ML22129A111
| ML22129A111 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 01/31/2010 |
| From: | Bubar P NRC/NMSS/DDUWP/LLWPB |
| To: | |
| Heath M | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML22124A176 | List: |
| References | |
| NRC-2009-0520 | |
| Download: ML22129A111 (7) | |
Text
Regulatory Infrastructure Public Meeting on Blending of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Patrice M. Bubar, Deputy Director Environmental and Performance Assessment Directorate Division of Waste Management and Environmental Protection January 2010
Purpose
- Identify and describe regulations and guidance related to blending
- Provide a baseline
NRC Regulations in 10 CFR
- NRC regulations do not define the terms blend, mix, dilute
Waste Classification Table 10 CFR 61.55 Radionuclide Concentration, Ci/m3 Col. 1 (Class Col. 2 (Class Col. 3 A limit) B limit) (Class C limit)
Total of all radionuclides with < 5 700 n/a n/a yr half-life H-3 40 n/a n/a Co-60 700 n/a n/a Ni-63 3.5 70 700 Ni-63 in activated metal 35 700 7000 Sr-90 0.04 150 7000 Cs-137 1 44 4600 If concentration does not exceed column 1, waste is Class A. If concentration is > col. 1 and < col. 2, waste is Class B. If concentration is > col. 2 and < col. 3, waste is Class C. If > col. 3, waste is not acceptable for near-surface disposal
Blending Guidance
- 1995 Concentration Averaging Branch Technical Position
- 10 CFR 61.55(a)(8) - waste concentration may be averaged
- Mixing (blending) of homogeneous waste addressed (one of 8 categories in BTP)
- Factor of 10 rule
- Operational efficiency or occupational dose reduction considerations
- Other factors
Other
- 1981 Volume Reduction Policy Statement
- Risk-informed, performance-based regulation
- Disposal vs storage
Summary
- Regulations do not prohibit or explicitly address blending of LLW
- Waste classification is related to disposal
- Blending addressed in guidance
- Other factors