Effects of Using Laboratory-Measured Distribution Coefficients for High-Concentration I-129 Wastes to be Disposed in Trenches

At the U.S. Department of Energy Savannah River Site, disposal of radioactive wastes in shallow trenches was simulated with vadose zone (the subsurface region above the water table) models and decoupled aquifer models. The vadose zone models provided contaminant fluxes to the aquifer models. Results were used to establish inventory limits, such that operation of the facility would not exceed regulatory limits.