Design, Construction, and Performance of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility

A mixed low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) waste on-site disposal facility (OSDF) was constructed as part of the remediation of the U.S. Department of Energy Feed Material Production Center in Fernald, Ohio. The 56-acre OSDF is fully constructed, filled with waste, and closed. Post-closure monitoring is ongoing. This paper presents the design, construction, and performance of the OSDF. Waste acceptance criteria and waste placement requirements are described. Results from three sets of pre-design field and laboratory investigations are summarized. Currently available performance data for the OSDF’s leachate collection system and leakage detection system are reported. Post-closure monitoring activities are briefly described. The value of this case study is in providing a detailed framework for the conceptual and detailed design of land-based disposal facilities for mixed LLRW and RCRA waste