Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste EIS Information Center
This Web site is the online center for public information and involvement in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Disposal of Greater-Than-Class C (GTCC) Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) and GTCC-Like Waste (DOE/EIS-0375D).
The United States Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Environmental Management (EM), is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for disposal of Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste (GTCC LLRW). The EIS evaluates potential alternatives involving various disposal methods for application at six federally owned sites and generic commercial sites. This web site is the online center for public information and involvement in the EIS process.
Announcements
Draft GTCC EIS Public Comment Period Closed
The public comment period for the Draft Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste Environmental Impact Statement closed on June 27, 2011. Comments are no longer being accepted through this website.
DOE Issues Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Disposal of Greater-Than-Class C (GTCC) Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLRW) and GTCC-Like Waste (Draft EIS, DOE/EIS-0375D)
The Draft GTCC EIS is available for public review. Public hearings were held at these locations:
North Augusta, South Carolina – 4/19/2011
Carlsbad, New Mexico – 4/26/2011
Albuquerque, New Mexico – 4/27/2011
Santa Fe, New Mexico – 4/28/2011
Las Vegas, Nevada – 5/09/2011
Idaho Falls, Idaho – 5/11/2011
Pasco, Washington – 5/17/2011
Portland, Oregon – 5/19/2011
Washington, DC – 5/25/2011
See Getting Involved for information about public involvement in the Draft EIS.
Brief Overview of Draft EIS
The Draft EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing and operating a new facility or facilities, or using an existing facility, for the disposal of GTCC LLRW and GTCC-like waste.
Disposal methods evaluated include geologic repository, intermediate depth borehole, enhanced near surface trench, and above grade vault. Disposal locations evaluated include the Hanford Site in Washington; the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho; the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), and the WIPP vicinity in New Mexico; the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada Test Site) in Nevada; and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The Draft EIS also evaluates generic commercial disposal sites and the No Action Alternative.
DOE does not have, and therefore has not identified, a preferred alternative in the Draft EIS, but will do so in the Final EIS based on further consideration and public comment. The preferred alternative could be a combination of two or more alternatives, based on the characteristics of the waste, its availability for disposal, and other key factors.
Pursuant to Section 631 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, before DOE makes a final decision on the disposal alternative, DOE will submit a report to Congress that includes a description of the disposal alternatives under consideration and all of the information required in the comprehensive report on ensuring the safe disposal of GTCC LLRW that was submitted by the Secretary to Congress in February 1987. Section 631 also requires DOE to await Congressional action on the submitted report.
Public Participation
Public participation in the GTCC LLRW EIS is important. This Web site provides information and services to help you participate in the EIS process.
