S.Y. Chen*, Illinois Institute of Technology

Abstract: Large amounts of radioactive waste had been generated in major nuclear accidents such as the Chernobyl nuclear accident in Ukraine of 1986 and the recent Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan of 2011. The wastes were generated due to the accidental releases of radioactive materials that resulted in widespread contamination throughout the affected region. Likewise, similar issues may exist when a major terrorist incident involving radiological dispersal device (RDD) or improvised nuclear device (IND) would occur. Yet more wastes will be expected as the contaminated area undergoes remediation. The waste issues present an enormous challenge to the subsequent recovery effort as any major remediation action will hinge upon the availability of the already impacted critical infrastructures and services in the affected community. First, the sheer volume of the waste would likely overwhelm the existing disposal capacity; the unavailability of the disposal capability will seriously disrupt the recovery effort. Second, the existing regulatory system in the United States on radioactive waste, such as the provisions in 10 CFR 61 for the low-level radioactive waste, may not be conducive to managing wastes generated from the incidents; thus consideration of the alternative policy may be needed. Furthermore, careful assessment of other provisions involving the related activities such as temporary waste storage, and packaging and transportation is needed to properly facilitate and support the rigorous remediation campaign that is critical to a timely recovery of the community from a major incident. To view the presentation click on the document below.

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