A Classification System for Radioactive Waste Disposal – What Waste Goes Where? (NUREG-0456, FBDU-224-10)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: June 1978
Date Published: July 1978

J. A. Adam; USNRC
V. L. Rogers; Ford, Bacon & Davis Utah

Division of Fuel Cycle and Material Safety
Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, D. C. 20555

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Abstract

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is developing a Radioactive Waste Disposal Classification System appropriate for use in the regulation of radioactive waste disposal. The purpose of developing this system is to classify the radioactive wastes according to the type and duration of containment required for their safe disposal. Potential impacts from two reference disposal methods representative of a three-category classification system are estimated using a consistent set of radionuclide release pathways. The estimated impacts are compared to the study dose guidelines in order to determine maximum allowable concentrations of isotopes appropriate for the waste categories. In general, postulated events in which individuals encounter the contaminated wastes provide the concentration limits for the waste categories.

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