Evaluation of disposal limits for shallow land burial facilities: Application to the back end of nuclear fuel cycle

Abstract

The limits on disposal rates and activity concentrations in radioactive wastes have been computed using different release scenarios for about 26 radionuclides commonly encountered in a shallow land burial facility originating from the back end of nuclear fuel cycle. These limits are then segregated for major specific radionuclides/groups of radionuclides on the basis of a critical scenario/critical pathway concept indicating signatory radionuclides for monitoring purposes. Disposal rates and activity concentrations of short lived ß, γ radionuclides and 137Cs are limited by the external exposure route to occupational workers. The well-water-drinking pathway limits the disposal rates and activity concentrations of 3H and long lived ß, γ radionuclides having low K d owing to their rapid migrational characteristics. The dwelling-inhalation pathway restricts activity concentration limits of α bearing wastes.