[ RadSafe ] Recommendations on testing unknown waste

[Robert D Gallagher]

There are two ways to characterize a waste for disposal:  knowledge of the
process that generated the waste or analysis of the waste. If you know how
it was generated, you can then conduct analyses to confirm that it is what
you think it should be from the process it came from.  If lots of persons
simply poured a variety of unknown solutions into a drum, you will have to
do analysis of a representative sample. If its multilayered, you may have to
pull a representative sample from each to properly characterize. The initial
tests should be those for characteristics. The results of those tests will
tell you if you need to do more.

If the nuclides are H-3, C-14, or I-125, annd the activity is less than 0.05
microCi/gm, you may be able to dispose as hazardous only without regard to
the radioactive constituents.

Your message doesn't provide enough of the specifics to be able to properly
assist you.

Bob Gallagher
NSSI
713 641-0391

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl]On
Behalf Of sstewar3 at rdg.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2007 8:28 AM
To: radsafe at radlab.nl
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Recommendations on testing unknown waste


Dear RadSafers,

I would appreciate your input on this matter.  We have radioactive liquid
waste, for which we know the activity and isotope, but the chemical
constituents are unknown.  My question is two-fold.  One, how would one go
about testing for the chemical constituents?  Is there a laboratory that you
would recommend?  Two, do we need to find and list each chemical component,
or can we just test the liquid by characteristic/listed traits, and ship it
as such (i.e.: Radioactive material, flammable, n.o.s)?

You feedback would be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Sarah Stewart

Radiation Safety Specialist
Environmental Affairs & Safety
Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
(203) 791-6493

-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl] On Behalf
Of efforrer at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2007 4:48 PM
To: radsafe at radlab.nl
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Re: Inquiry about storing mixed waste

Depends on where you are located.? EPA has granted so relief on disposal and
storage of mixed waste.? However California did not adopt that ruling and
you
still have to treat as radioactive and hazardous.? All storage and time
limits apply to mixed waste in California.

Gene Forrer

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