Transuranic Source Disposal -Reply

[CAREY JOHNSTON <JOHNSTON.CAREY@EPAMAIL.EPA.GOV>]

>>> Mcelrath Susan S. <MCELRATHS@rscpo1.wilm.ge.com> 09/21/95 05:32pm >>>
>Does anyone know what the latest guidance is for "disposal" of transuranic  sources
>(greater than class C)?
>Must the manufacturer or distributor take them back?
>Will DOE take them even if they weren't DOE-owned material?
>What if there are leaking sources involved? Is any entity obligated to take  a leaking
>source?


The following is from a DOE report titled Greater-Than-Class-C Low Level Radioaactive
Waste Characterization (DOE/LLW-114) 

"The DOE is responsible under the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments
Acts of 1985 for ensuring the safe disposal of Greater-Than-Class-C (GTCC) Low Level
Waste. GTCC LLW is not generally suitable for near-surface disposal, except on a
case-by-case evaluation of the waste and approval by NRC or the appropriate
Agreement State. DOE's current sealed source management plans are for the licensees
to store their waste sealed sources until a disposal option is available. (Yucca Mt. or
Bust!-- editorial added) If storage by the licensee becomes physically or financially
impossible and a threat to public health and safety, the NRC will determine if the
source is a candidate for storage by DOE. At that time, the NRC may request DOE to
accept the source for storage, reuse, or recycling."

Hope this helps!

*********************************************
Carey A. Johnston
Radiation Protection Division, EPA
johnston.carey@epamail.epa.gov
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