidification Workshop -Information Notice 89-27 pointed out that NRC had not approved any topicalreports describing commercial cement stabilization of low-level wastes. Thissituation still exists (see Attachment 1). To gather information that wouldprovide an improved understanding of the complex technical concerns regardingthe use of cement for waste stabilization and that would lead to both short-termand long-term regulatory resolution of TR reviews on cement stabilization media,NRC hosted the Workshop on Cement Stabilization of Low-Level Radioactive Wasteon May 31 -June 2, 1989. During the workshop, the following topics were dis-cussed: lessons learned from small- and full-scale waste forms and observationsat nuclear power plants; implications of laboratory test experience with cementsolidification and the application to problem waste streams; stabilized wasteform 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 anytopics 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 deleteriouschemical reactions during waste solidification using cement. This subject wasfirst brought to the attention of licensees by Information Notice No. 88-08,March 14, 1988, "Chemical Reactions with Radioactive Waste SolidificationAgents." As a result of the continuing concerns with this subject, NRC hasdeveloped the list in Attachment 2 of waste constituents that could causeproblems with solidification campaigns, particularly at nuclear power plants.The first part of the list identifies "problem' constituents of wastes thatare expected ingredients in certain waste streams. Licensees should ensurethat proper formulations are being used for these types of wastes, especiallyif the wastes require structural stability. The second part of the list covers"problem' constituents of waste streams that are not expected ingredients in IN 90-31May 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-processingvendor may not necessarily be using a formulation that would successfullytreat the waste stream. Some of these constituents may be a problem forsuccessful cement solidification, even at parts per million concentrations,depending on the waste stream they are in and the synergistic effects thatcould arise. NRC has identified these as waste constituents that could becontrolled and possibly prevented from entering waste streams with good house-keeping, inventory control, use limits, or pretreatment, thereby minimizingthe potential to affect cement solidification. NRC encourages licensees todetermine if they are using any of these items, and if they are, to determineif 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 whoare aware of having small concentrations of these "problem" constituents intheir waste streams, and are using a proper solidification formula to treatthe wastes, should be aware that changes in concentrations of these consti-tuents may result in a problem. Licensees are also encouraged to evaluatethe use of alternative products or chemical constituents, in order to reduceor eliminate the possibility of "problem" constituents entering the wastestream. Licensees should inform solidification vendors of circumstancesthat may result in waste constituent changes, so that the vendor may determinethe 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 inAttachment 2 may result in a situation that produces mixed hazardous andradioactive waste. The currently operating low-level radioactive wastedisposal facilities are not permitted to receive mixed wastes. Licenseesshould contact the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more informationon what constitutes a mixed hazardous and radioactive waste and refer to thejoint NRC Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance document entitled,"Guidance on the Definition and Identification of Commercial Mixed Low-LevelRadioactive and Hazardous Waste and Answers to Anticipated Questions."Notification of Waste Stabilization Mishaps -NRC has become increasingly concerned about mishaps that have occurred duringthe 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 thatswelled and/or disintegrated over relatively short times after solidification.These mishaps result in questions as to whether the waste form will satisfythe Part 61 stability requirements. To maintain current information aboutproblems encountered in solidifying wastes and placing wastes in high integritycontainers for structural stability, NRC is evaluating mechanisms for obtainingreports of mishaps like the ones described above. Licensees will become in-volved in the reporting process to the extent that the waste that is involvedin mishaps reported to NRC is the ultimate responsibility of the waste generator.Waste mishaps reporting will be addressed in a future information notic IN 90-31May 4, 1990 No specific action or written response is required by this information notice.If you have any questions regarding this information notice, please contactthe technical contact listed below or the Regional Administrator of theappropriate regional office.Richard L. Bangart, DirectoVWDivision of Low-Level Waste Managementand DecommissioningOffice of Nuclear Material Safetyand Safeguards

Technical Contact:

Michael Tokar, NMSS(301) 492-0590

Attachments:

1. Topical Report Review Status Summary: Solidified Waste Forms andHigh Integrity Containers (HICs)2. List of Waste Constituents That May Cause Problems with CementSolidification3. List of Recently Issued NMSS Information Notices4. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices Attachment 1IN 90-31May 4, 1990 TOPICAL REPORT REVIEW STATUS SUMMARYSOLIDIFIED WASTE FORMS AND HIGH INTEGRITY CONTAINERSAPRIL 1, 1990Office of Nuclear Material Safety and SafeguardsVendorDocket No.TypeDispositionWaste ChemGeneral ElectricDOWChichibuNuclear PackagingNuclear PackagingLN TechnologiesWM-90WM-88WM-82WM-81 Rev 2.1WM-45WM-85WM-93 Rev 1Solidification (bitumen)Solidification (polymer)Solidification (polymer)HIC (poly impreg/concrete)HIC (ferralium/FL-50)HIC (ferralium/family)HIC (stainless/poly)ApprovedApprovedApprovedApprovedApprovedApprovedApprovedChem-NuclearWestinghouseTFC NuclearU.S. GjtsumWM-18WM-80WM-76WM-51HIC (polyethylene)HIC (polyethylene)HIC (polyethylene)Solidification (gypsum.)NotNotNotNotApprovedApprovedApprovedApprovedU.S. EcologyVIKEMStockNuclear PackagingChem-NuclearChem-NuclearWestinghouseNuclear PackagingLN TechnologiesChem-NuclearWM-91WM-13WM-92WM-71WM-19WM-96WM-79WM-87WM-57WM-47Solidification (bitumen)Solidification/oil (cement)Solidification (cement)Solid/Encap (cement/qypsum)Solidification (cement/Solidification (cement)Solidification (SG-95)HIC (316-stainless/SDS)HIC (polyethylene)HIC (fiberglass/poly)DiscontinuedDiscontinuedDiscontinuedWithdrawnWithdrawnWithdrawnWithdrawnWithdrawnWithdrawnWithdrawnChem-NuclearChem-NuclearChem-NuclearChem-NuclearLN TechnologiesLN TechnologiesWestinghouseU.S. EcologyBondicoBabcock & WilcoxU.S. EcologyPacific NuclearWM-101WM-97WM-97 Rev 1WM-98WM-20WM-99WM-46WM-100WM-94WM-95WM-102WM-103Solidification (cement #1)Solidification (cement #2)Solidification (cement #2)Solidification (cement #3)Solidification (cement)Solidification (cement/decon)Solidification (cement)Solidification (NSI bitumen)HIC (fiberglass/poly)HIC (coated carbon steel)Solidification (LLW bitumen)HIC (enviroglass)UnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderUnderreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewrev i ewreviewreview Attachment 2IN 90-31May 4, 1990 LIST OF WASTE CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH CEMENT SOLIDIFICATIONPOTENTIAL PROBLEM CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY BE EXPECTED IN THE WASTE STREAMInorganic ConstituentsOrganic Constituents -Aqueous SolutionsBorates [1]PhosphatesLead saltsZinc saltsAmmonia and ammonium saltsFerric salts"Oxidizing agents" [1] (often proprietatPermanganates [1]Chromates [2]Nitrates (1]Sulfates [1]Organic acids [1]Formic acid (and formates)"Chelates" [1],[3)Oxalic acid and oxalatesCitric acid (and citrates)ry) Picolinic acid (and picolinates)EDTA (and its salts)NTA (and its salts)"Decon solutions" I13Soaps [1]Detergents [13Organic Constituents -Oily WastesBenzene 1,2Toluene E1]32:Hexane (1]Miscellaneous hydrocarbonsVegetable oil additivesPOTENTIAL PROBLEM CONSTITUENTS THAT MAY BE AVOIDED BY HOUSEKEEPING OR PRETREATMENT [4]Generic Problem ConstituentsSpecific Problem Constituents -Organic [5]Oil [1] and grease'Aromatic oils' [1]"Organic solvents" [1],[2]Dry-cleaning solvents [11,[2]uIndustrial cleaners" [1],[2]Paint thinners (13jf2]"Decon solutions E1]Soaps [1]Detergents [1]NOTES.Acetone [1],[2]Methyl ethyl ketone [2]Trichloroethane [2]Trichlorotrifluoroethane [2]Xylene [2]Dichlorobenzene [2]Specific Problem Consituents -InorganicSodium hypochlorite [1]1. These constituents have been specifically identified by vendors as having thepotential to cause problems with cement solidification of low-level wastes.2. The presence of these constituents may result in the generation of mixedwastes. The Environmental Protection Agency should be contacted for moreinformation.3. All of these chelating agents could also be identified as "organic acids."4. Good housekeeping and pretreatment could also be effective in preventing problemswith cement solidification for many of the constituents listed in the top list.5. These specific constituents also fall into several of the "generic" problemconstituents "categories" listed at the lef Attachment 3IN 90-31May 4 1990Page i of 1LIST OF RECEITLY ISSUEDIRSS INFORMATION NOTICESInTOrmation DUti OTNotice No. Subject Issuance Issued to:90-24 Trarspttion of Vodal 04/10/90 All NRC licenseesSVLF s-s Raa1ograp"icExposure Deicea1thorized to use,transport, or operateradiographic exposuredevices and sourcechangers.03/22/90 All U.S. NRC liceuseeswho Process or incinerateradioactive waste90-20 Personnel InjuriesResulting from IsqroperOperation of RadwastoIncinerators90-16 Compliance with lewDecmmissioning Rale90-15 Reciprocity: Notificeti1eof Agreement State RadiationControl Directorn beforeSegimning Work in AgreentStates90-14 Accidental Disposal ofRadioactive Materials90-09 Extended Interim Storage ofLaw-Level Radioactive Wasteby Fuel Cycle and MaterialsLicensees90-01* Importance of properResoonsete Self-IdentifiedViolations by Licensees03/07/9003/07/9003/06/9002/05/9001/12/90All mterials licenseesAll holders of NRCmaterials licenses thatwathorize use of radio-active material attemporary job sitesAll lRC byproductmaterials licenseesAll holders of NRCmaterials licensesAll holders of NRCmaterials licensesAttachment 4IN 90-31Pay 4 I.90Page I of 1LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUEDNRC INFORSMTIOI NOTICESformat"on Duta oTNotice No. Subject Issuance Issued to90-30 Ultrasonic Inspection S/I/gO All holders of OLSTechniques for Dissimilar qr CPs for nuclearMetal Welds power reactors.90-29 Cracking of Cladding and 4/30/90 All holders of OLSIts HSat-Affected Zonerin or CPS for nuclearthe BRsn Metal of a Reactor power reactors.Vessel Read90-28 Potential Error in High 4/30/90 All holders of OLsSteamline Flow Satpoint or CPS for BRRs.90-2? Clarification of the 4/30/90 All uranium fuelRecent Revisions to the fabrication andRegulatory Requireamnts conversion facilities.for Packsging of UraniumHtxsfluoride (UF6) forTransportationS9-70, Possible Indications of 4/26/90 All holders of OLsSupp. I Misrepresented Vendor or Cps for nuclearProducts power reactors.90-26 Inadequate Flow of 4/24/90 All holders of OLsEssential Service Water or CPu for nuclearto Rom. Coolers and Negt power reactors.Exchangers for EngineeredSafety-Feature System90-25 Loss of Vital AC Power 4/16/90 All holders of OLswith Subsequent Reactor or CPS for nuclearCoolant System Heat-Up power reactors.90-24 Transportation of odel 4/10/90 All MRC licenseesSpec 2- Radigraphic authorized to use,Exposure Device transport. or operateradiographic exposuredevices and sourcechangers.OL

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