NRC Discussion on Definition of High-Level Waste

2 Generally applicable waste classification system proposed by Kocher and Croff. In response to the definition of high-level waste in Clause (B) of NWPA (1982) discussed in Section 4.1.2.3.1, Kocher and Croff (1987 1988) developed a proposal for a quantitative, generally applicable, and risk-based radioactive waste classification system that addresses the definitions of high-level waste in 

Clauses (A) and (B) of the Act, as well as the definitions of other waste classes. In this proposal, all radioactive waste would be placed into one of three classes, which are defined conceptually as follows  

In these definitions, highly radioactive refers to high levels of decay heat and external radiation, due primarily to shorter-lived radionuclides, and requires permanent isolation refers to high concentrations of long-lived radionuclides i.e., these terms have the same interpretations as in the definitions of high-level waste in NWPA. 

Kocher and Croff then suggested the following implementation of the conceptual definitions of the three waste classes given above, based on analyses of risks from waste management and disposal  

The concentration limits for near-surface disposal either are the Class-C limits specified in NRC s 10 CFR Part 61 (NRC, 1982a) and discussed in Section 4.1.2.3.3 or, for other radionuclides, are the Class-C limits calculated using NRC s risk analysis methodology for near-surface disposal (Oztunali and Roles, 1986 Oztunali et al., 1986). 

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