Waste Management Activities in the Atomic Energy Commission

Abstract

AbstractThe technical and administrative aspects of radioactive waste management in the light of existing experience and knowledge is discussed. This discussion is related to possible future requirements for the adequate engineering, public health and administrative control of radioactive effluents from various nuclear energy activities.The variety of radioactive wastes are categorized in a general way on the basis of their hazard potential to emphasize that the problem of radioactive waste management has numerous facets and is not amenable to a single, universal solution. The role of specific environments in waste disposal practices is summarized and the basic approaches (“dilute and disperse” and “concentrate and contain”) to effluent control are defined. Distinction is made between basic radiation protection standards or guides, and operating or performance criteria that must be established in connection with effluent control operations in order to assure the protection of public health and safety.Examples of radioactive waste disposal practice and experience in the United States for different types of wastes are described and tentative conclusions are drawn regarding the capabilities and limitations of these practices.The scope and objectives of the research and development program in this field are summarized. The status of work in major waste disposal development projects is noted.Development of guides and criteria and their application in establishment of health and safety regulations and other pertinent administrative procedures is discussed. The utilization, to the maximum practicable extent, of existing laws and administrative procedures in existing agencies at various levels of government is suggested as being advantageous from an administrative and public relations standpoint.Economic factors related to handling and disposal of radioactive wastes are noted, including relation of nuclear plant location to disposal requirements. It is pointed out that, although total costs for treatment and disposal are substantial, the cost per unit of electrical energy produced is a rather small percentage of the total cost per unit of energy.