ABSTRACTIncreased concern by the State of South Carolina over the condition and capacity of the low-level radioactive waste burial site at Barnwell has prompted them to promulgate new regulations on waste burial containers. As of September 30, 1981, ion exchange resin and filter media waste with an activity of 1 μCi/cc or greater and with isotopes with halflives greater than five years disposed at Barnwell shall be solidified or confined in a “high integrity container”. The materials and designs of these containers are required to provide waste isolation from the environment for a period of 300 years and provide the structural integrity specified in 49 CFR 173.398(b). HITTMAN has been active in the design and development of containers suitable for this purpose with this paper detailing the analyses involved. Material selections were limited to stainless steel, fiberglass, and polyethylenes. Structural concerns focused on overpressure requirements, drop-testing requirements, and lifting capabilities. With a lifetime dose of up to 108 rads, the possibilities of radiation damage were considered. Preliminary selection of polyethylene was based on satisfactory resolution of these issues and economic factors.
Hydrogeologic factors in the selection of shallow land burial sites for the disposal of low-level radioactive waste
