High energy level waste

The geologic aspects of waste disposal (24—26), proceedings of an annual conference on high level waste management (27), and one from an annual conference on all types of radioactive waste (28) are available. An alternative to burial is to store the spent fuel against a long-term future energy demand. Uranium and plutonium contained in the fuel would be readily extracted as needed. 

Under the conditions of that plan, the Department of Energy (DOE) was instructed to locate suitable sites in the United States where high-level wastes could be buried. The first list of nine possible... 

In collaboration with Haley Aldrich, Inc., HVEA tested the high-energy electron beam technology s ability to treat methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE). The technology, known as electron beam (or E-beam) for this application, has treated MTBE in waste streams to concentrations below U.S. ERA maximum coutaminant levels. This level of treatmeut cau be attained at a cost of 1.00 to 1.25 per 1000 gal of water treated (D22179E, p. 1). 

The CAV-OX process consists of either of two configurations the CAV-OX I low-energy process or the CAV-OX n high-energy process. The CAV-OX I process effectively treats contaminants such as gasoline or TCE, while more complex wastes, such as PCP, require the use of the CAV-OX n process. The CAV-OX process generally reduces contaminant levels by 95 to 99.99%. 

Radioactive waste management began with the advent of nuclear energy and has been studied since then, with the expenditure of billions of dollars. Despite this Herculean effort, great uncertainty remains about when and how, many aspects of waste disposal, especially high-level waste, will be understood and dealt with effectively. 

As part of this study, proposed radioactive waste classification systems that differ from the existing classification system in the United States were reviewed and evaluated. Of particular interest is the classification system currently recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This classification system and the disposal options for each waste class are summarized in Table 1.2. The basic waste classification system consists of exempt waste, low-and intermediate-level waste, and high-level waste. 

Requirements for Disposal. The National Security and Military Applications of Nuclear Energy Authorization Act (NSMA, 1980) established the current DOE program for disposal of defense transuranic waste at the WIPP facility in New Mexico. The Act specifically authorized test emplacements of waste for purposes of research and development. WIPPLWA (1992) then authorized permanent disposal of defense transuranic waste at this facility. The Act specifies that the WIPP facility may not be used for disposal of high-level waste, commercial transuranic waste, or any DOE non-defense transuranic... 

DOE (1985a). U.S. Department of Energy. An Evaluation of Commercial Repository Capacity for the Disposal of Defense High-Level Waste, DOE/ DP-0020 (National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia). 

Research Needs for High-Level Waste Stored in Tanks and Bins at U.S. Department of Energy Sites, National Research Council, National Academy Press, 2001. 

Environmental Assessment. Waste Form Selection For SRP High-Level Waste, D0E/EA-0179, US Department of Energy, Washington, DC. 1982,... 

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