Program for low-level radioactive waste disposal at the Savannah River Site, A U. S. nuclear materials production facility

An integrated program has been developed for disposal of low-level radioactive wastes and associated mixed (radioactive-hazardous) and transuranic (TRU) wastes generated at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The program, supported by existing as well as new planned facilities, features a systems management approach, in which final disposal sites are specially designed and constructed for appropriately segregated waste streams, and intermediate treatment facilities are provided to reduce volumes and convert wastes to stable forms prior to disposal. Currently-existing shallow land burial facilities are comprehensively monitored for release of contaminants to underlying groundwaters, with only short-lived tritium exhibiting significant migration. Transport modeling is employed to define closure procedures capable of preventing long-term contamination. New facilities to be provided for disposal of the low-level radioactive wastes feature concrete-stabilized wasteforms contained within vault structures that are capable of restricting releases including tritium and other radionuclides to acceptably low levels. Future development studies will center around waste minimization initiatives. 16 refs., 6 figs.