Analysis of Management and Disposal Alternatives for Low Activity Radioactive Waste

Government and commercial decommissioning and remediation activities at nuclear sites and facilities often generate in large volumes and mass radioactive waste that is of low activity. In large part, the low activity radioactive waste generated from decommissioning and remediation activities are below regulatory limits for low level radioactive waste, while not meeting site specific dose and risk-based cleanup criteria. Policies and strategies for the remediation, management, and disposal of low activity radioactive waste in these circumstances often explore alternative options to fully licensed disposal. Primary goals in exploring alternative disposal options are protection of the public and the environment, while achieve a cost-effective solution. Vague regulations and arbitrary interpretation by federal and state regulators may enhance alternative disposal options or quash efforts by those conducting the remediation and decommissioning. Fundamental to the issues is the overriding concern of a lack of clarity and increased liability in the regulatory structure of the grey area that is low activity radioactive wastes. This paper explores the current efforts by the United States of America and International regulatory community to better define low activity radioactive waste and to provide effective and protective waste management and disposal policies and strategies.