Options for treatment, storage, and/or disposal of radioactive mixed waste at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory

A study is being performed at the Department of Energy's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) to determine the most feasible options for the management of INEL radioactive mixed waste and to develop a program plan for implementing the selected options. Radioactive mixed waste generated at the INEL by Department of Energy (DOE) facilities must be managed in accordance with DOE Order 5480.2 and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator and the Secretary of Energy. These requirements specify that facilities which generate, treat, store, and/or dispose radioactive mixed waste comply with regulations issued under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act for hazardous waste. Currently, there are no acceptable INEL facilities for the treatment, storage, and/or disposal of radioactive mixed waste. This paper will discuss the type and volume of radioactive mixed waste generated at the INEL; selection criteria used to determine the most viable option (i.e., technical, economic, and regulatory constraints); and available options for treatment, storage, and/or disposal. 2 refs., 1 tab.