National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Radioactive Waste Management, Committee on Improving Practices for Regulating and Managing Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes

Annotation

Low-activity radioactive wastes include a broad spectrum of materials for which a regulatory patchwork has evolved over almost 60 years. These wastes present less of a radiation hazard than either spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste. Low-activity wastes, however, may produce potential radiation exposure at well above background levels and if not properly controlled may represent a significant chronic (and, in some cases, an acute) hazard. For some low-activity wastes the present system of controls may be overly restrictive, but it may result in the neglect of others that pose an equal or higher risk.The purpose of this interim report is to provide an overview of current low-activity waste regulations and management practices. Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes: Interim Report on Current Regulations, Inventories, and Practices identifies gaps and inconsistencies that suggest areas for improvements. The final report will assess options for improving the current practices and provide recommendations.