On-site low-level waste disposal

According to US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, low-level radioactive waste (LLW) may be disposed of in various ways. These include: (a) transfer to an LLW disposal site, (b) effluents to air and water, (c) release to a sanitary sewage system, (d) storage for decay, (e) incineration, (f) disposal of certain specific waste without regard to its radioactivity, and (g) specifically approved disposals that are not otherwise authorized in the regulations. This presentation addresses on-site disposal primarily by burial in soil. In addition, discussions focus primarily on considerations of on-site burials of radioactive waste generated by institutional (medical and academic) and industrial licensees. Radiological assessments are strongly dependent on site-specific information. This information is required from the licensee when submitting a request for disposal authorization. The estimated radiation dose equivalent will be the primary factor in determining whether the licensee's proposed disposal will or will not be authorized. Often, burials by the licensee under prescribed conditions along with imposed restrictions as to the proximity of water wells will ensure that the projected dose to an individual on or near the site will be within acceptable limits.