60 likes | 165 Views
An Update on Metals Recycling from DOE Facilities. Donald C. Gregory, PhD, CHP Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Moratorium and Suspension. January 2000 - Moratorium placed on recycle of Nickel from Oak Ridge by BNFL July 2000 – Metals Recycling Suspended
E N D
An Update on Metals Recycling from DOE Facilities Donald C. Gregory, PhD, CHP Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Moratorium and Suspension • January 2000 - Moratorium placed on recycle of Nickel from Oak Ridge by BNFL • July 2000 – Metals Recycling Suspended • “I am suspending the unrestricted release for recycling of scrap metals from radiation areas within DOE facilities.” • “…suspension will remain in effect until improvements in DOE release criteria and information management have been developed and implemented.” • January 2001 – “Additional deliberation” is needed – NOI for EIS within 60 days
Interim Guidance – July 2000 • “radiation areas” is clarified to “radiological areas” • “Recycle” means that metal will be melted and new products made from it • Reuse of metal products is not restricted • DOE operations must make a good faith effort to prevent release for recycle • Light bulbs, batteries, and concrete can be recycled (the metal is protected by non-metallic material)
Revision of 5400.5, Radiation Protection of the Public and Environment • Revisions suggested by a conference of experts/stakeholders in February 2008 • Revised draft will not mention the moratorium/suspension • Not appropriate for an Office to withdraw a Secretarial directive • Draft revision will be circulated for comment • Simultaneous lifting of the suspension with the issuance of the revised Order makes sense
Alternative Approaches • Re-Use • Berkeley is sending shielding blocks to Nevada Test Site for use as security barriers and engineered covers • Common Sense Agreements with DOE • BNL is negotiating with DOE to develop a clearance process for some low-risk materials • Retroactive Deposting • Pantex retroactively defined radiological areas to restrict recycle only of materials that have been in qualifying areas • Bevatron D&D may follow the same plan • “…posting does not define the area – actual conditions define the area…” • LLNL released about 50% of a decommissioned accelerator with NNSA/HSS help
NNSA-led Interoffice Solution • Rich Meehan (Y-12) for NNSA • Issue has the attention of the Secretary • Science, EM, NE were briefed last Friday • “consistent standard of performance” is the goal • Find the least common denominator, local sites specialize from there • Re-use & adaptation are alternative disposal paths • Evaluate and document improvement in all four areas called out in the Suspension • Move on from the Moratorium (NRC declined to issue Standard as required in the memo)