1. 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

2. 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”

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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 * *
Fiscal Year

9. 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.

10. 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