An Evaluation of Alternative TRU Technologies

In support of the responsibility of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to promulgate a regulation for disposal of high level waste in a geologic repository, a technical support program was conducted at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The principal objectives of the program were (1) to identify and provide an understanding of those factors and processes which affect repository performance, and (2) to provide the information needed to develop and support proposed regulations, criteria, and performance objectives that will ultimately be issued as the final rule for disposal of high level radioactive wastes in geologic repositories, known as 10 CFR 60 [1]. As part of the technical support program in the development of nuclear waste form criteria, three main areas of transuranic (TRU) waste management have been evaluated: immobilization processes and waste forms proposed for ultimate geologic disposal of TRU waste; management of TRU waste by decontamination; and potential problems associated with gas generation by certain TRU wastes [2]. The evaluation results from a review of, primarily, relevant DOE research and development efforts reported up to the end of CY 80. Also, only the definitions, criteria, and performance objectives detailed in the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (10 CFR 60) [3] were considered in this evaluation. This is important to note since significant differences in the waste package definition and in the statement of performance objectives as well as in other areas exist between the Advance Notice [31 and the Proposed Rule [1].