ML19249F045
| ML19249F045 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 06/13/1979 |
| From: | Arsenault F NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REGULATORY RESEARCH (RES) |
| To: | Muller R Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19249F044 | List: |
| References | |
| ACRS-CT-1137, NUDOCS 7910030867 | |
| Download: ML19249F045 (3) | |
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o, UNITED STATES y } g(, j NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMIS3 ION STEINDLER
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.C WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
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JUN 13 E79 JUN 191979 MEMORANDUM FOR:
Ragnwald Muller, Senior Staff Engineer Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards FROM:
Frank J. Arsenault, Director Division of Safeguards, Fuel Cycle and Environmental Research
SUBJECT:
RES WASTE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROGRAM In response to your request, we have prepared the~ enclosed information, (Enclosure 1) outlining the RES Waste Management Research Program, and showing the changes which have taken place since our briefing of the ACRS on October 11 - 12, 1978.
The various task categories comprising the research program are listed in the left column of Enclosure 1, and cover all elements of our present research program.
The other two columns identify tasks which:
a) comprised t'he waste management research program in October,1978, and b) which represent the present program.
On-going and planned research tasks are identified by the symbols e and 0,.respectively.
It will be noted that a substantial number of planned research tasks have been added subsequent to our October,1978 meeting with you. A significant fraction of these tasks are directly related to the coments and recomen-dations made by the ACRS, both during the October 11 - 12 meeting and its Report to Congress in December, 1978 (NUREG-0496).
The numerical references (1), (2),... (17), placed after selected task descriptions identify those coments or recomendations (listed in Enclosure 2) made by the ACRS during the October 11 - 12 briefing, to which the tasks are responsive.
Similarly, the letter references (A), (B),... (M), identify coments or recomendations (listed in Enclosure 3) made by the ACRS in their Report to Congress, to which the tasks are responsive.
Some of the other coments and recomendations published in the ACRS Report to Congress, such as "... continued development of criteria for the design and operation of radioactive waste disposal and storage facilities," are covered collectively by a late number of the research tasks, and are not identified separately.
Although many research requirements have been identified since last October and included in the program plan, only a few new projects have been funded because of budget restrictions.
For the same reascn, most of the planned research tasks, identified by "0" in the present program, will not be funded until FY1981.
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Our Waste Management Research Program Plan has obviously benefited from the comments and recommendations offered by the ACRS. We expect to continue to work with the other NP.C program offices, particularly NMSS and OSD, to p
further identify research needs and respond to them.
6 1031 iC6 791 oso 4'
e R. Mul1er JUI; ~13 G79 I hope you will find this information useful.
Any questions which you have regarding. Risk Assessment tasks may be referred to Mike Cullingford, PAS, while Jerry Davis, SAFER, will be available to respond to questions on all other parts-of the program.
I Frank J. Arsenault, uirector kision of Safeguards, Fuei Cycle anHnvironmental Research f, /g
Enclosures:
- 1. RES Waste Management Program
- 2. ACRS Coments at October 11-12 Meeting
- 3. ACRS Comments in their Report to Congress cc:
C. Jupiter, SAFER J. Davis, SAFER M. Culli'ngford, PAS P. McGrath, PAS B. Budnitz, RES J. Martin, NMSS N
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ENCLosuf\\E 1
SUltiARY e
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NUCLE AR WA51E MANAGEMEN1 RESEARClf PROGRAM Wlill INDICATED CilANGES I
DETWEEN
- f OCTOBER 1978 AND JUNE 1979 8
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RES NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT RESEARDI PROGRAM FAGE 10F 23 HiQt LEVEL WASTE MSEARCil TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM WASTE FORM & CONTAINER OTARACTERISTICS GL ASS /CE RAMICS MEASUREMENTS-SHORT TERM BULK PROPERTIES 0
CAT 110 llc lt. (06330}-(1) Develop quantitative Same y {f h h
relationship between glass / ceramic bulk properties and its long-tenn structural stability. (2) Develop 'm tests for chemical durability of glasses /cetamics,
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appilcable for predicting longevity. (t)(A)
A e
& O.dn'VL SURFACE CORROSION O
U. OF FLORIDA (B6
-Evaluate leaching and surface Same j,4 g h, 5 d M,a_4c.7 properHes of sol nuclear waste encapsulants. (t)(A)
TEST COMBINED EFFORTS OF MULTIPLE 0
Test cocbined effects of multiple degradation DEGRADATION FACTORS factors. (t)(A)
LONG TERM OIARACTERISTICS PREDICTION 0
Develop an analytical methodology for predic-ME THODOLOGY ting long term characteristics of waste encapsulants.(g}(A)
CRYSTAllINES EVALUATE SUPERCALCINES 0
U. TJLED0_{866241-Evaluate the durability of Same f{d g{
g crystalHne nuclear waste forms and their natural analogues at geologic storage conditions.
e TEST FROPERTIES OF SYN-ROCK 0
Test properties of syn-rock. (g)(A)
MULT!B ARRIERS O Assess the effectiveness of metal matrices ASSESS METAL MTRICES for retention of radfonuclides over long time
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periods. "(3), (J), (A) j{
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O Emperimentally test the ef fectiveness of TEST FARTICLE C0ATINGS I
particle coatings for retention of radlonu-clides at repository environmental conditions.
a 4s a principal barrier. (3),(J),(A)
LI 4 - ongoing work The numerical references (1),(2),.. (17), placed af ter selected task de:crl[tions identify those convents or reconrnendations 0 - planned work (Itsted in Enclosure 2) made by the ACRS during the October 11-12, 1976 o i'ftng, to which the tasks are responstve.
Sim the letter ref erences (A).(B),.. (M), Identify conraents or reconur 4dations (listed in Enclosure 3) made 'y the ACRplarlylielr Report to Congress -
o In t NUREG-0496, to which the tasks are responsive.
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TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 FROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM SELECTED WASTE FORMS TEST C0fBINED EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE 0 Experimentally test synergistic DEGRADATION FACTORS ef fects of sultiple processes which influence degradation. (J)
FIELD TEST TO CONFIRN DURABILITY 0 Field test selectrd waste foms I
under repository canditions to confim their durability.
DEVELOP HDDEL TO PREDICT LONG 0 Develop analytical models to i
TERM OIARACTERISTICS predict the long term character-1stics of selected waste foms.
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PAGE 4 Of 23 HIGl LEVEL WASIE RESEARCil TASK CATEC3RY OCIOBER 1978 PROGRAH_
PRESENT PROGRAM WASTE / ROCK INTERACT 10FS
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CANISTER / ROCK INIF AACTIONS LABORAIORY TESilNG OF INTERACTIG45 O
SAN JOSE ST. (B662S}-Confirm the interf ace Same reactI'n EtRs Setween waste / canister /
o rock as a function of concentration, tem-perature and pressure. (3)
GE00lEHICAL PROCESSES STUDY RADIONUCLIDE Hi%ATION FROM S
STANFORD U_._{06341}-Stody the migration of Same NATURAL NtD MAN-MI. 0 P05I15 radionuc1FJdslii riatural ore bodies and
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nuclear test cavities as it relates to waste repositories - for confirination of the impor-tance of physical and chemical phenomena. (12) 0 Expand work (86661) in the study of natural pl.j b h b h (.0 ore bodies (12)
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GE0CitEHICAL PROCESS CilARACTERIZATION 0
Characterlie those geochemical processes which are important to nuclear waste migration and retention. (12)
TilERMAL EFFECTS Ut GE0LHEMICAL PROCESSES 0
Deterutne effect of temperatiJre on rates of geochemical processes important to migration.
and retention. (H), (K)
RADI AT!0N AND RADIOOtEHICAL EFFECTS ON 0
Determine the ef fects of radiation a,d radt-GEOCHE"' CAL PROCESSES o
olysis on geochemical processes twortant to migration ar.d retention of radionuclides.(ll),(K)
WASTE / ROCK INTERACTIONS OF SELECTED 0
Study the interactions between nuclear waste WASTE FORMS (CC]
and rock for selected waste forms and rock types. (H) c==>GEB 0 - ongoing worL o
0 - planned work 2
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HIGil Lt. VEL WASTE PESEARegg TASK CAIEGORY CCTOBER 1978 FROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM THERNAL IHpACTS THFRMAL CONDUCilVIT) IN ROCK 0 CORNEtt U. 186626]-Heasure the thermal conductivity Same ET71sordereTminerals and rocks applicable to repositories, Including influence of radiation and elevated temperature. (11), (K) 0
. xamine the impact of thermal ef fects -
EFFECTS ON SALT INCLUSIONS on the movement of salt inclusions for rock masses in the immediate neighbor-hood of a depository. (H), (K) m o
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PAGE 6 0F 23,
j HIGH LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH 1
i ASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGPAM PRESENT PROGRAM RADIATION EFFECTS STRUCTUpAL lMPACTS ON REPOSITORY ME01 A 0 Study effect of radiation on mechanical properties of repository media. (H)
HYDR 0 GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS GROUNDWATER FROPERTIES OfEHICAL CHARACTERISTICS MD EFFECTS ON 0 Characterize the chemi' cal properties of g
WASTE grounchater important to water /was te interactions and characterire the resulting effects.(G) l GROJNDWATER MOVEMENT f
HASS AND ENERGY TRANSPORT 8
U. OF ARIZONA (85753)-Establish hydrogeological Same procedures and theory for assessing the subsurface transport of radionuc.Ildes from repositories. (G)
SALT PERMEABILITY i,
O GEC.TE0f.(86665)-Chyacterirethepermeability Same of salt for repository conditions.(G) 8 LABORATORY TEST OF PARTICULATE MIGRATION 0
GA. TEOf. !B63381-Characterize migration rates and Same inobT1Tiarion processes of selected radioacthe and activable tons fn a model aquifer, representative of a repository situation.
l FIELD MEASUREMENT OF PARTICULATE O
Examine selected ore bodies for confirmatory Same l
MIGRATION evidence of the contribution of particulate mlCration to radionuclide movement.
HYDROGE0 LOGICAL H0 DEL TESTING G
U. OF ARIZONA {B5753j-Conduct confinnatory fleid Same tests to characfETre groundwater transport of radionuclides.
l CLIMATIC OIANGE IMPACTS 0
Identify and characterize the impact of l
natural and man-made tilmate changes having a potential effect on repositories. (G) 0 - ongoing work 0 - planned work (C
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HIGI LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH PAGE 7 Of 23 TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAN PRESENT PROGRAM i
WATER DATING TEGINOLOGY 0
U. OF ARil0NA (86628)-Provide critical infonnation Same for relating dates of ground water to rates of its movement in the vicinity of potential sites of nuclear repositories. (G)
SITE DIARACTERIZATION REFERENCE SITE GEOLOGY & IlYDROLOGY O Characterize reference repository sites for domed salt, basalt, granite and other alter-nate media, as deemed appropriate.(C),(14),(G)
WEST VALLEY HLW 9
NYGS (R6350)-Characterize the geomorphology,
'Same
. surface dralnage patterns and the associated transport of redlonucildes from the site. (G)
TECTONIC PARAMETERS 0 Characterize tectonic parameters important to repository site evaluation. (G) g HONITORING MONITORING TEGIN0 LOGY 0 Develop technology for monitoring repositories.
'GEOTEOiNICAL ENGINEERING INDIRECT ROCK ANALYSIS BOREHOLE ANALYSIS TEGINIQUES 0
U. OF ARIZONA (B63]37 -Identify techniques for Same EVALUATION non-intrustve fleid studies of rock masses f rom boreholes and evaluate ef fectiveness.
O Continue work, and conduct field tests in Phase 11 effort.
U. OF ARl20NA (B633h-Identify techniques for SURFACE GEOPilYSICAL TECilNIQUES 0
Same non-Intruslve fleld studies of rock masses from the ground surf ace, and evaluate their ef fectiveness.
8 - ongoing work C
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HICll LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH PAGE 8 0F 23- '
TASK CATEGORY OCTOBE R 1978 PROGRAN PRESENT PROGRAM MEOtANICAL PROPERTIES OF REPOSliORY MEDI A STRESS MEASUREMENTS AND TEOfM0 LOGY 0 (860ly-Determine the rock mass response to the Same construction and operation of a repository.
THERML CRACKING 0
{B5825)- Perform In-situ deteminations of hign Same temperature ef f ects on rock shear modulus.
PREDICTION AND ANALYSIS OF FRACTURES AND 0
{B0667)- Detemine the character and frequency of Same dI'conIinuities and fractures in rock masses.
DISCONTINUITIES s
TECTCNICS AND REPOSITORY PESPONSE 0
Evaluate those tectonic processes which have some potential of creating low-resistance migration paths.
ROCK MASS RESPONSE TO COMBINED STRESSES 0
Detennine the extent of synergism existing in themal, mechanical and radiological effects on rock properties.
PLUGGING AND SEALING TEDINIQUES 6W eg)ggg 96 3 SHAFT AND BOREHOLE SEALING TEGINIQUE O
U. OF ARl70NA [866271-Evaluate available technology Same EVALUATION Tor plugging boreEles and sealing discontinuity y
planes in rock masses, employing laboratory tests. (15)
TESTING SELECTED TEGINIQUES TO SPECIFIC 9
U. OF ARIZONA (B66271-Conduct field tests of rock
'Same ROCK TYPES sealing methods evaluated in previous laboratory T ri 4A. ),
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work.
RETRIEVAL TECHNIQUES SPENT FUEL 0
(B6629) - Evaluate retrieval techniques for spent Same fuel.
SOLIDiflED HLW 0
Evaluate retrieval techniques for HLW.
8 - ongoing work
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lilGI LEVEL WASTE RESEARDI PAGE 9 Of 23 TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRN1 PRESENT PROGRAM REPOSITORY DESIGN i
MINE STADill1Y 0
COE-WEM B666M - Conduct engineering geolngy Same studies related to mine stabflity.
ENGINEERED BARRIER ANALYSIS 0
Conduct analysis of engineered barriers 1
for repositories.
l DESIGN TO REDUCE OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE 0 Conduct analysis of reference repository designs for the purpose of minimizing occupational exposures.
MONITORJNG TEGINIQUES EVALUATE MONITORING TEGINIQUES 0
Ident!fy and evaluate techniques which have potential for applicatlon to monitoring the Integrity and operational safety features of a repository. (M) flELD TESTS OF HONITORING TEGINIQUES 0 Conduct fleid tests to confirm the applicabiljty of selected repository tonitoring methods. (M) a REPOSITORY SAFETY ANALYSIS 0
Develop an approach for identification of repository hazards during the operational phase, and for analysts of safety.
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I PAGE 10 0F 23 HIGI LEVEL liASTE RESEARCH TASK CATECORY OCTOBER 1978 PbCRAM
.PRESENT PROCkAN SYSTEMS ANALYS15 REPOSITORY OPil0NS ASSESSMENT 4
IIARVARD (B6623)-Develop a procedure for the assessment Same of options for long term disposal of nuclear waste and establish a system of descriptors to pennit decisions between alternatives. (D)
REFERENCE REPOSITORY HDDEL SANDI A ( Al224)'-Develop a reference repository model 0 Extend work to domed salt, basalt and for bedded sait.
other appropriate media. (6), (14)
PREDICTIVE MODEL DEVELOPMENT &
4 modeW(for prediction of waste migration andAl2241-Develop and integrate simplified 0 Extend work to: domed salt, basalt SANDIA
~TNTIERATIDH and other appropriate media; crack consequences to human health and the environment.
flow model adaption of porous flow Consider migration of radionuclides from the model.(6)..(14),(F),(L) i repository, en.f ronmental pathways, and health ef fects. Use porous flow mdel. (F), (L) 7tdd klyk 'O
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i SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS g
SANDI A ( All24J-Conduct consequence calculations, Same eiploying statistically - selected input parameters to rank the importance of input parameters op l
consequence variability, and provide a basis for i
setting priorttles for research to achieve I nproved understanding of these parameters and their effects. (IT) e I
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i LOW LIVEL WASTE RESEARCH PAGE 110F 23 s;*
TASK CATECORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM REQUlFEHENTS FOR SHAlt0W LAND BURI AL PERFORMANCE AND ACCEPTABILITY OF WASTES CCRROS10N & LEACHABILITY PROPERTIES OF RADWASTES AND CONTAINERS 8 BNL ( A3027) - Characterize LLW Same n
VOLUME REDUCil0N REACTOR RADWASTE GENERIC STUDY ORNL jB01711 -Update generic dati. on perfonnance Sai..e oT TTitration,lon exchange, evaporation & solid waste treatment systems.
CilARACTERISTICS OF VOLUME-REDUCED WASTES 0
Characterire properties of LLW which has undergone volume reduction.
EVALUATION OF VOLUME REDUCTION METHODS 0
Evaluate acceptable methods for volume reduc-tion of wastes.
CONTA*NERilATION EVALUATION OF ACCEPTABLE CONTAINERIZATION 0
Evaluate acceptable methods for containing LLW and develop criteria. (2), (I)
SITE SUITABILITY 4
GENERAL SITE SPECIFIC STUDIES FIELD INVESilGATIONS (HANf0RD & BEATTY)
O B-6669 - Conduct Field Inves tigations at Hanford.
ECand Seatty. Aev. to develop criteria for Same site suitability for shallow land burial of LLW.
BURIAL GROUND isRVEY N.Y.
6 Euila[l ground at West Valley N.Y.86008)- Conduct a survey of the waste Sane SUNY (0)
BURIAL GROUND SURVEY. KY.
KY B61M - Conduct a survey of the was te Same ur il ground at Haxey Flats. Ky. (8)
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LOW LEVEL WASTE R SEARDI PAGE 12 0F 23-TASK CATEGORY OCT00ER 1978 PROGRAM PRES {NT PROGRAM GEOLOGY EROSION STUDIES (WEST VALLEY, N.Y.)
0
~4NYJB60081 -Conduct erosion stulles at the West Same ValleyTH~V. burial grounds, as a part of the hes t Valley Survey.
KY {Wifaxey flats Surver.
D6192J - Topographical studies are included Some TOP 0 GRAPHY 0
Et 50ll OIARACTERilATION Wl549) P MA v-OMWI WASTE TRANSPORT IN 50lLS 0
L ASL ( A7040)-Investigate migratlod and retention Same li of waste radionuclides by selycted soll types and evaluate correlation between soll properties and
% b S G-4 NQ. (. '
a*L ra onu lide inovement. Evaluate soll sampling 50ll MEDIANICS - INGINEERING 0
Study soll mechanics, as'It applies to burial site engineering.
GROUND WATER HYDROLOGY SOURCE TERMS OF RADIONUCLIDES S BNL1830421-Define the source terms of Same radTonucildes and other solutes in trench water from licensed low-level waste disposal sites in cooperation with USGS.
RADIONUCLIDE DISTRIBUTION, KY.
8 PNL (B22911 - Characterize the distribution of Cornplete Project radionuclides at the Haxey flats burial grounds.
INTER TRENOl TRANSPORT, KY.
RA010liYDROLOGY TUNNEL, SHEfflELD 0 USGS (B5760) -Supplement USGS work of studying Irplement Planned Project radionuclTde transport under trenches a t the Shef fleid burlaj grounds in Illinois.
SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY & SEDIMENT TRANSPORT RADIONUCLIDES IN SURFACE WATER 0 30B06712) - Study radionuclides in surface implement Planned Project waters at the Wes t Valley, N.Y. burial grounds.
CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY 0
Characterire climateological and meteorological influences on site suitability. (9) 0 - ongoing work
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AM 1 Of 23 LOW LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM POPULATION CONSIDERATIONS 0
Characterize population considerations a5 they infIUence 5f te Sultability. (1) e o
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LOW LEVEL WASTE RESEARCil PAGE 14 Of 23 TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS & BIOTA RADIONUCLlDE TRANSPORI IN AGRICULTURAL UC-tNH [B302]l - Investigate the soll - to Same SYSTEMS plant patfiway of radionuclide element transport through the food (hain of man (1)
BI0 ENVIRONMENTAL PATHW (SEE - DEC0 m lSS10NING)
ESTABLISl! MENT OF INDICATOR SPECIES 0
Identify species of organisms which would BY REGION serve to detect the presence of leached radionuclides.
LAND USE (INCLUDING PROX]HITY 10 0
Examina land use parameters as they affect IRANSPORTATION ROUTES) site suitability. (1)
SOCID-ECONOMICS 0
Examine socloeconomic parameters as they affect site suitability. (1)
COST / BENEFIT ANALYSIS 0
Examine cost / benefit analysis approach as they affect an evaluation of site suitability.
ACCIDENT ANALYSIS BASES FOR ACCIDENT EVALUATION CRITERIA 0 (B6670) - Develop basis for accident evaluation Same criteria, emergency plans, measurements and mitigation.
DESIGN AND OPERATIONS 7TTFTTfCII.TiFENGINEERING DURIAL FACILITY ENGINEERING e
ARil. {B66681-Conduct engineering studies of Complete Project waste bWlal facilities.
REVIEW ADVANCES IN SHALLOW LAND BURIAL 0
Assess new engineering developments as they ENGINEERING af fect improved safety. (2)
CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES TECil. BASIS FOR GUIDE ON ACCEPTABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES O
Provide a technical basis for development of a regulatory guide on acceptable construction
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. I LOW LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH I
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TASK CAIEGORY OCTOGER 1978 PROGRAH PRESENT PROGRAM i
OPERAil0N PRACTICES 0
Develop a technical ba:Is for development l
of a regulator, guide on acceptable operattomi i
practices.
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e LOW LEVEL WASTE RESEARCH PAGE 16 0F 23 TASK CATEGORY OCimER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM LIMITING CONDITIONS FOR OPERATION TECllNICAL BASIS FOR CRITERI A FOR LIMITING ---
0 Drielop technical basis for criteria for CONDITIONS I miting conditions for operation of shallow sand burial facility.
STABILIZATION OF WASTES (SEE DEC0tt1ISS10NING) i OCCUPATIONAL llEALTil 0
Develop a basis for evaluation of occupational health as influenced by repository design and operations.
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HONITORING PREOPERATION SURVEYS AND MONITORING REMOTE SENSING TECilNIQUES FOR DETER-0 Identify and characterire remote sensing tech-MINATION OF SITE SUITABILITY niques for site evaluation. (7)
OPERATIONS MONITORING FIELD TESTING PROTOTYPE CONilNUOUS 0
Field test prototype continuous monitors for HONITORS FOR VOLUME REDUCTION FACILITIES volume reduction facillites. (H)
IN-SITU WELL MONITOR'ING 0
.ientify and charactertre In-situ sonitoring
- echniques suitable for wells. s t), (M)
DECOMMISS10NING-FOLLOW-UP HONITORING 810ENVidONENTAL PATilWAYS - LONG TERM '
U.OFCOLORADO(066581-Charactertrethebloenviron-Same Tmental pathways Wimportance to consideration of Inpacts of deconsnissioning. (1) pg h pf'l0 Q Q llVDROLOGY-RADIONUf'IDE TRANSPORT LAMONI {B6713)-Characterire the transport of natural Same (LONG-TERM) g and transuranTc nuclides In water as it supp3rts an 0
evaluation of an assessment of impact of deconinission-f Ing.
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SUBSURFACE RADAR 0
GEO CENTERS (B6349[ - Field tes t and evaluate a 4
Implement Project sub-surface radar system for charactertration of trench boundaries and radioisotope af gration ranges EROSION - REMOTE SENSING TECilNIQtlES 0
Evaluate remote sensing etechniques to characterize erosfon.
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PAGE 19 0F 23 TASK CATEGORY OCT00ER 1978 PROGRAN PAESENT PROGRAM f
GASEOUS AND PARTICULATE UtilSSI0fts URANIUM MILL TAILINGS g
AHL (A2046) - Provide field data at selected Continue Work uranium nills to: (a) generate estimates of source i
terms; (b) estimate of f-site environmental concen-trations resulting from releases; (c) demonstrate monitoring techniques; evaluate potential for entry e
into food pathways.
OPEH Pli MINING 0
ExTia{laIE and meterology to provide a basis fora 22091 - Conduct field measurements on radon Implement Work ANL assessing the environmental significance of effluents released to the atmosphere by open-pft mining and for up-dating Table S-3.
iiilli{B2270)-Conduct field measurements of operating URAft!Ur4 MINE EIHAUST 8
PNL Continue Work data, particulate and gas characteristics, atmospheric dispersion deposition and transport, and perf orm an environmental assessment to support an assessment of the environmental signif fcance of effluents and for updating Table S-3.
I
. RADON EXHALATION FROM TAILINGS PNL (B2269)-Develop a new absolute method for the Continue Work measurement of radon exhal:t ton from a ground surface, for application to a mill tallings site -
by application of a enethodology, charactertration of radon exhalation rates and making compa risons with surface measuring systems.
RADON RELEASE - OPEN Pli 9
PNL (B2279 Evaluation of open-ptt uranium mining Continue Work operailo_ns}to assess the environmental signific%ce of ef fluents and for updating Table S-3 4
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PAGE 20 Of 23 MINE & MILL TAILINGS PESEAROl TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM SEEPAGE & IMPACTS ON GROUN0 WATER ASSESSMENT Of LEACHATE MOVEMENT o
PNL (B229R-Experimentally determine the implement Plan Interaction of tallin s teachate with clay y
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liner material and su surface sediments.
Implement numerical methods to predict leachate movement. (J) e 0
Study an approach to validation of radon MONITORING METHODS VALIDATION monitoring methods.
PROCESS ENGINEERING 0 Exploration of alternate alning and milling methods having a potential for reducing adverse environmental impacts.
STABILIZATION & DEC0ttilSSIONING RESUSPENSICfl OIARACTE RIZATI_0N_
PNL (B2095}-Deterutne the distribution of Complete Work radionucTldes in surface and airborne
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particles resulting from uranium milling, improve source definition, relationship of i
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airborne wastes to surf ace contamination, and application of models to predict i
consequences. (16), (D)
DIEMICAL STABILIZER ALTERNATIVES 0 Evaluation of adhesive type chemicals for use in short tern control of tallings tiansport. (16)
(B), (J)
ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS INTERACTIONS.
Study the impacts of both the tallings pile &
blota resulting fran burrowing & graring animals & v,egetation. Of perticular concern are the rate of radon released from the plies, k
the impact on the rate of erosion & the P
potential for animal contamination & plant uptake of radionucIldes.(16), (B) 8 - ongoing work h
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TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1973 PROGRAM GE0mRPH0 LOGICAL O(ANGE P
D.Stu / approaches to prevent erosion of tallings pfles in the very distant future.
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based on projections of drastic changes in the geologic and hydrologic makeup of the earth. (16), (B)
BELOW GRADE DISPOSAL 0
Evaluate the methodolog'y, effectiveness and value of re nning tails beck to mines -
including an assessment of the Impact on groundwater. (16),(B)
CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS 0
Evaluation of varfous types of soils and other materials for use as cover materials for the attenuation of radoa from tallinq> piles.
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RISK ASSES!NENT RESEARCll TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGPNi PRESENT PROGRAM WASTE MANAGEMENT WASTE 156LAT10N RISK ASSESSMENT MET 11000 LOGY SANDIA ( A-Il92 )-(a) Develop a methodology to Same
~RVfIDTRENT examine the long-term risk from radioactive waste isolation in dnep geologic formations; (b) demonstrate the methodology by application "to a hypothetical reference repository in bedded salt; (c) provide insights,on the important processes and mechanisms which govern transfer of' radionucIldes to humans and thus guide the formation of Il*ensing decisions. (C) (E)
SPENT FUEL ISOL ATION ALTERNATIVES 0
problem of risi}_-(a) Cnaracterize elements of the SANDIA ( B-6158 Same
- ssessment of spent fuel isolation in deep geologic formations; (b) modify the risk methodology developed for waste isolation to allow examination of the risk from isolation of spent fuel; (c) demonstrate the methodology Ly application to a reference spent fuel repository. (E)
SCENARIO ASSESSMr.NT FOR WASTE REPOSITORIES 0
SANDIA (A1192)-(a) Examine the relative importance of various release modes; (b) develop guidance on formulation of licensing review procedures.
DYNMIC SIMULATION OF WASTE / ROCK PROCESSES 0
SANDI A (M192).Model and analy;e geologic processes Same which resull_in feedback mechanisms.
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PAGE 23 0F 23 RISK ASSESSMENT RESEARCil TASK CATEGORY OCTOBER 1978 PROGRAM PRESENT PROGRAM DDiPATIONAL & FACILITY RISK ASSESSMENT management of gaseous Cgastpsk agernative for
/ - Identify Same WASTE MANAGEMENT OF RADI0 ACTIVE GASES 8
, Kr from fuel cycle facilities. (4) 4 8
Develop a method of choosing optimal DECONTAMINATION ALTERNATIVES decontamination plans.
SPECIAL PROJECTS FUEL CYCLE PROJECT REVIEW GROUP 0
Conduct peer reviews to: (a) establish credibility of fuel cycle work; (b) provide early guidance to projects if a change of direction is required.
INTEROFFICE WASTE ISOLATION F0DELING GROUP 0
Develop expertise within RES, NHSS, SD and NRR in working with models; examine possible use of models in the licensing process for llLW repositories. (11) 8 - ongoing kork 0 - planned work
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t ENCLOSURE 2 ACRS COMMENTS AT OCTOBER 11-12 MEETING (1)
There is a great need to better determine the effects of low-level waste.on the population (Mark).
(2)
There is a clear need to develop restrictive elements to restrict migration of low-level waste.
Consider in situ treatment (Philbrick).
(3)
Research is reeded on chemical binders.
(4)
Research on management of radioactive gases should be of low priority 129 ), Krypton since, of the principal gases of concern (14, 85 r and 1
C K
and iodine would be produced chiefly in fuel. reprocessing plants -
and the present national policy is to not reprocess fuel.
(5)
Research on deep sea burial should also be conducted at a low priority since this mode of disposal for high-level wasta is forbidden by international agreement.
(6)
Models describing migration of high.-level waste should be studied for basalt, shale and clay, as well as the on-going work for salt.
(7)
There is a need to define monitoring networks at waste repositories for collection of samples, handling of samples, quality assurance, etc. (Orth)
(8)
There is a need to define remedial actions for leaky low-level waste sites. What would be the more efficient and more permanent remedial actions? (Orth)
(9)
A compilation of environmental parameters of interest to waste management is needed (Orth).
(10)
Continue a small research effort regarding sea burial o*. wastes, in case it is needed (W rren).
(11)
The approach to modeling migration of high-level waste and sensitivity analysis looks good, except:
(a) the use of an unverified model may lead to trouble; (b) there is a need to use the model more intensively - in a more focused way (Steindler).
(12)
The retention of trace elements through chemical reactions s'hould La considered in the modeling work describing migration of waste.
(13)
NRC needs to settle the question of its consideration of sea-bed disposal, so that research may be properly prioritized (Steindler).
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One should also consider placing the waste in shale, clay or basalt interbed layers between the salt beds, in order to avoid the corrosion problem (Philbrick).
(15)
Drill holes should be able to be plugged effectively with an impervious material (Philbrick).
(16)
The Committee was very pleased with Bob Bernero's (0SP) presentation and his methodology. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the RES program to support his efforts (St.eindler).
(17) We need to arrive at priorities for waste management research (Warren).
G 9
0 1001 i?3
'. ;., l ENCLOSURE 3 SELECTED COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE ACRS IN THEIR REPORT TO CONGRESS (NUREG-0496)
DECEMBER,1978 (A) The ACRS believes that a portion of the NRC research effort on waste management should be directed to wastes generated in possible alternate fuel cycles.
(B) The ACRS recomends continued development of licensing criteria to facilitate the decontamination and decomissioning of nuclear facilities.
(C)~ There is a requirement to develop an acceptable methodology for making suitable risk assessments.
(D)
There is a need for co"1parative evalu'ations of the several options available within the nuclear fuel cycle.
(E)
The ACRS recor: mends that the NRC intensify its research efforts to identify the dominant contributors to risk in radioactive waste manage-ment operhtions and to quantify their associated uncertainties.
(F) The ACRS recommends that the NRC investigate the research nceds for making population dose estimates, and direct attention to the establish-ment of appropriate numerical values for those parameters where data are lacking.
Special attention should be given to the long-term transport of the transuranics and long-lived fission products in geologic structures and to the uptake and retention of such radionuclides by plants and animals.
Priority attention should be given to research on waste management approaches and safe disposal criteria.
Factors to be considered include:
(G) Site criteria, from the standpoint of hydrology and geology, meteorology, and seismicity.
(H)
Criteria for limiting any potential effects that the wastes might have on the characteristics of the storage site.
(I)
Criteria for the types of containers that must be provided for various chemical and physical forms of the wastes.
(J)
Criteria for supplemental radionuclide trapping or retention systems as a function of potential changes in the chemical and biological behavior of the wastes with time, and the nature of the products resulting from the decay of the initial wastes.
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2-(K)
Criteria for the necessary reliability of heat removal and shielding provisions based upon estimated thermal and radiation release rates from the wastes.
(L)
Criteria for determining acceptable levels of migration of radioactive
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materials from or within a site.
(M)
Criteria for acceptable monitoring procedures to detect and evaluate such migration.
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