Open AccessPerformance and risk assessment of subsurface barriers for single-shell tank waste retrieval
Author(s) -
G.D. Bazinet,
J.M. Cruse,
K.L. Hampsten,
R.L. Treat
Publication year - 1995
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/26578
Subject(s) - hanford site , environmental remediation , limiting , hazardous waste , waste management , radioactive waste , environmental science , remedial action , risk analysis (engineering) , risk assessment , groundwater , work (physics) , engineering , environmental engineering , contamination , business , ecology , computer science , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , computer security , biology
Subsurface barriers are among various alternatives under evaluation to mitigate the threat of leakage from the Hanford Site`s 149 single-shell high-level radioactive waste tanks. The Tank Waste Remediation System (TWRS) division of Westinghouse Hanford Company is conducting this evaluation of subsurface barriers and other alternatives, focusing on risk and cost as performance measures. A number of alternative retrieval/closure approaches were evaluated in terms of risks (carcinogenic and toxicological) to a postulated maximally exposed individual. In addition, worker and accident risks were evaluated and factors developed for each alternative on a relative basis. The work performed to date indicates the use of subsurface barriers may potentially reduce public risk by limiting contamination of groundwater below the Hanford Site; however, the cost in terms of actual funding and in elevated worker risk is significant. The analyses also assume certain performance levels for technologies that have not been demonstrated in field conditions similar to Hanford Site tank farms. The evaluations summarized herein are being used to support a decision by representatives of the US Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding potential further development of subsurface barrier technology