ML20059F806
| ML20059F806 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 11/01/1993 |
| From: | Joseph Holonich NRC OFFICE OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL SAFETY & SAFEGUARDS (NMSS) |
| To: | Chernoff A ENERGY, DEPT. OF |
| References | |
| REF-WM-65 NUDOCS 9311050094 | |
| Download: ML20059F806 (2) | |
Text
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g NOV - 11993 Albert R. Chernoff, Project Manage r Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project Office U.S. Department of Energy Albuquerque Operations Office P.O. Box 5400 Albuquerque, New Mexico 87115
Dear Mr. Chernoff:
We have reviewed proposed Project Interface Document (PID) 20-S-15 for the Falls City, Texas, Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Project site, which was transmitted by cover letter dated August 17, 1993. Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff obtained additional information and clarification during discussions with Department of Energy staff and contractors on September 9 and 13, 1993. We have also reviewed the RAECOM data received on September 23, o.d October 5, 1993.
1993, and the large scale drawings for this PID wh.
-er The PID includes a Class I proposed change to the cell design to increase the radon barrier thickness on the topslope from 2 feet to 3 feet.
The reason given is that there is approximately 2 feet less thickness of the windblown material (lower activity), and an additional 3-inch layer of Th-230 contaminated soil on most of the topslope. The RAECOM analyses for radon attenuation of the revised design included Ra-226 concentrations and emanation fractions of samples from 27 locations at 2-foot intervals in the upper 16 to 22 feet of contaminated material in the cell.
In areas where elevated Th-230 material was placed, the Ra-226 values used were the 1000-year concentrations.
The other parameter values were the same as used in the Remedial Action Plan.
2 The estimated radon flux is 17.8 pCi/m /s. This value does not consider that the cell topslope will have a 30-inch-thick layer of growth medium which will further attenuate the radon. Based on the information provided, NRC staff concludes that there is reasonable assurance that compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency standard will be achieved, and concurs with this aspect of the PID.
'Another proposal in this PID is designated as Class II. A change in the surface grading plan around the evaporation pond is proposed to reduce the amount of fill for the pond, and thus reduce costs. The pond was excavated deeper than originally planned.
Since the area of this grading change is near the disposal cell, the NRC staff considered that the revised plan needed to be assessed for impact to the erosion protection of the cell. Therefore, this is a Class I change.
Based on a review of the plan as presented in Figure 4, the staff concludes that there will be no significant impact to the disposal cell erosion protection and concurs with this aspect of the PID.
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Albert R. Chernoff t The last proposal, to correct wording in the specifications by replacing "biobarrier" with " growth medium," is designated Class II.
This change is appropriately classified.
figures 1 and 2 were associated with the first proposal but contain more changes than were explained by the increased radon barrier thickness.
For example, the coordinatas of the cell corners are changed and the cell height is increased 3 feet. These other changes should be addressed in the Completion Report or another PID, as appropriate.
l I
If you have any questions regarding this review, please contact me at (301) 504-3439, or the NRC Project Manager, Elaine Brummett at (301) 504-2533.
Sincerely, Joseph J. Holonich, Acting Chief l
Uranium Recovery Branch i
Division of Low-level Waste Management and Decommissioning Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards cc:
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