[ RadSafe ] Soil Blending

[Peter Collopy]

I have been working with a client who has somehow latched onto the idea they could blend soil to lower the overall radionuclide concentations in soil to make the soil acceptable for disposal on the site of origin. In my opinion the only way that could be done would be to submit to the NRC or the agreement state an exemption request to do that type of operation. My client has asked, and as a dutiful consultant I am acceding (reluctantly) to their wishes, that I find out if anyone has ever been allowed to do a purposeful blending operation with the objective of on-site soil disposal. So here are my two questions:

1. Have you ever heard of soil blending being allowed on a U.S. site for the purpose of lowering the concentrations to below the DCGL and thus meeting free release criteria for the site.

2. If the answer to 1 above is yes did they apply for an exemption from the NRC or agreement state or did they simply do the work as part of an approved Decommissioning Plan?

If you wish to keep any info on the QT just email me directly or call but keep in mind I am on the west coast so early moring risers on the east coast  try not to call at 7:00 your time.

Thanks for any info in advance


Pete C

Peter Collopy, CIH, CHP, CSP 
Director, Entropy Control 
Chaos for the Future 
3940 7th Avenue
San Diego CA
518.326.6413 (yes I kept my NY cell #)