RE: NASA eyes nuclear step for rocket science

Oak Ridge's waste cell has been in the works for a long time. This is a

real DOE success story. The cell is to receive low-level mixed waste

from CERCLA activities on site. This will consist of lightly

contaminated soils, demolition debris, contaminated PPE, some classified

wastes, and stabilized/dewatered residuals from cleanup activities.

DOE approached their stakeholders several years ago with the proposal

and has included them in every step of the process. There have been

numerous public meetings and workshops on everything from design details

to waste acceptance criteria, including all the assumptions and models

underlying it. DOE has also agreed to pay $1 million per year into a

state-run trust fund for 14 years to ensure availability of funding for

long-term monitoring. Consequently, DOE has the support of the

community and the state in placing this disposal cell on the Oak Ridge

Reservation.

An additional benefit is that the money for disposal of these materials

goes to workers and suppliers in the community, instead of long-distance

transportation and disposal fees to put it all in NTS or Envirocare

facilities.

>From a risk standpoint, the design is based on extremely conservative

risk scenarios (farmer digging a well next to the cell, family drinking

water for 70 years, etc.) and is supposed to be protective for 10,000

years. Don't know who will honor that warrenty, though!

It should be noted this state-of-the-art waste cell is in the same

valley where in the past, uranium metal and cutting oils were dumped

into unlined pits and covered only with soil (now some plastic, too).

These wastes wouldn't meet the cell's waste acceptance criteria! The

final decision for these uncontrolled sites is still a long way off (the

state has a preference for removal, the DOE for capping in place). Stay

tuned.

Oh, about that rocket science. I expect the nuclear reactor or "engine"

would be activiated in orbit, not on the launch pad. Maybe we could

revive Freeman Dyson's Orion concept.

.....................................................

Susan L. Gawarecki, Ph.D., Executive Director

Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee

We've moved! Please note our new address:

102 Robertsville Road, Suite B, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

.....................................................

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