Vol. 54, Special Issue        February 2002

Environmental remediation

How can you keep a high-level nuclear waste repository cool? You could ventilate, and that is what the Yucca Mountain Project is considering to maintain rock temperatures below boiling. Ventilation is a key component to thermal management in the potential geologic repository. Knowing how much heat can be removed must be demonstrated by testing. Last year Sandia conducted 22 tests in a 132-foot-long test train containing 25 simulated heated waste packages. Ventilation was forced through at various flow rates to provide data for ventilation model validation. (6800) Cliff Howard, cliff_howard@ymp.gov

The Chemical Waste Landfill was the primary location for disposal of laboratory chemical wastes from 1962-1982. Excavation of the landfill began in 1999 and was completed in 2001, ahead of schedule and under budget. Along with 50,000 cubic yards of soils and various large vessels and glove boxes, excavation yielded 1,437 intact chemical containers, 357 gas cylinders, 900 thermal batteries, 26 ordnance debris pieces, and three vials labeled ³polio.² (Research indicated that the vial contained a polio strain that had been autoclaved and destroyed before being disposed of in the landfill). This extremely hazardous operation was conducted safely, without significant injury or environmental release. (6100) David R. Miller, drmille@sandia.gov

The Sandia/California Mixed Waste Disposal Management Team worked to open a direct path for disposal of mixed waste. The resulting quality process meets the strict requirements for both DOE radioactive and California hazardous waste disposal. In 2001, disposal of mixed waste prevented cost and schedule impacts, regulatory citations, and fines while supporting building demolition and closure of legacy waste management units dating back to the mid-1960s. (8500, 3100) James Bartel, jjbarte@sandia.gov

Last modified: February 28 , 2002

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