Low-Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) Disposition at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site Frank Marcinowski Deputy Assistant Secretary for Waste Management Office of Environmental Management October 30, 2014

DOE’s Unique Waste Management Mission Authority and responsibility for management of all DOE generated waste under authority of the Atomic Energy Act, as amended DOE has unique waste streams because of its historic and present missions Clear distinction between DOE and non-DOE waste in the Low-Level Waste Policy Amendments Act States and regional disposal compacts are responsible for disposal of non-DOE and non-naval decommissioning LLW DOE does not accept LLW/MLLW from non-DOE generators, unless there is a documented DOE nexus or a national security rationale, in accordance with our “eligibility criteria”

DOE LLW/MLLW Management Policy DOE Order 435.1, Radioactive Waste Management, with associated guidance provides policy and requirements for DOE Waste Management. Current Low-Level Waste (LLW) disposal policy: dispose of radioactive waste at site where generated, if available; if disposal is not available onsite, then offsite at another DOE facility, with an exemption, disposal at a non-DOE facility, when compliant, protective of health and safety, and in the best interest of the government. The exemption documentation includes annual facility reviews, a life-cycle cost analysis, etc. DOE onsite (about 90% by volume), offsite DOE (about 5% by volume), and commercial disposal (about 5% by volume). DOE generally does not utilize State Compact facilities for disposal of LLW/MLLW.

DOE LLW and Mixed LLW Disposition Hanford Site Idaho National Laboratory Energy Solutions Fernald Crescent Junction Nevada Test Site Legend Savannah River Site CERCLA Disposal Facility This map is not inclusive of all commercial disposal sites – licensed or permitted – that may receive DOE generated wastes – but rather the 2 which DOE has prime disposal contracts with: Clive and WCS LLW Operations Disposal Facility Oak Ridge National Laboratory Waste Control Specialists MLLW Operations Disposal Facility Regional LLW/MLLW Facility Los Alamos National Laboratory Commercial LLW/MLLW Operations Disposal Facility Closed CERCLA Site Byproduct Material Disposal

Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) Approximately 1,360 square miles of federally-owned and controlled land Surrounded by an additional 4,500 square miles of federally- owned and controlled Air Force land (Nevada Test and Training Range)

NNSS Waste Management Mission NNSS continues to serve a critical role within the complex by safely receiving and disposing of low-level and mixed low-level radioactive waste generated by national security missions and cleanup of legacy nuclear contamination. Geologic and hydrologic conditions at NNSS provide protective disposal capacity. Safety of operations confirmed through comprehensive ongoing monitoring and adherence to strict nuclear operations procedures. The Department formed a working group with state officials.

NNSS Waste Management Mission (Cont’d) Has separate disposal facilities for low-level and mixed low-level radioactive waste in Area 5) LLW facilities in Area 3 are not currently operational Is the only DOE site serving as regional disposal facility for off-site generated low-level/mixed low level waste NNSS Area 5 Radioactive Waste Management Complex

Historical NNSS Disposal Volumes More than 45 million cubic feet (ft3) disposed since 1961 Approximately 3 million ft3 of available capacity in existing cells Volume (1,000 ft3) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 1980-1989* 1990-1999* Fiscal Year

Final NNSS Disposal Volumes for FY14 Generator Site FY 2014 Actual Portsmouth GDP (OH) 550,000 Oak Ridge Reservation (TN) 215,000 Oak Ridge NNSA/Y-12 (TN) 193,000 Los Alamos National Lab (NM) 2,000 Idaho Site (ID) 94,000 Livermore Nat'l Lab (CA) 42,000 Paducah GDP (KY) 20,000 NNSA/Nuclear Fuel Services (TN) 82,000 Onsite NNSS (NV) 11,000 Savannah River (SC) 000 West Valley (NY) All other sites 58,000 Total 1,269,000 Initial FY 15 forecasts reflect slightly greater total volume -- ~1.7 million ft3 Site-specific forecasts currently under detailed review in light of Continuing Resolution and other factors.

Current Highlights DOE continues to work with the State of Nevada (NV) to address issues related to LLW disposal operations, including unique or potentially challenging waste streams Working toward issuance of first record of decision from the recently completed Site Wide Environmental Impact Statement Enhanced coordination with Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to evaluate waste profiles and share related information Recently completely additional transportation related workshops and exercises to increase public confidence in DOE transportation processes and emergency response capabilities waste emplacement in Area 5