Final compliance criteria (40 CFR part 194) for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), which is under development by the Department of Energy (DOE), is a potential geologic disposal system for defense transuranic (TRU) radioactive waste. Pursuant to the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to perform several activities including, but not limited to, issuing criteria for determining whether the WIPP complies with the radioactive waste disposal standards in 40 CFR part 191. EPA finalized these compliance criteria (40 CFR part 194), intended to implement the 40 CFR part 191 disposal standards specifically at the WIPP, in February 1996. The paper presents the Agency`s approach to WIPP`s compliance demonstration. This program is unique because the EPA`s approach Laken at the WIPP may set precedent for future approaches Liken at other radioactive disposal facilities. This document addresses many of the nuclear waste issues that are of considerable concern to the public.