Disposal Methods for Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste (GTCC LLW)

Several disposal options for GTCC LLW are being evaluated in the EIS.

Disposal Methods

Several disposal methods for GTCC LLW are proposed for evaluation in the EIS, including disposal in the two geologic repositories for radioactive waste, i.e., the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) and the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository. In addition, two additional methods which can be applied at a number of locations in the United States (intermediate depth borehole disposal and enhanced near-surface disposal) will be considered in the EIS. These methods are described as follows.

Disposal in Geologic Repositories

Geologic disposal involves placement of the waste in mined cavities deep beneath the earth's surface. This method is currently being used for the disposal of defense transuranic (TRU) waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), and is the planned approach for disposal of high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository. Pictures of TRU waste disposal activities at WIPP are shown below.

 

	Excavation at WIPP

	TRU Waste Disposal

	TRU Handling

Intermediate Depth Borehole Disposal

Intermediate depth borehole disposal involves the use of drilling equipment to construct a deep borehole (deeper than 30 meters) in the ground. The wastes are then placed in the borehole up to about 30 meters from the surface, and the remaining space is filled with clean soil. Shown below are pictures of the drilling equipment used to develop boreholes at a DOE site and a schematic diagram of a conceptual borehole facility.

 

	Conceptual Borehole Facility

	Borehole Drilling

	Borehole Drilling Equipment

Enhanced Near-Surface Disposal

Enhanced near-surface disposal involves the placement of the wastes in engineered trenches, vaults, or other similar facilities. The containment characteristics of these disposal facilities are enhanced by incorporating features such as barriers, deeper depth to disposal, and enhanced waste packaging. Shown below are pictures of LLW disposal and storage facilities and a schematic diagram of a conceptual enhanced near-surface disposal facility.

 

	Conceptual Enhanced Near Surface Facility

	LLW Disposal Vault

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