Expected Classification of Existing Wastes

In addition, the reliance on generic scenarios for inadvertent intrusion in classifying waste cannot, by definition, represent site-specific risks. However, this is not a serious shortcoming because such scenarios have been used in establishing subclasses of low-level radioactive waste for disposal in near-surface facilities (NRC, 1982a). Furthermore, as emphasized in this Report, establishment of a risk-based waste classification system using particular exposure scenarios does not obviate the need to perform site-specific risk assessments for the purpose of establishing waste acceptance criteria at each disposal site. 

Finally, NCRP emphasizes that calculated risk indexes for substances that induce deterministic or stochastic responses are not intended to be used as predictors of the probability of a response for any actual or hypothetical exposure situation. The risk index is nothing more than a simple, dimensionless representation of the risk posed by hazardous substances in waste to be used for purposes of waste classification. 

There is sufficient information available to allow NCRP to anticipate the classification of a number of existing wastes that would 

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