Lessons learned from mixed-waste management and regulation

Mixed waste is radioactive waste that is mixed with wastes that are subject to Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) subtitle C regulation. Mixed waste is a relatively recent concept, since the US Department of Energy (DOE) did not recognize EPA's participation in the management of mixed wastes until 1987. The DOE, EPA, and state regulators continue to define the limits of RCRA regulation of DOE waste management. If a waste is hazardous, then EPA has established regulatory requirements for characterizing, treating, storing, and disposing of the waste. Long-term storage cannot be used to avoid treating waste and disposing. Before waste can be treated, recycled, or disposed, its composition must be known. The DOE's characterization of stored waste is a challenge. Waste storage design has historically emphasized minimizing radiation hazards. Storage in compliance with the RCRA emphasizes monitoring waste to ensure detection of and response to leaks. Treatment of waste is lacking in both capacity and technology. Permits for treatment facilities are difficult to obtain because of not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) attitudes. Disposal of mixed waste also is hostage to NIMBY concerns. The DOE continues work on permits for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant for transuranic waste, investigatingmore » the Yucca Mountain site for high-level waste, and permitting mixed low-level waste disposal at several DOE sites.« less