Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Materials

As nuclear facilities are decommissioned and made acceptable for other uses, there is a need to manage a large amount of material containing residual levels of radionuclides. EVS has taken a lead role in analyzing policies and issues related to the disposition of materials containing only low residual levels of radioactivity. One objective of this program area is develop tools to facilitate identifying how these materials can be safely managed, including for possible reuse and recycle. A life-cycle assessment modeling approach forms a key technical basis for this work.

As part of this effort, EVS has helped DOE develop the Draft Handbook for Controlling Release for Reuse or Recycle of Property Containing Residual Radioactive Material. This handbook prescribes an authorized release process that includes characterization, disposition evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, authorization, and release. To further facilitate the release process, EVS has also developed a computerized management tool - P2Pro(RSM) - with protocols for implementing the handbook's procedures. P2Pro(RSM) utilizes databases on cost, dose, and technology to help project managers reach a reasonable decision regarding the release of non-real property. The process described in the handbook has been used by various DOE field offices.

The computer code TSD-DOSE has also been developed by EVS to aid in assessing the potential impacts of treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) at commercial facilities of DOE wastes having trace amounts of radionuclides. The TSD-DOSE code incorporates waste-specific and site-specific data to estimate potential radiological doses to on-site workers and the off-site public from waste-handling operations. Available for downloading, the TSD-DOSE software provides rapid and cost-effective methods for developing appropriate authorized release limits for DOE waste.

EVS's methodologies have contributed to the development of the position taken by the Nuclear Energy Agency within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development for evaluating risk associated with recycling radioactive metals.

Related Topics

• Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
  
• RESRAD: Family of Risk Codes
  

Related Fact Sheets

• Authorized Release of Non-Real Property Containing Residual Radioactive Materials
• Evaluating Risk-Based Alternatives for Recycling Radioactive Scrap Metals

Related EVS Developed/Hosted Web Sites

• RESRAD

Related Publications

• TSD-DOSE: A Radiological Dose Assessment Model for Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities 
• Review of Processes for the Release of DOE Real and Non-Real Property for Reuse and Recycle 

Contact

Shih-Yew Chen (630)252-7695 sychen@anl.gov