ML20155F355

Draft Branch Technical Position on Std Format & Content of License Applications for Near-Surface Disposal of Radwaste

ML20155F355
Person / Time
Issue date:	03/31/1986
From:	NRC
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ML20155F344	List: ML20155F340 ML20155F346 ML20155F355
References
REF-WM-3 NUDOCS 8604210479
Download: ML20155F355 (38)

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DRAFT BRANCH TECHNICAL POSITION ON STANDARD FORMAT AND CONTENT OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS FOR NEAR-SURFACE DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MARCH, 1986 i

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TABLE OF CONTENTS P_ age 0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................

vii 0.1 Genera 1......................................................

vii 0.2 Purpose......................................................

vii 0.3 Applicability................................................

vii 0.4 Use of the Standard Format...................................

vii 0.5 Filing of the Application....................................

viii

0. 6 P rop ri e ta ry I n fo rma t i on......................................

viii

'0. 7 Style and Composition........................................

viii

0. 7.1 General Format........................................

vili 0.7.2 Referencing...........................................

viii 0.7.3 Abbreviations.........................................

ix 0.7.4 Numerical Va1ues......................................

ix 0.7.5 Graphics..............................................

ix 0.7.6 Physical Specifications...............................

ix 1 GENERAL INFORMATION 1.1 Identity of Applicant........................................

1-1

1. 2 Qualifications of Applicant..................................

1-1

1. 3 Location of Facility.........................................

1-1 1.4 Actions......................................................

1-1

1. 5 Schedules....................................................

1-2 2 SPECIFIC TECHNICAL INFORMATION 2.1 Site Characteristics.........................................

2-1 2.1.1 Demography............................................

2-1 2.1.1.1 Population...................................

2-1 2.1.1.2 Land Use.....................................

2-1 2.1.2 Geology...............................................

2-1 2.1.2.1 Surface and Subsurface Geology...............

2-2 2.1.2.2 Geomorphic Processes.........................

2-2 2.1.2.3 Faulting.....................................

2-2 2.1.2.4 Fo1 ding......................................

2-2 2.1.2.5 Jointing.....................................

2-2 2.1.2.6 Uplift, Subsidence, Tilting, and Solutioning.

2-3 2.1.2.7 Volcanic Activity............................

2-3 2.1.2.8 Seismicity...................................

2-3 2.1.3 Geotechnical Information..............................

2-4 2.1.3.1 Information on Disposal Site.................

2-4 2.1.3.2 Information on Borrow and/or Backfill........

2-4 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Page 2.1. 4 Surface Water Hydrology...............................

2-4 2.1.4.1 Surface Water Quality........................

2-4 2.1.5 G ro undwa te r Hyd ro l o gy.................................

2-4 2.1.5.1 Unsaturated Zone.............................

2-5 2.1.5.2 Saturated Zone...............................

2-5 2.1.5.3 G ro undwa te r U s e rs............................

2-6 2.1.6 Geochemistry..........................................

2-6 2.1.7 Meteorology and Climatology...........................

2-7 2.1.8 Ecology...............................................

2-7 2.2 Site Suitability Requirements................................

2-7 2.2.1 Modeling, Characterization, Analyses, and Monitoring.,

2-7 2.2.2 Population............................................

2-8 2.2.3 Natural Resources.....................................

2-8 2.2.4 Flooding..............................................

2-8 2.2.5 Un"..eam Drainage Areas...............................

2-8 2.2.6 Groundwater...........................................

2-8 2.2.7 Groundwater Discharge.................................

2-8 2.2.8 Tectonism.............................................

2-9 2.2.9 Surface Geologic Processes............................

2-9 2.2.10 Nearby Facilities.....................................

2-9 2.3 Design of Proposed Facility..................................

2-9 2.3.1 Facility Description..................................

2-9 2.3.2 Principal Features....................................

2-9 2.3.2.1 Restricted Areas.............................

2-9 2.3.2.2 Site Boundary and Buf fer Zone................

2-10 2.3.2.3 Util i ty Supplies and Systems.................

2-10 2.3.2.4 Disposal Units...............................

2-10 2.3.2.5 Covers.......................................

2-10 2.3.2.6 Surface Water Control Features...............

2-10 2.3.2.7 I ntrude r Barri e rs............................

2-10 2.3.2.8 Markers......................................

2-10 2.3.3 Site Utilization P1an.................................

2-10 l

2.3.4 Support Facilities....................................

2-11 2.3.4.1 Administration Buildings.....................

2-11 2.3.4.2 Storage and Waste Handling Area..............

2-11 2.3.4.3 Decontamination Areas........................

2-11 2.3.4.4 Physical Security............................

2-11 l

l 2.3.4.5 Equipment and Equipment Storage..............

2-11 2.3.4.6 Excavated Materials Area.....................

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t TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Pale 2.3.5 Design-Basis Natural Events...........................

2-11 2.3.5.1 Flood Determinations.........................

2-12 2.3.5.2 High Wind Considerations.....................

2-13 2.3.5.3 Seismic Events...............................

2-13 2.3.6 Codes and Standards...................................

2-13 2.4 Design Requirements..........................................

2-13 2.4.1 Isolation.............................................

2-13 2.4.2 Closure Plan Compatibility............................

2-13 2.4.3 Complementing Natural Characteristics.................

2-13 2.4.4 Covers................................................

2-14 2.4.5 Surface Features......................................

2-14 2.4.6 Water Contact.........................................

2-14

2. 5 Facility Construction and Operation..........................

2-14 2.5.1 Construction Procedures...............................

2-14 2.5.2 Waste Emplacement.....................................

2-14 2.5.3 Segregation...........................................

2-15 2.5.4 Intruder Barriers.....................................

2-15 2.5.5 Traffic and Drainage Systems..........................

2-15 2.5.6 Survey Control Program................................

2-15 2.5.7 Waste Storage.........................................

2-15 2.5.8 Chelating Agents......................................

2-15 2.6 Operation Requirements.......................................

2-15 2.6.1 Segregation...........................................

2-15 2.6.2 Intruder Protection...................................

2-16 2.6.3 Waste Emplacement.....................................

2-16 2.6.4 Void Spaces...........................................

2-16 2.6.5 Radiation.............................................

2-16 2.6.6 Boundaries and Markers................................

2-16 2.6.7 B u f f e r Z o ne...........................................

2-16 2.6.8-Effect of Operation...................................

2-16 2.6.9 Radioactivity.........................................

2-17 2.7 Alternative Design and Operations............................

2-17 2.8 Facility Closure F1an........................................

2-17 2.8.1 Closure Description...................................

2-17 2.8.2 Water Management......................................

2-17 2.8.3 Surface Contamination.................................

2-17 2.8.4 Site Security.........................................

2-17 2.8.5 Institutional Arrangements............................

2-18 2.9 Closure Requirements.........................................

2-18 2.10 Natural Resources............................................

2-18 iv l

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y TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

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2.11 Waste Description............................................

2-18 2.11.1 Kinds of Waste.......................................

2-18 E

2.11.2 Volumes of Waste.....................................

2-18 7

2.11.3 Sources of Waste.....................................

2-18 2.11.4 Concentrations.......................................

2-19 (i

2.11.5 Properties of Waste..................................

2-19 2.12 Waste Classification Requirements............................

2-19 2.13 Waste Characteristics Requirements..........................

2-19 2.14 Waste Labeling Requirement...................................

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2.15 Alternative Waste Description Requirement....................

2-19 2.16 Quality Control..............................................

2-20 i

2.17 Radiation Safety Program.....................................

2-20 e

i 2.17.1 Organization........................................

2-20 t

2.17.2 Equipment, Instrumentation, and Facilities...........

2-20 l

2.17.3 Frocedures...........................................

2-20 I

2.18 Environmental Monitoring Program.............................

2-21 l

2.19 Environmental Monitoring Requirements........................

2-21 E

2.19.1 Pre-Operational Monitoring..........................

2-21 i

2.19.2 Operational Monitoring...............................

2-22 g

2.19.3 Closure and Post-Operational Monitoring..............

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2.20 Administrative Procedures....................................

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3 TECHNICAL ANALYSES s

3.1 Pathways Analyses............................................

3-1 3.2 Intruder Analyses............................................

3-1 3.3 Occupational Exposure Analyses...............................

3-2 3.4 Stability Analyses...........................................

3-2 4 INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION 2

4.1 Land 0wnership...............................................

4-1 2

4.2 Institutional Control........................................

4-1 E

5 FINANCIAL INFORMATION L

5.1 Financial Qualifications.....................................

5-1 Di 5.2 Financial Assurances........................................

5-1 5.3 Requirements for Funding Closure and Decommissioning.........

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6 OTHER INFORMATION n

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6.1 Physical Security for Safeguards.............................

6-1 6.2 Criticality Information.....................................

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INTRODUCTION 0.1 General A Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license is required to receive, possess, and dispose of low-level radioactive waste (LLW).

The requirements for a li-cense are contained in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations CFR Part 61,

" Licensing Requirements for Land Disposal of Radioactive Waste." Sections 61.10 through 61.16 of the regulation specify in general terms the information to be supplied in an application for license to construct and operate a land disposal facility for the purpose of disposing LLW.

The app 1fcation must contain in-formation and analyses sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that the per-formance objectives in Subpart C of the regulation will be met.

The environmental report accompanying the application for license must be prepared in accordance with Subpart A of 10 CFR 51.

Guidance for the prepara-tion of the environmental report is contained in Regulatory Guide 4.18, "Stan-dard Format and Content of Environmental Reports for Near-Surface Disposal of Radioactive Waste." Information included in the environmental report may be referenced in the license application to avoid duplication.

0.2 Purpose The purpose of this docunent, " Standard Format and Content of License Applica-tions for Near-Surface Disposal of Radioactive Waste" (hereinafter referred to as " Standard Format"), is to explain in more detail the information to be pro-vided in the application for a license and to establish a uniform format for presenting the information.

Use of the standard format will (1) help assure that the application contains~the information required by 10 CFR Part 61, (2) aid the applicant and NRC staff in ensuring that the information is complete, (3) help persons reading the application to locate information, and (4) contri-bute to shortening the time needed for the review process.

0.3 Applicability This initial version of the Standard Format applies to license applications for near-surface LLW disposal.

Near-surface disposal encompasses the full range of technology that can be applied to low-level waste disposal near the earth's surface; that is, shallow land burial, deeper burial at depths up to 30 meters, and the use of engineered structures, barriers, and other concepts, some of which may protrude partially above the surface.

NRC is currently developing additional guidance for the above near-surface disposal concepts. Once completed, the Standard Format will be revised to reflect any additional infor-mation requirements.

0.4 Use of the Standard Format The Standard Format represents a format for license applications +. hat is acceptable to NRC staff.

However, conformance with the Standard Format is not required.

License applications with different formats will be accepted by the staff if they provide an adequate basis for the findings requisite to issuing a vii

license.

Staff review time for different formats may take longer, however, because the staff is familiar with and its review procedures are based on the Standard Format.

When received, an application is initially treated as a tendered application.

The staff will use the Standard Format as a guide to perform an acceptance review to determine if the application is complete and acceptable for docketing.

If acceptable, the application will be assigned a docket number and the applicant notified.

If determined to be incomplete, the applicant will be notified and informed of the aspects in wh ch the application is deficient.

No further review by staff will be performed until complete information is provided.

0.5 Filing of the Application One original and two copies of the application and environmental report shall be initially filed to enable a determination of acceptability for docketing to be made.

The documents will be treated initially as tendered documents until the determination is made.

A copy of the tendered documents will be available in the NRC Public Document Room, 1717 H Street NW, Washington, DC.

The appli-cant will be notified of the results of the determination as outlined in 0.4, above. Also, see 10 CFR 61, S61.20 for requirements for filing and distribu-tion of the application; and 10 CFR 2, SS2.101, 2.102, and 2.103 for Commission procedures for handling the application.

0. 6 Proprietary Information Proprietary information must be submitted separately.

It should be clearly identified and should be accompanied by the applicant's detailed reasons and justifications for requesting that the information be withheld from public disclosure, as specified by 10 CFR 2.790.

0.7 Style and Composition 0.7.1 General Format The applicant should strive for clear, concise presentations of the information provided in the application.

Claims of adequacy of designs or design methods should be supported by technical bases.

The license application should follow the numbering system and headings of this Standard Format at least to the headings with three digits; for example, Sec-tion 2.1.5, Groundwater Hydrology.

Appendices should be used to provide supplementary information not specifically identified in the Standard Format.

0.7.2 Referencing Duplication of information should be avoided.

Similiar or identical informa-tion may be requested in various sections of the Standard Format because it is relevant to more than one portion of the facility or staff evaluation.

The information should be presented in the principal section and appropriately referenced in the other applicable sections of the application.

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a Reports or other documents that are referenced in the text of the application should be listed at the end of the section in which they are referenced.

Where proprietary documents are referenced, a nonproprietary summary of the document should also be referenced.

0.7.3 Abbreviations Abbreviations should be consistent throughout the application, and should be consistent with generally accepted use.

Any abbreviations, symbols, or special terms not in general use or unique to the proposed facility should be defined where they first appear in the application.

0.7.4 Numerical Values Where numerical values are stated, the number of significant figures given should reflect the accuracy or precision to which the value is known. Where appropriate, estimated limits of errors or uncertainty should be given.

0.7.5 Graphics Graphic presentations--such as drawings, maps, diagrams, sketches, and tables--

should be used when they present information more adequately or conveniently than would just a text deccription.

The applicant should ensure that graphic material is legible and that the physical scales of graphics are sufficiently large for the details and natations in the graphics to be readable.

Symbols should be clearly defined.

A figure or table should be placed within the same section of the application in which the primary discussion of its contents appears.

0.7.6 Physical Specifications All material submitted as part of the license application should conform to the following specific physical standards.

(1) Paper Size The size of text pages should be B x 11 inches; a larger size is acceptable if the bound side does not exceed 11 inches, except where required for legibility, and the finished copy, when folded, does not exceed 8 x 11 inches.

(2) Paper Stock Weight or substance should be 20 pounds for printing on both sides; 16 to 20 pounds for printing on one side only.

Paper composition should be wood chemical sulphite (no ground wood) with a ph of 5.5.

The preferable paper color is white, but pastel colors are acceptable provided that the combination of paper stock and ink is suitable for microfilming.

(3) Ink The color of the ink must be sufficiently dense to record on microfilm or image-copying equipment.

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(4) Page Margins Page margins should be no less than 1 inch on the top, bottom, and binding side of_all pages.

(5)' Printing and Binding The text pages should be single spaced, and type font and style must be suitable for microfilming.

Copies may be mechanically or photographically reproduced.

Text pages should be printed on two sides with the image printed head to head.

The pages should be punched for standard 3-hole loose-leaf binder.

(6) Page Numbering Pages should be numbered by chapter and first-level section numbers, followed by a hyphen and a sequential number within the section.

For example, the third page in Section 4.1 of Chapter 4 would be 4.1-3.

(7) Distribution See 10 CFR 61, $61.20, and 10 CFR 2, SS2.101(g), 2.102, 2.103, 2.765.

One signed original and two copies of the application and environmental report shall initially be filed to enable a determination to be made of acceptability for docketing.

Once accepted and docketed the applicant will be notified of the needs for further distribution of the application and environmental report.

(8) Revisions Update or revise data and text by replacing pages.

" Pen and ink" or " cut and paste" changes should not be used.

The changed or revised portion on each page should be indicated by a change line which is a vertical line in the outside margin, next to each line actually changed.

The date of change and change

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number should appear at the bottom outside margin of each page that has been changed.

Each change submittal should include a listing of all pages changed in that submittal.

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' l GENERAL INFORMATION

'The first section should identify the applicant, present an overall introduc-tion to the application and provide a general description of the facility and

.its location.

This section should enable the reader to obtain a basic overall understanding of the proposed disposal operation and facility without having to refer to the other sections.

Review of the details in the other sections that follow can then be accomplished with better perspective.

. 1.1 Identity of Applicant Section 1.1 should provide general information about the applicant, including name, address, telephone number, a description of the business or occupation, principal location of the business, affiliation, and background.

1 1.2 Qualifications of Applicant Section 1.2 should describe the applicant's organizational structure, the tech-nical qualifications of the applicant including training and experience, the ap-plicant's employee training program, and information demonstrating that the ap-plicant is qualified ~to carry out the actions required by the license requested.

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1.3 Location of Facility Section 1.-3 should describe the disposal site location by specifying the latitude 4

and longitude.

The applicant should indicate what land is owned, as well as

- potential expansion areas and the legal status of the expansion areas.

The state and county in which the disposal site-is located should "+ ldentified, along with nearby towns and cities, and the loc & tion of the disposal site rela-

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tive to prominent features such as rivers and lakes.

To facilitate presenta-tion of this information, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7 - or 15-minute topo-graphic maps should be provided.

Contiguous maps should be provided that show the upstream'and downstream drainage areas and an approximate 10-km radius around the disposal. site. A map also should be provided to show the detailed topography of the disposal site.

The detailed map should use a contour interval such as 2 feet or 1 meter and should include plot plans, the locations of char-acterization borings and monitoring wells, and the positions and types of geo-logic characterization activities.

. 1.4 Actions-Section 1.4 should describe the activities for which a license is requested.

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It should include (1) a brief description of the prooosed land disposal facil-ity, including the relationship of the project to state compacts; (2) legal status of ownership of the land of the proposed disposal facility; (3) the in-stallation's nominal capacity for disposing of the waste; (4) the types, forms, and quantities of the low-level radioactive wastes to be received, possessed, and disposed of; (5) method (s) of disposal for separate waste classes; (6) the waste products; (7) the proposed facilities and equipment; and (8) the contracted l

entities involved.

Plans for using the land disposal facility for purposes other than disposal of, radioactive wastes also should be described.

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1.52-Schedules '-

Section 1.5 should provide' schedules for (1) construction, (2) receipt of waste, and (3) the first emplacement of. waste at the. proposed land disposal facility.

e In addition,-the proposed schedule for closure should be provided.

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-2 SPECIFIC TECHNICA:. INFORMATION This -section addresses,the information required by.Section 61.12 of Part 61, and the technical criteria of Subpart D of the rule.

The order of these sections parallels the order of Section 61.12.

-The introduction to each following section identifies the requirements addressed

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in that section.

In preparing the various sections of this chapter, the appli-cant may cross-reference other sections, where appropriate, as well as other published material.

2.1 Site Characteristics This section of the application should contain information on the natural and '

demographic characteristics of the site and vicinity.

The information should include descriptions of the geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic, meteorologic, climatologic,.and biotic features of the disposal site and vicinity, along with.

present and projected population distribution and land use and site activities.

and controls.

The purpose is to explain how these site characteristics have influenced facility design and operating criteria and to show the adequacy of the. site characteristics with respect to the-long-term performance of the waste disposal system.

2.1.1 Demography.

Section 2.1.1 should describe the demographic characteristics of the disposal site.

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2.1.1.1 Population L

Population data should be based on the most recent U.S. census data'and state and local population projections available.

Residential population densities should be shown on a map that identifies cities and towns within 10-km of the proposed site.

The distance to the nearest residence should be noted, and the basis for population projections should be described.

The applicant also should give the populations of any. towns within 50 km of the site that exceed 10,000 per-sons, and identify the site of any significant transient populations in the site-area.

- 4 2.1.1.2! Land-Use I

4 The applicant'should provide a land-use survey based on local land-use plans, aerial photography, topographic maps, or other sources.

The survey should in-

-clude land-use patterns within approximately 10 km of the site. Trends in land.

use.in the vicinity should be identified.

1 2.1.2-Geology 3

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Section 2.1.2 should describe the surface and subsurface geology of the disposal si te.~

Specific disposal site descriptions should include geologic structure, stratigraphy,11thology and mineralogy, a7d geomorphic and tectonic features cand processes.

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2.1.2.1 Surface and Subsurface Geology The applicant should describe the surface and subsurface geologic characteris-tics of the disposal site and its vicinity.

The description should include local stratigraphic units and their accepted names, ages, genetic relationships, and lithologies.

To facilitate the presentation, these descriptions should be accompanied by a geologic map, or maps, at an appropriate scale.

Descriptions of minerology, particle size / crystal size, organic materials, degree of cementa-tion, zones of alteration, textural variations, bedding features, and deposi-tional environment should be included.

. Appropriately scaled stratigraphic columns and cross-sections should be provided to illustrate the candidate horizon and the surrounding units.

The locations ofithe stratigraphic columns and cross-sections should be noted on the geologic-map.

Isopach maps of near-surface units, the candidate horizon, and those other units that are part of the disposal system should also be provided.

Bedrock surface should be described.

2.1.2.2 Geomorphic Processes The applicant should describe the physiographic (geomorphic) province (s) in

'which the disposal site is located.

The applicant should include USGS topo-graphic maps _that emphasize local geomorphic features pertinent to the disposal site. The text description should include the areal extent and geomorphic pro-cesses modifying the present-day topography of the disposal site and vicinity.'

Information should include (1) mass wasting, (2) erosion, (3) slumping, and (4) land-sliding and/or weathering, where appropriate.

The discussion of rele-vant geomorphic processes should include their rates, frequencies of occurrence, and controlling mechanisms or factors.

2.1.2.3 Faulting

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The applicant should describe the location, attitude, and geometry of all known or inferred faults in the disposal site and vicinity.

Those faults that reason-ably can be expected to affect waste isolation.should receive special_ emphasis.

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The applicant should discuss the relationship of these faults to the presen!

day local stress field.

Fault displacements should be identified and potential recurrence intervals addressed.

The applicant also should provide data on sur-face offsets.and net slips for all capable faults (see 10 CFR 100, Appendix A III(g)). The applicant should identify any potential impacts on the disposal site as a result.of deformation during fault displacement.

2.1.2.4 Fo.1 ding The applicant should discuss the nature and rates of deformation in the form of folding within the disposal site and relate these to the local stress regime.

2.1.2.5 Jointing

The applicant should describe the known joint sets within the disposal site including their densities, orientations, and relationships to the local stress field. The relative ages of various joint sets should be identified and dis-cussed.

Remineralization and mineralization history of the various joint sets should also be discussed.

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2.1.2.6 Uplift, Subsidence, Tilting, and Solutioning The applicant should discuss the past, present, and potential future uplift, collapse, subsidence, or tilting at the disposal.ite and vicinity.

The na-ture, rate, and source of this activity should be noted.

Solution cavities and 4

crevices in the bedrock should be described and discussed if appropriate.

2.1.2.7 Volcanic Activity The applicant should describe the volcanic history of the disposal site.

2.1.2.8 Seismicity To enable the staff to evaluate the potential for seismic activity to affect the disposal site, the applicant must provide certain information concerning past seismic activity.

Following is a list of what the applicant must include on seismic activity, as a minimum:

(1) A list of all historical earthquakes of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI)

VI or greater that either affected, or could have affected, the disposal site.

The applicant should include available earthquake information such as hypocenter, origin time and date, distance and direction to disposal site magnitude, intensity, and source of information.

The applicant should indicate whether the disposal site MMI was observed or extrapolated and, if extrapolated, describe the derivation of the MMI.

(2) Any evidence of the occurrence of large Holocene earthquakes in the vicinity of the disposal site that pre-date the historical record.

The applicant should identify the nature of the evidence and the approximate date(s) of these large earthquakes.

(3) A list of those earthquakes from (1) and (2) that can be related to specific geologic structures or grouped into sets of earthquakes.

The applicant should indicate the closest approach of such a geological structure or seismic zone to the disposal site.

The applicant should estimate the PWI for the disposal site assuming the largest earthquake (identified from (1) and (2) above)-related to a geological structure (or seismic zone) occurring at a point on the geological structure (or within the seismic zone) closest to the disposal site.

(4) The applicant should enumerate the rates of seismic activity that can be identified for the geological structures and seismic zones.

The applicant should~ describe the maximum credible earthquake (see 10 CFR 40, Appendix A, Criterion 4(e)) that can be expected to affect the disposal site and de--

scribe the potential effects of this earthquake.

The applicant should ana-lyze the probable risk of occurrence of the maximum credible earthquake during the 500 year period of consideration.

(5) A description of any human activity that has induced seismic activity in the disposal site.

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2.1.3 Geotechnical Information y

Section 2.1.3 describes the-geotechnical information needed to demonstrate that the disposal site meets both the performance objectives of Subpart C and appli-cable technical requirements of Subpart D of 10 CFR 61.

2.1.3.1 Information on Disposal Site Section 2.1.3.1 should describe the soil and rock underlying the disposal site.

It should include (1) logs and plot plans showing. locations of site explorations such.as borings, trenches, borrow pits, seismic lines piezometers, settlement and heave points, etc.; (2) data from laboratory and field tests performed to determine static and dynamic engineering properties of all soil and rock under-lying the disposal site; and (3)' engineering properties needed to evaluate the liquefaction and stability aspects of the disposal site during a design-basis seismic event.

2.1.3.2 Information on Borrow and/or Backfill The applicant should provide information on the location of backfill an'd/or bor-row materials and proposed plans for handling / storing and using the material.

The applicant should also describe the properties of the materials to be used

- as borrow and/or as backfill; the scope of the information should be similar to that described in Section 2.1.3.1.

2.1.4 Surface Water Hydrology Section 2.1.4 should describe the location, size, shape, and other general hy-drologic characteristics of water bodies in the environs of the site. Maps-should be included if appropriate.

This description should include, where

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- appropriate, (1) a tabulation of contributing drainage areas, and (2) types of structures _, hydraulic appurtenances, and ownership.

A regional map showing major hydrologic features should be provided.

2.1.4.1-Surface Water Quality.

The applicant should describe the baseline water quality of water bodies adja-cent to the~ site, including, for example, pH, alkalinity, suspended soli'ds, specific conductivity, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, turbid-ity,~ total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, and natural background radiation.

levels.

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2.1.5-Groundwater Hydrology The applicant should provide groundwater data and information to demonstrate that the technical requirements of 10 CFR 61 related to groundwater flow, trans-port, and modeling in 10 CFR 61 are met.

For preoperational monitoring the' data collection should be conducted for at least a 12-month period for those charac-teristics subject to seasonal variation (see Sections 2.18 and 2.19). Ground-water analyses should be used to delineate possible groundwater pathways (see Sec-tion 3.1) and to design the engineered systems and groundwater monitoring pro-grams (see Sections 2.18 and 2.19).

The site groundwater regime should be characterized in sufficient detail to model the groundwater system and design a groundwater monitoring program.

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1 2.1.5.1 Unsaturated Zone-

.The applicant must provide information on the unsaturated zone because the de-sign and performance assessment of the near-surface disposal facility is depen-dent on the hydrologic and geotechnical properties of the unsaturated zone.

The applicant should collect the unsaturated zone moisture information, describe

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the data collection procedures, and discuss any uncertainties in the data.

For each soil or hydrogeologic unit, the applicant.should provide data and analyses of unsaturated zone moisture information, including both vertical and horizontal spatial.. variability.

Data should include such items as (1) total and effective 4

porosity, (2) hydraulic hee:1, (3) water content, and (4) hydraulic conductivity.

Total hydraulic head end pressure head data should show variations with time and depth; water content profiles should relate measurements to extremes of wet and dry' seasons.

The applicant also should provide data on yield or retention.

Graphs showing the histeretic relationship between water content and pressure

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head should be included.

The presence or potential for perched-water tables at the disposa! site should be identified, and the elevation, thickness, and lateral extent of hydrogeologic units subject to perched-water conditions described.

Flow paths and discharge points for the various potential perched-water table conditions should be de-4 lineated and identified.

Results of field tests on transport rates in the un-saturated zone should be presented.

l The applicant also should provide a conceptual and numerical model of the ground-4 water flow in the unsaturated zone.

The applicant should describe the direction, volumes, and rates of water movement through the unsaturated zone on both a monthly and an annual basis, and for large storms.

2.1.5.2' Saturated Zone 4

-The applicant must provide saturated zone information because groundwater in the zone may be the principal mechanism of radionuclide transport from the disposal facility.

Disposal may be allowed in the saturated zone if it can be 4

conclusively shown that molecular diffusion will be the predominate means of radionuclide movement'so that the performance objectives of 10 CFR 61 Subpart C are met (see Section 2.2.6).

Saturated zone information should be collected in sufficient detail to describe seasonal fluctuations and, when appropriate, to

. represent uncertainties in both data and analyses. The applicant should pro-vide well completion data--such as location, surveyed elevation, screened intervals,-and depth, when known--for all wells used in data collection and l

analysis.-' Data should be analyzed to identify potential pathways (see Sec-

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' tion 3.1), release rates and travel times for radionuclide transport for use 3

in an engineered facility (see Sections 2.3 and 2.4) and monitoring program de-sign (see Sections 2.18 and 2.19).

The applicant should describe the regional groundwater flow system and its relation to the site.

The description should include groundwater flow directions, volumes, and cross-sections and a regional hydrogeologic map indicating the hydrogeologic units and their principal re-charge and discharge areas, as well as surface water bodies.

The applicant should provide detailed site information on the groundwater flow system that identifies the principal hydrogeologic units, flow directions, and recharge and discharge areas.

The description of the hydrogeologic units should F

2-5 1

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include a hydrogeologic column and cross-sections, and stratigraphic relation-ships and generalized potentiometric levels for a given time and location should be given.

For each important* hydrogeologic unit, a potentiometric or water table contour map should be provided. When available, data on well completion--

such as location, elevation, screened intervals, and depth--should be provided for all wells used'in data collection and analysis.

For each "important" hydro-geologic unit, data should be included for water table fluctuations on both a scasonal and an annual basis.

Information on the hydraulic characteristics of each "important" hydrogeologic unit should also be provided. The spatial variability and statistical parameter values should be included.

The information on hydraulic characteristics include (but are not be limited to) total and effective porosity, intrinsic permeability, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and storage coefficient.

For each cha-racteristic,-the source of information should be referenced and the test proce-dures described and documented.

The applicant should provide a conceptual and numerical model of the saturated groundwater flow portion of the disposal system.

The applicant should describe the direction, volumes, and rates of water movement through the saturated zone on both a monthly and annual basis.

The applicant should discuss the potential for significant changes in flow directions and fluxes, and the site-specific conditions that could induce change.

Both vertical and horizontal radionuclide pathways should be discussed.

2.1.5.3 Grour.dwater Users The applicant should identify groundwater users within a 10-km radius of the disposal site as to location, source (hydrogeologic unit), rates of use, and type of use (such as industrial, agricultural, livestock, domestic, or municipal).

Point of use water quality should be described.

2.1.6 Geochemistry Section 2.1.6 provides data on the groundwater and soil chemistry of the dis-posal site and vicinity. The background water quality (in relation to poten-tial contaminants from the disposal site) should be described.

Data and descriptions should include inorganic species, including important trace elements, dissolved gases, oxidation / reduction conditions determined by various methods, organic constituents, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, tem-perature, density, and background radionuclides.

The sorptive and exchange capacities of minerals and organic material should be determined, including distribution coefficients, for radionuclides of interest.

The applicant should provide the analytical methods used to characterize the geochemistry of the disposal site.

Computer codes used and any thermodynamic or kinetic modeling of water chemistry and mineral solubilities should also be provided.

"Important from the standpoint of radionuclide movement and groundwater resource protection.

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2.1.7 Meteorology and Climatology Section 2.1.7 should include measurements of the amount, type, and temporal distribution o.# precipitation; dates and depth of frost penetration; and dates and thickness of snow cover.

It should also include continuous recordings of air and soil temperature, wind speed, wind direction, surface humidity, dew point, and atmospheric pressure.

Air and soil temperatures are typically needed at several levels up to 1 meter above and below the ground surface.

Because atmospheric stability is typically estimated from fluctuations in wind speed and wind direction at about 2 and 10 meters, these parameters should be measured continuously at both levels.

The. applicant should present monthly and annual water budgets for the site show-ing the magnitudes of precipitation, transpiration, and evaporation.

The applicant also should provide information on severe weather in the site region, including extreme winds, tornadoes, hurricanes, extreme precipitation hail, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Frequency and probability of occurrence, return intervals, predominant direction, and measured extremes for wind speed and precipitation should be given for these events.

Section 2.1.7 should also include analyses of onsite air quality to allow the staff to estimate facility generated radiological and nonradiological impacts on air quality and to perform atmospheric transport / dispersion modeling. The measurement of air quality parameters should provide at least a 1 year record of site-specific information.

2.1.8 Ecology Section 2.1.8 should describe the flora and fauna within 5 km of the site.

The material should describe the habitats, distributions, and quantitative abundances of any species that could impact site performance.

The discussion should also include any species that are deeply rooted or burrowing, succes-sional stages of the plant community, effects on site vegetation induced by humans, domestic flora or fauna that may be involved in the exposure of humans to radionuclides.

2.2 Site Suitability Requirements This section should contain a discussion of the extent to which the site char-acteristics meet the criteria for site suitability in S 61.50 of Part 61.

2.2.1 Modeling, Characterization, Analyses, and Monitoring g

The models and analyses associated with the demonstration of the requirements H

of Subpart C of 10 CFR 61 (10 CFR 61.40 - 61.44) and others in Subpart D (10 CFR 61.50 - 61.59) must be defensible in terms of and consistent with the site characterization data.

The proposed monitoring plan must be based on the conceptual models of the site as supported by the data and analyses.

Therefore, the applicant should include the information necessary to demonstrate compliance with this requirement in those sections of the application dealing with modeling, characterization, analysis, and monitoring.

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2.2.2 Population Section 2.2.2 should describe the impact (if any) on the disposal facility of the current and projected population and land use (see Sections 2.1.1.1 and 2.1.1.2).

The applicant should present the analyses used to determine these impacts and provide the information that demonstrates how the facility would not be inhibited from meeting the performance objectives.

2.2.3 Natural Resources Section 2.2.3 should provide an analysis (or analyses) demonstrating that there will be no impact on the site that would cause the site to fail to meet the performance objectives in 10 CFR 61 if the natural resources identified in Sec-tion 2.10 were exploited during construction, operation, closure, post-closure, or after the removal of active institutional control.

2.2.4 Flooding Section 2.2.4 should provide the date, water levels, peak discharges, and re-lated information for major historical precipitation and flood events within or adjacent to the site.

Where applicable, the applicant should_ include stream floods, tsunami, dam failures, ice jams, floods induced by landslides, and sim-ilar events.

The applicant should also delineate the 100 year floodplain. (See Section 2.3.5 for information on the PMF and the PMP.) Data on surface water retention after storms should be presented.

2.2.5 Upstream Drainage Areas Section 2.2.5 should demonstrate that upstream drainage areas have been or will be minimized to decrease the amount of runoff that could erode or inundate dis-posal units. Where appropriate, the applicant should provide maps.

The appli-cant also should describe how the minimization of upstream areas was incorpo-rated into the site selection process.

2.2.6. Groundwater Section-2.2.6 should provide vertical hydrologic cross-sections through the site indicating the location of the water table in relation to the proposed location of the waste.

Data on water table fluctuation also should be provided.

These should show that even at its greatest measured and predicted elevation, the water table would not intercept the waste.

The applicant also should provide the analyses and results that predict the location of the water table given the proposed design of the disposal units and the impact of the design on infiltra-tion and the groundwater flow system.

If the waste is to be emplaced below the water table, the applicant should dem-onstrate that molecular diffusion will be the predominant means of radionuclide 4

movement and the rate of movement will result in the performance objectives of Subpart C of 10 CFR 61 being met.

2.2.7 Groundwater Discharge Section 2.2.7 should provide potentiometric maps, cross-sections, and flow anal-yses indicating groundwater flow paths and showing that groundwater discharge 2-8

r does not and will not occur at the site.

The applicant also should identify all discharges of groundwater in the site vicinity from the candidate horizon.

2.2.8 Tectonism Section 2.2.8 should provide the geologic models and analyses that demonstrate that tectonic processes do not inhibit the site's ability to isolate waste.

These would include impacts from deformation during fault displacement, uplift, collapse, subsidence, and tilting; volcanic activity; and seismic activity.

A justification should be included for any tectonic process that is excluded from this analysis.

2.2.9 Surface Geologic Processes Section 2.2.9 should provide the pertinent models and analyses that demonstrate the surface geological processes at work at the site do not inhibit the ability of the site to isolate waste.

These would include impacts from mass wasting, erosion, slumping, landsliding, or weathering.

A justification should be in-cluded for any geologic process that is excluded from this analysis.

2.2.10 Nearby Facilities Section 2.2.10 also should identify the significant facilities or activities near the site and provide a justification for siting near these features.

The applicant should show that these features have not created baseline environmen-tal conditions that would make the monitoring program being proposed not effec-tive.

(The guidance on meeting these requirements is in the NRC Technical Posi-tion Paper on " Site Suitability, Selection, and Characterization.")

2.3 Detipa of Proposed Facility This seccion in conjunction with Section 2.4, should identify, describe and discuss the principal architectural and engineering design of the disposal units and supporting structures and systems of the waste disposal facility.

The section should contain a discussion of the extent to which the design fea-tures for disposal units and supporting structures meet the disposal site design criteria of S 61.51 of Part 61.

The section should also identify the design-basis natural events or phenomena considered in the design of the facilfty and provide analyses that demonstrate the facility will withstand the effects of these events and remain functional.

2.3.1 Facility Description Section 2.3.1 should describe the facilities, land, buildings, and equipment to be used in the operation of the facility. Where appropriate, engineering draw-ings should be used.

2.3.2 Principal Features Section 2.3.2 should describe the principal features of the disposal facility described in the following paragraphs.

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g, 2.3.2.1 Restricted Areas-Section'2.3.2.1 should describe and display the areas to be restricted as defined in 10 CFR 20.3(a)(14),-" Standards for Protection Against Radiation."

2.3.2.2 Site Boundary'and Buffer Zone Section 2.3.2.2 should describe and display the boundary that encompasses the area owned and controlled by the applicant.

It should indicate existing and-proposed fenced areas and the location and extent of the buffer ~ zone 2.3.2.3 Utility Supplies and Systems Section 2.3.2.3 should identify and describe the utility supplies and systems and the sources of water to be used at the. facility.

It should include the location and purpose of supply wells and utility lines, if appropriate.

2.3.2.4 Disposal Units Section 2.3.2.4 should describe the design of the disposal units, including types of materials, dimensions, shapes, and sections through the disposal unit that show-the disposal unit characteristics.

2.3.2.5 Covers Section 2.3.2.5 should describe the cover design, including thickness, type of materials to be used, slopes, and sections through the disposal units that show the cover characteristics.

2.3.2.6 Surface Water Control Features Section 2.3.2.6 should describe the features of the disposal facility designed to control the velocity, direction, and overland flow and infiltration of sur-face water.

It should provide a description of the disposal site drainage-

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-design and a discussion of how the design will prevent erosion and inundation of the disposal site as a result of large floods up to and including the proba-ble maximum flood (PMF).

2.3.2.7 Intruder Barriers Section 2.3.2.7 should describe the design of the intruder barrier to be used at the facility.- The description should include the types of materials to be used and the barrier dimensions.

2.3.2.8 Markers Section 2.3.2.8 should descrite the design of the permanent disposal unit and facility boundary markers to be placed at the disposal facility.

It should include the materials to be used and the unit dimensions.

2.3.3 Site Utilization Plan Section 2.3.3 should describe the types of disposal units and their configura-tion, the layout of facilities, land features, roadways, buildings, and the equipment dascribed in Section 2.3.1.

It should include the planned order of 2-10

development of disposal units.

Where appropriate, engineering drawings and sectional drawings should be used.

2.3.4 Support Facilities Section 2.3.4 should describe the ' facilities necessary to support the disposal facility operations.

2.3.4.1 Administration Buildings Section 2.3.4.1 should describe the functional features of the administration buildings, including laboratories, records storage areas, dining areas, showers, and decontamination and change rooms.

2.3.4.2 Storage and Waste Handling Area Section 2.3.4.2 should describe the functional features of the storage and waste handling. area, using engineering drawings as appropriate.

The features described

- should include the capabilities for waste reception, off-loading, storage, hand-ling, repackaging of damaged containers, and decontamination of transport equipment.

2.3.4.3 Decontamination Areas Section 2.3.4.3 should describe, using engineering drawings as necessary, the facilities for decontaminating transport, handling, and other equipment.

It-should briefly describe the vehicle maintenance area, if appropriate.

2.3.4.4 Physical Security Section 2.3.4.4 should describe physical security, including barriers to entry and exit from the disposal site (including controlled access points) and systems for positive identification of individuals entering and leaving the disposal site.

2.3.4.5 Equipment and Equipment Storage Section 2.3.4.5 should describe the equipment to be used for off-loading, hand-ling, and transporting waste within the disposal facility.

It should describe the equipment to be used for preparing the disposal units, and it should de-scribe the facilities to be used for equipment maintenance and storage.

Engi-neering drawings and photos should be included as necessary.

2.3.4.6 Excavated Materials Area Section 2.3.4.6 should describe the facilities for surface storage and protec-tion of excavated materials and discuss (1) wind erosion, (2) water runoff, and (3) siltation of the facility water control features.

It should describe the use of this material for backfill and planned disposal of excess material.

The

' applicant should discuss the potential impact on stability of the disposal facility as a result of storing the excavated material in its immediate vicinity.

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5 2.3.5 ' Design-Basi ~s Natural Events

-Section 2.3.5 should present the design parameters applicable to design-basis natural; events or phenomena for the disposal facility.

The procedures used to transform the design-basis event into effective loads on the structures and the analysis that demonstrates the disposal facility will withstand these loads.

2.3.5.1' Flood' Determinations The site design should be capable of resisting the water levels and velocities

-associated with an occurrence of large floods on nearby streams and drainage channels.

The staff considers that designs to protect against an occurrence of the probable maximum precipitation (PMP) and a resulting probable maximum flood (PMF) are acceptable.

-The applicant should provide estimates for the PMP (or design rainfall event) for the appropriate drainage basins.

The discussion should include discussions of storm configuration, maximized precipitation amounts, time distributions, orographic effects, storm centering, seasonal effects, antecedent storm se-quences, antecedent snowpack, and any snowmelt models.

The applicant should

.give the selected maximized storm precipitation distribution and describe the

. absorption capability of the various drainage basins of the streams and drain-age channels,_ including initial losses, infiltration rates, and effects of antecedent precipitation.

The applicant may provide verification of these assumptions by reference to regional studies or by presenting detailed appli-cable local storm-runoff studies.

4 In addition, the applicant should describe the.models used to estimate flood flows for each stream or drainage channel that could affect the disposal site.

The applicant should provide the unit hydrographs used and provide a description of each drainage basin,. including its size and topography.

For each watercourse, drainage areas should be tabulated and topographic maps provided.

U The applicant should present the controlling runoff hydrographs at the disposci site.-.The analysis should consider various positions and distributions of. th?

precipitation and the potential influence of existing and proposed upstream and downstream dans and river structures. The applicant also should provide the n

F estimated flood discharge ~hydrograph at the disposal site, and, when available,'

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-provide a'similar hydrograph without upstream reservoir effects to allow an 4

evaluation of reservoir effects and a regional comparison of the flood estimate.

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.The' applicant should provide estimates of peak water levels and velocities in the various streams and drainage channels at the disposal ~ site; if copies of the appropriate computer printout are available, they may provide adequate docu-mentation of water. surface profile analyses.

In addition, the data and assump-tions used in the computations (such as stream cross-sections, roughness coef-ficients, etc.) should be provided.

For each drainage channel or related disposal site feature, information should be provided regarding drainage areas, times of concentration, rainfall inten-j sities, critical rainfall distributions, runoff models used, peak water levels, and peak velocities. The discussion should summarize the design basis for each j

disposal site drainage feature, j I i

2-12

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The assessment of flooding should also include an evaluation of possible geo-morphic changes that could affect the potential for flooding and erosion at the disposal site.

The applicant also should describe the effects of a severe drought on the groundwater.or surface water levels in the disposal site and vicinity.

Analy-ses should be provided that document that low water levels will not adversely xaffect waste isolation and that disposal facility water use during drought periods will not adversely impact local water users.

Design details pertinent to erosion protection should be provided.

2.3.5.2 High Wind Considerations The applicant should describe the design bases event for high wind considerations associated with meterological events such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

The applicant should also descr'.ae the procedures used to transform this event into effective loads on the strt.cture and the analysis that demonstrates the structure will withstand these loads.

2.3.5.3 Seismic Events The applicant should describe the design-basis event for seismic activity over the appropriate area including the disposal facility.

If seismicity is not a factor for the design, the bases for excluding seismic considerations should be given.

2.3.6 -Codes and Standards Section 2.3.6 should describe or include by reference any codes including all state.and local codes and standards used in the development of design criteria, design-basis events, and the final design of the facility.

2.4 Design Requirements The section should contain a discussion of the extent to which the design fea-tures for disposal units and supporting structures meet the disposal site design criteria of S 61.51 of Part 61.

2.4.1 Isolation Section 2.4.1~should demonstrate that design features of the disposal facility will lead to long-term isolation of waste and contribute to the avoidance of j

the need for continuing active maintenance once the site is closed.

The dis-cussion should include the contributions of materials used on the disposal unit, cover, and water control feature design.

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2.4.2 Closure Plan Compatibility Section 2.4.2 should demonstrate that the disposal site design is compatible with the disposal site closure and stabilization plan.

It should include, as a minimum, the contributions of the disposal unit, cover, and water control features.

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2.4.3. Complementing Natural Characteristics Section 2.4.3 should demonstrate that design features of the disposal facility contribute to the natural ability of the site to control water and provide long-term isolation of waste.

It should include any analysis used, including assumptions and data.

2.4.4 Covers Section 2.4.4 should demonstrate that disposal unit covers are designed to minimize infiltration of water into the disposal unit, to direct percolating or surface water away from disposed waste, and to resist degradation by surface geologic processes and biotic activity.

Supporting information should include the results of field tests of prototype and model covers.

=2.4.5 Surface Features Section 2.4.5 should demonstrate that surface features, including rock erosion protection for soil covers, are designed to direct surface water drainage away from. disposal units at velocities and gradients that will not result in erosion

-that will require future ongoing active maintenance.

It should include any analyses used to design such protective features, including assumptions and data.

2.4.6 Water Contact

'Section 2.4.6 should demonstrate that the facility design features minimize the

_ contact of. water with waste during storage, the contact of standing water with waste during disposal, and the contact of percolating or standing water with wastes after disposal.

It should include, as a minimum, the contributions of the disposal unit cover and water control features.

(Guidance on meeting these requirements are in the NRC Technical Position Paper on " Facility Design and Operations. ")

2.5. Facility Construction and Operation This section,-in conjunction with Section 2.6, should provide description, evaluations and supporting information to establish the capability of the waste disposal system to perform its functions. throughout its operational lifetime.

The section should contain a discussion of the methods by and extent to which the criteria for disposal facility operation of 5 61.52 are met.

The purpose is to provide'a general explanation of the operation of the waste disposal system.

Information in other sections may be referenced, as appropriate.

-2.5.3 Construction Procedures Section 2.5.1 should describe the method of constructing each of the design

. features that have been described in Section 2.3 and the sequence or scheduling of constructing individual disposal units, unit components, and support facilities.

2.5.2 Waste Emplacement Waste acceptance procedures should include a description of off-loading proce-dures, the plan for radiation surveys of the tran: port vehicles and packages, i

2-14 i

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and the normal procedures to non-destructively verify the accuracy of the ship-pers' documentation, as well as the methods and frequencies for confirmatory j

procedures, such as physical verification of free liquid content or radiological verification of isotopic mixtures and concentrations.

Handling procedures should include a description of the handling equipment to be utilized, the procedures for overpacking or repackaging waste, and the provisions for decontamination of all equipment and waste handling areas.

Procedures for transportation of the waste at the facility should be included. Waste emplacement procedures should include a description of the waste emplacement configuration, the backfill oper-ations employed to minimize the void space between packages, procedures for re-mote handling of high activity waste, and requirements for safety equipment and radiation monitoring. _This section should also include a description of the method of handling and subsequently investigating accidents such as fires and dropped waste packages.

2.5.3 Segregation Section 2.5.3 should describe the procedures for waste segregation at the dis-posal facility.

2.5.4 Intruder Barriers Section 2.5.4 should describe the construction of and emplacement or operations to provide barriers against intrusion that are described in Section 2.3.2.7.

2.5.5 Traffic and Drainage Systems Section 2.5.5 should describe the construction and operating of site traffic systems and design elements that control surface water and groundwater access to the waste in both storage areas and disposal units.

2.5.6 Survey Centrol Program Section 2.5.0 should describe the survey used to accurately locate and map the boundaries of each disposal unit and the survey control program.

This program should include at least three permanent survey. marker control points referenced to United States Geologic Survey (USGS) or National Geologic Survey (NGS) survey control stations.

The USGS or NGS control stations must provide horizontal and vertical controls as checked against USGS or NGS record files.

2.5.7 Waste Storage Section 2.5.7 should describe the construction arid operation of waste storage areas, the hazards from fire and protection devices needed, and the provisions for decontamination of all equipment. Both routine and non-routine storage operations should be described.

2.5.8 Chelating Agents Section 2.5.8 should describe the basis for establishing site-specific limits for chelating agents and the methods for identifying, separating, and disposing of wastes containing chelating agents or other non-radiological wastes. The operational procedures for identifying and handling wastes that would be con-sidered hazardous substances under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act should be described.

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2.6 Operation Requirements The section should contain a discussion of the methods by and extent to which the criteria for disposal-facility operation of S 61.52 are met.

Information in other sections may be referenced, as appropriate.

2.6.1 Segregation Section 2.6.1 should demonstrate that the operations' described in Section 2.5.3-will dispose of Class A unstable wastes at a sufficient distant from other waste classes.

It should include, as a minimum, analyses' of minimum horizontal sepa-ration from other waste and settlement of unstable Class A waste.

-2.6.2' Intruder Protection Section 2.6.2 should demonstrate that the intruder barriers described in Sec-tions 2.3.2.7 and 2.5.4 will provide intruder protection for 500 years.

This demonstration may show that Class C wastes will be buried and remain buried at depths greater than 5 meters or that an engineered barrier will perform for 500 years.

-2.6.3 Waste Emplacement Section 2.6.3 should demonstrate that the waste emplacement _ described in Sec-tion 2.5.2 will maintain package integrity, minimizes the void spaces between packages, and permits void spaces between the packages to be filled.

2.6.4 Void Spaces Section'2.6.4 should demonstrate that-the method for filling void spaces be-tween packages described in Section 2.5.2 is adequate to reduce future sub-sidence within the fill.

-2.6.5 Radiation

-Section 2.6.5 should demonstrate that the covers described in Section 2.4.4 and waste emplacement described in Section 2.5.2 will limit the anticipated average radiation doses at the surface of the covers to levels that, as a minimum, will permit the applicant to comply with all provisions of 10 CFR 20.105 when the license is transferred pursuant to 10 CFR'61.30.

2.6.6 Boundaries and Markers Section 2.6.6 should demonstrate that the disposal units are accurately located and marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can easily be defined.

?

It should include considerations of marker durability.

2.6.7 Buffer Zone Section 2.6.7 should demonstrate that-the buffer zone shall be of adequate dimensions to carry out the environmental monitoring activities specified in 10 CFR 61.53(d) and any necessary mitigative measures that are described in the application as Sections 2.18 and 2.19.

Mitigative measure considered should include exhumation, installation of hydraulic and physical barriers, and increased monitoring.

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2.6.8 Effect of Operation Section 2.6.8 should demonstrate that the active waste disposal operations are compatible with the disposal site closure and stabilization plan.

The applicant should also demonstrate that these operations do not have an adverse effect on completed closure and stabilization measures.

2.6.9 Radioactivity Section 2.6.9 should demonstrate that only wastes containing or contaminated with radioactive materials shall be disposed of at the disposal site.

(Guld-ance on meeting these requirements is in the NRC Technical Position Paper on

" Facility Design and Operations.")

2.7 Alternative Design and Operations This section should list and describe any provisions proposed for the segrega-tion and disposal of waste or for the design and operation of a land disposal facility that are other than those set forth in 10 CFR Sections 61.51 through 61.53.

The descriptions should include supporting analyses to provide reason-able assurance that the performance objectives of Subpart C to 10 CFR 61 will be met.

2.8 Facility Closure Plan This section should describe the facility closure and stabilization plan.

The information provided should include descriptions of design features which are intended to facilitate disposal site closure and to eliminate the need for ongoing active maintenance.

Information in other sections should be referenced, as appropriate.

2.8.1 Closure Description Section 2.8.1 should dascribe the plan for facility closure and stabilization, including the design of final disposal unit covers; final disposal site cover, if applicable; final site contours; and utilization plans for the facility.

The implementation plan should include a schedule for various closure activi-ties and indicate steps in disposal unit closure, as well as final site closure.

2.8.2-Water Management Section 2.8.2 should describe the features of the closure and stabilization plan intended (1) to control surface water and infiltration of groundwater and (2) to inhibit contact of water with disposed wastes.

Results of field tests demonstrating the' ability of disposal unit covers to minimize infiltration j

should be provided.

2.8.3 Surface Contamination 9

Section 2.8.3 should describe the procedures for decontamination, dismantle-ment, and removal and/or disposal of structures and equipment not to be trans-ferred to the custodial agency.

2-17

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2.8.4 Site Security Section 2.8.4 should describe the permanent, passive physical site security system planned to limit access to the disposal facility after closure.

It should describe the planned delineation of boundaries of the disposal facility and permanent markers to be used to identify the facility, boundaries, and dis-posal units, as appropriate.

2.8.5 Institutional Arrangements Section 2.8.5 should describe the plans for institutional control of the facil-ity.

It should include descriptions of arrangements for funding and for minor maintenance and custodial care.

It should also describe the records to be trans-ferred to the custodial agency and the arrangements for the transfer.

(Guidance on near-surface disposal facility closure is in the NRC Technical Position Paper on " Low-Level Waste Burial Ground Site Closure and Stabilization.")

2.9 Closure Requirements This section should demonstrate that closure and stabilization measures in the facility closure and stabilization plan will be carried out as each disposal unit is filled.

The discussion should include, as a minimum, the measures for disposal unit covering and water management.

The descriptions of disposal fa-cility closure given in Section 2.8 should be referenced, as necessary.

2.10 Natural Resources This section should describe the known natural resources at or near the site, the exploitation of which could result in inadvertent intrusion into the wastes after removal of active institutional controls. The description should include consideration of resources such as minerals and hydrocarbons, geothermal energy sources, sand and gravel, timberj and water.

The description should include information such as the types of resources, their location, and current and projected uses.

(Some or all of this information may be referenced in the en-vironmental report.)

2.11 Waste Description This section should provide a description of the kind, amount, classification and specifications of the radioactive material proposed to be received possessed, and disposal'of at the facility.

2.11.1 Kinds of Waste Section 2.11.1 should describe the types of materials to be received as waste at the facility.

It should include descriptions of trash, sealed sources, activated metals, tritium wastes, power plant waste, and waste from decommis-sioning and decontamination.

2.11.2 Volumes of Waste Section 2.11.2 should describe the volumes of waste, by NRC classification, that are estimated to be received at the facility.

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2.11.3 ' Sources of Waste

- Section 2.11.3 should describe the sources of waste to be received.at the facil-ity.

It should include, as a minimum, nuclear power plants, industrial, medical, academic,.and institutional sources, as well as special circumstances at facil-

-ities, such as decontamination and decommissioning.

2.11.4 ~ Concentrations Sectionl2.11.4 should describe the estimates of concentrations o'f radionuclides i

expected in the wastes described that will be received at the facility.

2.11.5 Properties of Waste

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Section 2.11.5 should describe the properties of waste to be received at the facility.

It should include, as a minimum, the solid, liquid, or gaseous prop-erties of the waste; the toxic or hazardous nature of any waste; and the ex-plosivity and pyrophoricity of the waste.

It should describe procedures to j

reasonably assure that the generator will meet the requirements of 10 CFR 61.56.

The procedures should include a means for sampling to verify the requirements i

- are met by the generator.

l 2.12 Waste Classification This section should describe the methods that will be used to check and verify that waste descriptions on waste manifests accurately reflect the waste received

. for disposal.

The description should include the method (s) that will be used to obtain reasonable assurance that the waste has been properly classified.

The information requirements of Sections 2.13 and 2.14, following, may be incor-porated into this section.

2.13 Waste Characteristics

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_ This section should describe the method (s) that will be used to assure that

l waste to be disposed of meets the requirements of $ 61.56 of Part 61 for char-acteristics and stability.

This information may be incorporated into i

Section 2.12, above.

2.14 Waste Labelina This section should describe the method (s) that will be used to (a) check and

- verify that.each package of waste received for disposal is labelled to identify its classification as A, B, or.C waste, and (b) obtain reasonable

'4 assurance that the packaged waste is properly classified.

This information 1

. may be incorporated into Section 2.12, above.

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~ 2.15' Alternative Waste Description

. This section should list and describe specific characteristics and classifica-l i

tion of wastes that are proposed as alternatives to the requirements of 5 61.55 and S 61.56 of Part 61.

The information provided should include discussion, i

analyses and supporting data that provides reasonable assurance that the per-l

- formance objectives of Subpart C to 10 CFR 61 will be met.

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2.16 Quality Control This section should describe the program of quality control for the determina-tion of natural disposal. site characteristics; for the design, construction, operation, and closure of the land disposal facility; and during the receipt, handling, and emplacement of waste.

A description of audits and managerial con-trols should be included.

2.17 Radiation Safety Program This section should describe the facility's radiation safety program.

2.17.1 Organization Section 2.17.1 should describe the administrative organization of the health physics program, including the authority and responsibility of each position identified, and the lines of communication with other organizational elements.

It should describe the training and qualifications for all health physics management and staff.

2.17.2 Equipment, Instrumentation, and Facilities Section 2.17.2 should describe the instruments, instrument storage, cali-bration, and radiological facilities design.

It should describe the health physics facilities, laboratory facilities for radioactivity analyses, facilities for waste processing and storage, and decontamination facilities.

The applicant should describe the locations of the respiratory protective equipment, protective clothing, and portable and laboratory equipment, and instrumentation.

In addition, Section 2.17.2 should describe the design for control of radiation exposure.

2.17.3 Procedures

.This section should describe the plans, methods, and frequencies for conducting radiation surveys.

It should describe the radiation control program and ALARA program.

In addition, the applicant should describe the methods and plans for personnel dosimetry for normal operations and abnormal conditions.

The criteria for per-forming in vivo counting and bioassays should be provided.

The applicant should discuss the use of protective equipment and devices, including protective equipment.

Guidance on designing a radiation safety program for near-surface disposal facilities is in NUREG/CR-3343, " Recommended Radiation Protection Practices for Low-Level Waste Disposal Sites." Guidance on reducing radiation to ALARA levels and reducing worker exposure is in NUREG/CR-3125, " Current Practices for Maintaining Occupational Exposures ALARA at Low-Level Waste Disposal Sites."

Section 2.17.3 also should describe the quality assurance of the health physics program including quality control procedures, documentation reviews, and program audits.

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me 2.18 Environmental Monitoring Program This section should identify all potential radionuclide migration pathways to the environment, to members of the public, and to the offsite population and should give estimates of radionuclide release rates.

The applicant should provide the environmental monitoring and surveillance plan.

In addition, the applicant should provide the rationale for the location of sampling points, type of sampling, and frequency of sampling.

Section 2.18 should discuss the sampling procedures, data collection, and data analysis and describe the installation of the monitoring equipment, including type of mate-rials used and method of emplacement.

The quality assurance of the monitoring program also should be described.

The quality assurance and control plan should

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include procedures for the maintenance and calibration of monitoring equipment, procedures for sampling, laboratory analysis, data reduction, documentation, and program audits.

The environmental monitoring and surveillance program should provide data about the ecology, meteorology, climate, hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and seismol-ogy of the disposal site sufficient to evaluate potential health and environ-mental impacts as required in 10 CFR 61.12(1).

Section 2.18 also should describe

~i the pre-operational, operational, and post-operational phases of the environ-mental monitoring and surveillance program.

The monitoring system must be capable c: oroviding early warning of releases of radionuclides from the disposal site before they leave the site boundary.

The establishment of action levels, increased monitoring, and the plan for mitigative action should be discussed.

Section 2.18 also should describe contingency monitoring plans in the event of accidental releases.

Environmental monitoring sheuld include information on ecology, meteorology, 3

climate, hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and seismology.

The information L

should meet the requirement of 10 CFR 61.12(1).

2.19 Environmental Monitoring Requirements This section should contain information and analyses that demonstrate the environmental monitoring and surveillance requirements in S 61.53 of Part 61 have been met.

2.19.1 Pre-Operational Monitoring This section should present in summary form the results of the pre-operational I

monitoring program conducted to obtain information on ecology, meteorology, climate, hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and seismology at the site.

For these characteristics subject to seasonal variation the data should cover at least a 12 month period.

It should demonstrate that an adequate data base to characterize the disposal site for pre-existing radiological and nonradio-logical background levels has been established. These results should be presented in a format consistent with the monitoring plan.

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e 2.19.2 Operational Monitoring Section 2.19.2 should demonstrate that the monitoring plan will provide ade-quate data to evaluate the potential health and environmental impacts during construction and operation.

In this section, the applicant also should discuss the plan for the onsite and offsite radiological and non-radiological monitoring of groundwater, surface water, sediments, soil, flora and fauna, air, air qual-ity, and direct radiation during the construction and operational phase.

2.19.3 Closure and Post-0perational Monitoring Section 2.19.3 should provide the monitoring and surveillance plans and verifi-cation survey plans for (1) the site closure and stabilization period, (2) the long-term post-operational period.

The applicant should demonstrate that these plans will be capable of providing early warning of releases of radionuclides from the disposal site before they leave the site boundary.

Guidance on closure and stabilization is in draf t Regulatory Guide " Guidelines for Site Closure and Stabilization for LLW Disposal Sites."

2.20 Administrative Procedures This section should provide a description of the administrative procedures to control activities at the facility.

It should describe the management system for generating, maintaining, and recalling records about the operation and closure of the facility and for providing reports required by the license and NRC regulations.

The records management system should include as a minimum, records of waste manifest, quality control records, operating records, records of personnel exposures, records of accidents and abnormal occurrences, monitor-ing and site surveillance records, personnel training records, records providing traceability of waste from generator to trench location, and other records required by NRC regulations.

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3 TECHNICAL ANALYSES In Chapter 3, the applicant should provide technical analyses that clearly demonstrate reasonable assurance that the performance objectives of Subpart C to 10 CFR 61 will be met.

These technical analyses should meet the requirement of 10 CFR 61.13 (a) through (d) and provide sufficient information to permit independent analysis and verification.

3.1 Pathways Analyses This section should provide infurmation, discussion, and analyses to provide reasonable assurance that the general public is protected from the release of radioactivity.

Pathways analysed in this demonstration should include air, soil, groundwater, surface water, plant uptake, and exhumation by burrowing animals.

The analyses must clearly identify and differentiate between the roles performed by the natural disposal site characteristics and design features in isolating the wastes.

The results of the analyses should identify the range and probability of predicted releases, because uncertainties in data and analyses may preclude the determination of a single value of radioactive release.

The information should include radioactive material release analyses that des-cribe the conceptual models, the mathematical models used to simulate processes at the site, and the input values used. The description of the conceptual models should include the physical environment and transport medium in ielation to the planned engineering design. Mathematical models should be fully documented, using NUREG-0856 as a guide.

All model input values should be listed and sup-ported.

The methods for and results of model' verification should be provided, including calibration and sensitivity analyses, where appropriate. The quali-tive impact of each assumption on calculated results should be clearly stated.

Section 3.1 should also include tabular and graphical output data from the tech-nical analyses. The uncertainties of the results and any anomalous model be-havior and outputs should be discussed.

3.2 Intruder Analyses l

This section should provide discussion and analyses to provide reasonable assur-ance that the intruder barriers will remain effective for at least 500 years.

The intruder protection analyses should identify the type of intruder barrier, as described'in Sections 2.3.2.7, 2.5.4, and 2.6.2.

Where the design calls for burial at depths of 5 meters or greater, the analysis should include procedures to ensure that all Class C waste is disposed of at the required depth and a demonstration that the waste will remain beneath at least 5 meters of cover for at least 500 years. Where the design calls for disposal at depths of less than 5 meters, the analysis should <famonstrate that the engineered barrier will per-form for at least 500 yearG

• f quantitative analyses are used, the applicant should provide documen M w 5 the method used, verification that the method simulates the site, y o, n t'

.ing and supporting of model input values, and calibration and sensie vity a lyses.

The applicant should discuss any uncer-tainties in the results of the analyses and any anomalous model behavior and outputs, if appropriate.

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0 3.3 -Occupational Exposure Analyses This section should provide information, discussion, and analyses to explain how the expected exposure of workers will be controlled to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 20. This demonstration should include assessments of expected expo-sures due to routine operations and accidents during handling, storage, and disposal of waste.

The occupational exposure analyses should identify the worker exposure scenarios and the assumptions and methodologies used in estimating worker exposure.

The analyses should describe techniques used in the radiation control program in-cluding ALARA programs, training programs, external exposure control, ir.ternal exposure control, decontamination, quality assurance, and documentation of pro-cedures.

The analyses should provide proper documentation, verification that the method simulates real worker scenarios, proper listing and supporting of input values, and calibration and sensitivity analyses.

The applicant also should discuss the uncertainties of the results and any anomalous outputs.

3.4 Stability Analyses This section should contain discussion, data, and analyses that provides reason-able assurance that there will be no need for ongoing active maintenance of the

' disposal site following closure. This demonstration should be based on quantitative analyses of active natural processes such as erosion, mass wasting, slope failure, settlement of wastes and backfill, infiltration through covers over the disposal areas and adjacent soils, and surface drainage of the disposal site.

The stability analyses should identify the method, input data, and assumptions used for each process analyzed.

The analyses should clearly identify the as-sumed contributions of siting, design, use, operation, and closure if they im-pact long-term stability. The applicant should discuss the uncertainties of

- the results and any anomalous model behavior and analysis output.

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4 INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION This Chapter should explain the coordination with or participation by a state or states in developing the proposed disposal facility. The relationship of the proposed site to compacts formed under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1980 should be presented.

The discussions should meet the requirements of 9 61.14 and the demonstrations required by S 61.59 of Part 61.

4.1 Land Ownership The section should contain or reference information to confirm that the disposal of radioactive waste under the proposed license will be only on land owned in fee by the Federal or a state government.

The applicant should provide informa-tion that includes certification by the Federal or state government that owns the disposal site property, that the Federal or state government is prepared to accept transfer of the license when the provisions of S 61.30 of Part 61 are met, and that the Federal or state government will assume responsibility for custodial care after site closure and post-closure observation and maintenance.

Where the proposed disposal site is on land not owned by the Federal or a state government, the applicant must submit evidence that arrangements have been made for assumption of ownership in fee by the Federal or a state government.

4.2 Institutional Control This section should contain a description of the institutional program to physically control access to the disposal site following transfer of the dis-posal site from the disposal site operator.

The institutional control program should include, but not be limited to, descriptions of plans and programs for carrying out environmental monitoring, periodic surveillance, and minor cus-todial care at the disposal site, as well as procedures and mechanisms for administration of funds to cover the costs of these activities.

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5 FINANCIAL INFORMATION This Chapter should contain and reference information sufficient to demonstrate that the applicant's financial qualifications are adequate to carry out the activities for which license is sought, and other financial assurances covered in S 61.61 through S 61.63 of Part 61.

5.1 Financial Qualifications Section 5.1 shculd provide information to demonstrate that the financial quali-fications of the applicant are adequate to carry out the activities for which the license is sought.

Joint applicants should provide the information for each member of the group, according to the status and role of each.

The status, role, and responsibilities of each member should be clearly defined.

Established entities should provide their latest published annual financial report, together with such current interim financial statements as are pertinent.

If such a report is not published, the entity's balance sheet and operating statement covering the latest complete accounting year should be provided, to-gether with all pertinent notes certified by a public accountant.

Joint appli-cants should provide copies of joint ownership and operational agreements.

The financial statements must be audited by a certified public accountant.

Newly formed entities should provide a statement of the company's assets, liabil-ities, and capital structure certified by a public accountant as of the date of the application.

If the applicant is a subsidiary or related otherwise to a parent company or other corporate affiliation, the annual financial report of that organization should be provided.

If the applicant has ever filed for bankruptcy, the specifics should be provided.

5.2 Financial Assurances Section 5.2 should demonstrate that the applicant either has the necessary funds or has reasonable assurance of obtaining the funds to cover the estimated costs of conducting all licensed activities over the planned operating life of the project.

Section 5.2 should provide an estimate of the total construction cost of the proposed land disposal facility, including a statement describing the bases 4

from which the. estimate is derived. The estimate should be itemized by cate-gories of cost in sufficient detail for the staff to evaluate it.

It should indicate an estimate of the projected operating costs. All cost estimates should be backed by a detailed breakdown showing how the figures were derived.

All assumptions should be stated.

Established entities should provide a statement of the general financial plan for financing the cost of the land disposal facility, identifying the source or sources upon which the applicant will rely for the necessary construction funds (internal source such as retained earnings and depreciation accruals or external sources such as issuance of debt and equity securities).

Section 5.2 should 5-1

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.p 6 OTHER INFORMATION If the waste to be received and disposed of at the facility (Section 2.11 of the appliction) contains special nuclear material (SNM) in quantities that are subject to the requirements of 10 CFR 73 or in quantities that are subject to the requirements of 10 CFR 70.24, the applicant will be required to describe the physical security measures to be used (Part 73) and safety information regarding criticality (Part 70).

In determining whether the quantity of SNM contained in the waste would be subject to either the requirements of 10 CFR 73 or 10 CFR 70.24, or both, the applicant shall consider only the quantities of SNM received and possessed, not the quantity that has been disposed.

6.1 ' Physical Security for Safeguards Section 6.1 should describe the physical security measures that will be employed to meet the requirements of 10 CFR 73.

6.2 Criticality Information Section 6.2 should describe the measures and procedures for avoiding accidental criticality which addresses both~ storage of SNM before disposal and waste emplacement for disposal.

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