This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Radioactive Waste Management

The location of Solid Waste Storage Area 6 is shown in proximity to local surface waters, Highway 95, and White Oak Dam.

Do the low-level radioactive waste disposal practices at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) meet the performance objectives mandated by the Department of Energy for protection of the public, inadvertent intruders, and groundwater?

Protection of the public from the disposal of low-level radioactive waste at ORNL was demonstrated with reasonable assurance during active disposal operations and for the indefinite future.

Closure concepts for current waste disposal operations and the waste acceptance criteria used in current operations do not provide sufficient protection to an inadvertent intruder for times greater than 300 years after the closure of the facility.

Groundwater protection regulations have not yet been promulgated. Protection criteria that are likely to be promulgated would not be met with the current disposal practices.

Revisions to existing waste operations and site closure plans are warranted to satisfy existing performance objectives.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 1994. Performance assessment for continuing and future operations at Solid Waste Storage Area 6. ORNL-6783. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.