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4.15 MATERIALS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT

This section provides an overview of management responsibilities regarding receipt, transfer, and shipment of radioactive, controlled, and hazardous materials and wastes as well as mixed and medical wastes at LLNL and SNL, Livermore. Additional supporting information and analyses, including a description of programs and buildings associated with use of these materials, are provided in Appendices A and B. The use of these materials historically has resulted in both their planned and inadvertent releases to the environment. The consequences of using radioactive, controlled, and hazardous materials are discussed in the sections associated with the affected media. For example, releases to the air associated with use of radioactive materials are discussed in section 4.10 and releases affecting vegetation are discussed in section 4.9. The workplace use of these materials and associated occupational exposures are discussed in section 4.16 and in Appendices A and C.

In this section, the terms "transfer" and "transferring" refer to intrasite movement of materials, and "shipment" and "shipping" to the movement of materials or waste between sites or to other offsite locations via public roads and highways, or by air. (See Appendix K for more details on hazardous materials transportation at LLNL and SNL, Livermore.)

Tables 4.15-1, 4.15-2, and 4.15-3 provide information on the administrative limits on the amounts of specific radioactive materials present in specific buildings, the quantities of chemicals (both hazardous and nonhazardous) used and/or stored at each of the sites, and the annual generation rates of various categories of waste. Only facilities with significant quantities of radioactive materials are listed in the tables; for a listing of quantities of lesser amounts, see Appendix A. LLNL is currently reducing the plutonium administrative limit for the combined Buildings 332 and 334 from 700 kg to 200 kg, the inventory (actual inventory quantities are classified) being reduced accordingly. The reduction would be accomplished by shipping inventory to an offsite DOE facility and is targeted for completion during FY 1993.

Waste generation levels cannot be predicted with certainty in a research setting because research activities do not involve constant and predictable processes. Because programs and facilities under the proposed action are projected to be similar to existing programs and facilities, it is reasonable to assume that resulting waste streams would also be similar. Therefore, the amounts of wastes generated by LLNL and SNL, Livermore operations under the proposed action are assumed to increase proportional to the increase in gross square footage at the sites. Assumed increase in waste generation in relation to increases in gross square footage are used to conservatively evaluate the impacts of the proposed action and alternatives. This approach does not consider potential reductions in future waste generation from pollution prevention and waste minimization programs, advanced treatment technologies, or reduced operations at significant waste generators.

All chemical inventory and waste generation projections are made on the conservative assumption that the chemical quantities and waste generation rates increase proportionally to the increase in gross square footage of building area at each of the three sites. The "Existing" column of Tables 4.15-1, 4.15-2 and 4.15-3 represents 1990 data that have been projected to the end of FY 1992, thus reflecting the total quantities for the no action alternative.

The "Proposed Action" column projects how these quantities are assumed to change by the end of the 10-year period of the proposed action.

Materials and waste relative to the modification of operations alternative and the shutdown and decommissioning alternative were not quantified, but were evaluated relative to the proposed action. In general, the modification of operations alternative would result in similar quantities to the proposed action. The shutdown and decommissioning alternative would result in an initial increase in waste generation; however, materials used and wastes generated would eventually decrease to near zero.

Because 1990 data are the latest actual figures available for hazardous materials and waste at the LLNL Livermore site, these figures were increased proportional to the 7.5 percent increase in square footage of space that occurred between 1990 and 1992. Similarly, for SNL, Livermore this proportional increase was 3.6 percent for increases in square feet from 1990 to 1992.

The 1990 values of LLNL Livermore site waste generated are as follows: 15,810 gal of liquid low-level radioactive waste, 185,000 lb of solid low-level radioactive waste, 2488 cu ft of solid transuranic waste, 276,800 gal of liquid hazardous waste, 425,500 lb of solid hazardous waste, 6286 gal of liquid low-level radioactive mixed waste, 41,561 lb of solid low-level radioactive mixed waste, and 2400 lb of medical waste. The latest (1990) data for SNL, Livermore waste generated are as follows: 7400 gal of liquid low-level radioactive waste, 8550 lb of solid low-level radioactive waste, 3800 gal of liquid hazardous waste, 6100 lb of solid hazardous waste, 240 lb of liquid low-level radioactive mixed waste, 70 lb of solid low-level radioactive mixed waste, and 120 lb of medical waste.

The chemical baseline in Table 4.15-1 is derived from totals reported in the 1990 Alameda County Hazardous Material Business Plan (LLNL, 1990e). For the LLNL Livermore site, the baseline totals are 195,935 gal of liquid chemicals and 2,114,880 lb of solid chemicals. In Table 4.15-2 the chemical baseline is derived from the San Joaquin County Hazardous Materials Management Plan (LLNL, 1989f). In Table 4.15-3 it is based on an inventory check made in 1991, which includes 3300 gal of liquid chemicals, 6100 lb of solid chemicals, and 190,000 cu ft of compressed gases. As discussed above, the totals have been increased by 7.5 percent for LLNL Livermore site and 3.6 percent for SNL, Livermore to project the 1992 quantities.

For LLNL Site 300, no interim construction occurred between the 1990–1991 data collection period and the FY 1992 baseline. In keeping with the conservative assumption that for purposes of this EIS/EIR materials and wastes increase proportionally to the increase in square footage, the projections in these substances for the proposed action are based on the increases in building space proposed in this document. As described in the proposed action, total growth for the period until the year 2002 is 9 percent for the LLNL Livermore site, 9 percent for LLNL Site 300, and 6 percent for SNL, Livermore. Hence, the materials and waste figures estimated for 1992 are multiplied by these total percentage increases in the proposed action to project the amount of materials and waste associated with completely implementing the proposed action.

Appendix B summarizes all 1990 data that were used as the basis for waste projections. For transuranic waste, 1989 generation rates were used for projections, since only 6 months of 1990 data was available.

The waste generation rates presented in Tables 4.15-1 through 4.15-3 represent a conservative estimate of future waste quantities. The estimates do not consider future reductions in waste generation from state- and DOE-mandated waste minimization programs, advances in waste treatment/processing technologies, or reduced operations at major waste generator facilities (e.g., the Tritium Research Laboratory).

The one area where projecting increases proportional to square footage was not used for assuming increased waste generation was the U-AVLIS program. In this case, estimated waste quantities from the Environmental Assessment performed for U-AVLIS (DOE, 1991a) were added to the projected 1992 baseline quantities at the LLNL Livermore site. U-AVLIS waste quantities included in the existing (FY 1992) volumes presented in Table 4.15-1 were: 5000 gal of liquid radioactive waste; 88,000 lb of solid radioactive waste; 11,000 gal of liquid hazardous waste; 110,000 lb of solid hazardous waste; and 16,200 gal of liquid mixed waste.

Table 4.15-1 LLNL Livermore Site, Overviewh (N/C = No Change from Existing Amounts)

	Existing (FY 1992)	Proposed Action
Gross Square Footage	5,900,000	530,000 (9% increase)
Administrative Limits for Selected Radioactive Materialsa		(Not subject to 9% increase)
Tritium Buildings 298 and 391 (combined) Building 331b	5 mg 300 g	10c g (total)
Plutoniumd Building 251 Buildings 332 and 334 (combined)	2 kg 700 kg	N/C 200 kg
Uranium Building 251 Buildings 332 and 334 Building 493 (natural and depleted)	6 kg 300 kg 80,000 kg	N/C N/C N/C
Chemical Quantitye	(FY 1992 Annual)	(9% increase by 10th year)
Liquid	210,000 gal	19,000 gal
Solidf	2,300,000 lb	210,000 lb
Waste Generatede Radioactiveg	(FY 1992 Annual)	(9% increase by 10th year)
Low-level liquid	22,000 gal	2,000 gal
Low-level solid	287,000 lb	26,000 lb
Transuranic solid	2,700 cu ft	240 cu ft
Hazardous
Liquid	309,000 gal	28,000 gal
Solid	567,000 lb	51,000 lb
Mixed
Liquid	23,000 gal	2,100 gal
Solid	45,000 lb	4,600 lb
Medical	2,600 lb	230 lb

^aThese figures represent radioactive materials administrative limits allowed at selected buildings. Actual inventories may be classified.
^bLimit prior to 1992 was 300 g. Actual inventory as of September 1991 was less than 20 g.
^cNo more than 5 g in any one facility; no more than 10 g among the three buildings.
^dPlutonium 239 or equivalent. This includes other fissile nuclides whose reactivity (for criticality safety purposes) is approximately equivalent to the reactivity of Pu-239.
^eThe projected amounts of chemicals and wastes are based on a 9 percent increase in gross square footage. These projected figures are to be used solely for analyses in this document. They neither take into account that a portion of the proposed gross square footage will be nonlaboratory space and projects replacing other buildings, nor that waste minimization plans, mitigation measures, and other regulatory requirements would limit some impacts.
^fCompressed gases at the LLNL Livermore site are accounted for in total pounds of chemicals recorded at the site.
^gThis table reflects a 9 percent increase in radioactive waste generated under the proposed projects, even though radionuclide quantities under the proposed action may not necessarily reflect the same increase.
^hAppendix B summarizes all 1990 data that were used as the basis for these projections. For transuranic waste, 1989 generation rates were used for projections, since only 6 months of 1990 data was available.

Table 4.15-2 LLNL Site 300, Overviewe (N/C = No Change from Existing Amounts)

	Existing (FY 1992)	Proposed Action
Gross Square Footage	340,000	32,000 (9% increase)
Administrative Limits for Selected Radioactive Materialsa		(Not subject to 9% increase)
Plutonium	15b kg	N/C
Tritium	0	20 mg
Uranium (depleted) (enriched)	No limit 130b kg	N/C N/C
Chemical Quantityc	(FY 1992 Annual)	(9% increase by 10th year)
Liquid	84,000 gal	7,600 gal
Solid	100,000 lb	9,000 lb
Compressed gas	1,900,000 cu ft	171,000 cu ft
Waste Generatedc	(FY 1992 Annual)	(9% increase by 10th year)
Radioactived
Low-level liquid	None	None
Low-level solid	300,000 lb	27,000 lb
Transuranic solid	None	None
Hazardous
Liquid	41,000 gal	3,700 gal
Solid	37,000 lb	3,300 lb
High explosive	4,500 lb	405 lb
Mixed
Liquid	None	None
Solid	2,000 lb	180 lb
Medical	12 lb	1 lb

^a These figures are administrative limits allowed at selected facilities. Actual inventories may be classified.
^b Components containing these materials are sealed and certified; special precautions are taken to ensure no external contamination can occur.
^c The projected amounts of chemicals and wastes reflect a 9 percent increase in gross square footage. They are to be used solely for analyses in this document. They neither take into account that a portion of the proposed gross square footage will be nonlaboratory space, nor that waste minimization plans, mitigation measures, and other regulatory requirements would limit some impacts.
^d This table reflects a 9 percent increase in radioactive waste generated under the proposed projects, even though the actual radioactive inventory under the proposed action may not necessarily reflect the same increase. In addition, the construction of the Contained Firing Facility will greatly reduce the generation of solid low-level radioactive waste, making this projection extremely conservative.
^e Appendix B summarizes all 1990 waste generation data that were used as the basis for these projections.

Table 4.15-3 SNL, Livermore, Overviewg (N/C = No Change from Existing Amounts)

	Existing (FY 1992)	Proposed Action
Gross Square Footage	830,000	50,000 (6% increase)
Administrative Limits for Selected Radioactive Materialsa		(Not subject to 6% increase)
Tritium	50 g	0 g (decrease)
Uranium (depleted)	No limit	N/C
Chemical Quantityb	(FY 1992 Annual)	(6% increase by 10th year)
Liquid	3420c gal	210 gal
Solid	6320c lb	380 lb
Compressed gas	197,000c cu ft	11,900 cu ft
Waste Generatedb Radioactive d	(FY 1992 Annual)	(6% increase by 10th year)f
Low-level liquid	7670 gal	460 gal
Low-level solid	8860 lb	540 lb
Hazardous
Liquid	3940 gal	240 gal
Solid	6320 lb	380 lb
Mixed
Liquide	250 lb	15 lb
Solid	73 lb	4 lb
Medical	124 lb	7 lb

^a These figures represent administrative limits allowed onsite. Actual inventories of these materials may be lower than the amount stated.
^b The projected amounts of chemicals and wastes reflect a 6 percent increase in gross square footage. These projected figures are used solely for analyses in this document. They neither take into account that a portion of the proposed gross square footage will be nonlaboratory space, nor that waste minimization plans, mitigation measures, and other regulatory requirements would limit some impacts.
^c These figures represent totals of representative chemicals onsite. They were selected as representative because they are typical of types of chemicals existing onsite. This list is based on an inventory check conducted in 1991. They do not represent total sitewide chemical inventories.
^d This table reflects a 6 percent increase in radioactive waste generated under the proposed projects, even though the radionuclide inventory is not expected to increase.
^e Quantities represent pounds of scintillation cocktails that are shipped offsite for incineration at a permitted treatment facility.
^f In addition to this projected 6 percent increase by the tenth year, the decommissioning of the Tritium Research Laboratory would result in a one-time generation of waste. These wastes are conservatively estimated as 100,000 lb of low-level and 310 gal of low level mixed wastes. (See Appendix A, section A.3.5.3 for details.)
^g Appendix B summarizes all 1990 waste generation data that were used as the basis for these projections.

4.15.1 Materials Management

4.15.1.1 Regulatory Setting

LLNL and SNL, Livermore operations regarding materials management are conducted pursuant to DOE Orders and to various applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. There is regulatory oversight by various federal, state, and local agencies.

4.15.1.2 Radioactive, Controlled, and Hazardous Materials Management

LLNL Livermore Site

Radionuclide Inventories

LLNL uses radioactive materials in a wide variety of operations including scientific and weapons research and development, diagnostic research, research on the properties of materials, and isotope separation. A listing of selected facility inventory administrative limits for fissile materials and tritium is included in Table 4.15-1. An administrative limit is the total amount of certain materials allowed in a specific building at the Laboratory. Actual inventories may be classified:

• Currently LLNL's Building 331, the Hydrogen Research Facility, has an administrative limit for tritium of 300 g and an inventory of less than 20 g. Under the proposed action, the administrative limit would be reduced from 300 g to 5 g, with the inventory reduced accordingly. A portion of the tritium operations in Building 331 might be moved to Building 298, the Fusion Target Fabrication Facility, and to Building 391, the Inertial Confinement Fusion Facility (known as the NOVA-Upgrade/National Ignition Facility). The three buildings would have a combined administrative limit of 10 g with no more than 5 g in any one building. For these facilities, the administrative limit would therefore be reduced from 300 g in one facility (Building 331) to 10 g total among three facilities (Buildings 298, 331, and 391).
• LLNL is currently reducing the plutonium administrative limit for the combined Buildings 332 and 334 from 700 kg to 200 kg, with the inventory (actual inventory quantities are classified) being reduced accordingly. The reduction would be accomplished by shipping inventory to an offsite DOE facility and is targeted for completion during FY 1993.
• The administrative limit for uranium in Building 493 limits the inventory to 80,000 kg.

Chemical Inventories

LLNL uses various chemicals in conducting its programs. Because a wide variety of research and development projects are performed, the amounts and concentrations of chemicals vary. These range from laboratory reagents to photographic chemicals, organic solvents, metals, pesticides, etc. Most research operations use small quantities of a wide variety of chemicals; however, in some operations chemicals are used in large quantities. Table 4.15-1 gives chemical inventories for the LLNL Livermore site based on an actual inventory conducted in 1990, pursuant to preparing the Alameda County Hazardous Material Business Plan. Because of the changing nature of work conducted onsite and a 7.5 percent increase in facility space since 1990, the original inventory amounts were scaled upward in proportion to the increase in space. Thus, the list should not be construed as exhaustive but does represent the types of materials found at the site. Approximately 210,000 gal and 2.3 million lb of chemicals are stored on the LLNL Livermore site⁽²⁾.

Onsite Receipt and Distribution

For health and safety, environmental protection, security, strategic importance, monetary value, or programmatic urgency reasons, LLNL classifies certain materials as controlled materials. Some of these materials are also classified as hazardous. Examples of controlled materials include explosives, radioactive materials, special nuclear materials, classified substances and parts, and precious metals.

Hazardous materials must enter LLNL through the Receiving Group of the Supply and Distribution Department. Controlled materials are delivered directly to Materials Management Control points. Materials Management will deliver controlled materials to users only when approved safety and security procedures exist. Some Department of Transportation Class C explosives, such as detonators, are received at Materials Management control points on the LLNL Livermore site.

Onsite Transfers

Onsite management of radioactive, controlled, and hazardous materials is divided between the Materials Management Division, within the Safeguards and Security Department, which is responsible for controlled materials, including radioactive materials and explosives, and the Materials Distribution Division, within the Supply and Distribution Department, which is responsible for the receipt, storage, and transfer of hazardous materials. With the exception of controlled materials, the Materials Distribution Division handles all onsite receipt, storage, transfer, and shipment of hazardous materials (LLNL, 1991h). The Supply and Distribution Department and Materials Management Division ensure that materials are properly packaged, labeled, marked, and documented for both onsite transfer and offsite shipment. (The hazardous and radioactive materials categories and individual division responsibilities for transportation are discussed more extensively in Appendix K.)

In 1990, LLNL established the Hazardous Materials Packaging and Transportation Safety Committee to improve management of hazardous material transportation (LLNL, 1990c). The committee developed the LLNL Onsite Packaging and Transportation Safety Manual (LLNL, 1991p), which summarizes all major onsite transportation procedures and requirements in a single comprehensive document. Additionally, the Hazardous Material Packaging and Transportation Safety Committee initiates internal reviews of packaging and transportation activities.

LLNL onsite transfer of hazardous materials is subject to DOE Orders. In most cases these orders and related requirements provide safety procedures are equivalent to the DOT offsite shipment transport regulations (e.g., containment, communication, and control).

LLNL receives radioactive materials at the receiving area of the Supply and Distribution Department or the Materials Management Division control points. For example, special nuclear material is received directly at the vaults of the Materials Management Division. Those radioactive materials received through the Supply and Distribution Department are subsequently transferred to the Materials Management Division, which is responsible for control of these materials and their onsite transportation between buildings. Radioactive materials are stored in vaults under the control of the Materials Management Division until their transfer to the facilities where they will be used. At these individual facilities, all radioactive materials not currently being used are stored in secured areas. Radioactive materials are classified as controlled materials. Controlled materials are discussed further in section 4.15.1.3.

The Hazards Control Department, along with the Hazardous Materials Packaging and Transportation Safety Committee, develops, maintains, and provides guidance in applying safety standards for onsite transfer of hazardous and radioactive materials. Department personnel monitor both radioactive and hazardous materials for surface contamination and safety before onsite transfers (LLNL, 1991p). The Materials Management Division establishes specific procedures for onsite transfer of controlled, including radioactive, materials.

The Materials Distribution Division and the Materials Management Division move explosives on, and between, the LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300. For LLNL Site 300 onsite movement of explosives, only qualified explosives handlers may handle explosives, and each operating group is responsible for transporting explosives under its control.

Vehicles transferring hazardous and radioactive materials onsite are marked with warning signs and equipped with safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and radiation detectors. The Automotive Fleet Group within the Business Services Department regularly inspects and maintains these vehicles. Additionally, divisions planning to use these vehicles must perform their own safety inspections before use. Users may transport small quantities of hazardous materials by hand or in qualified vehicles to facilities for use. When this is done, users must follow all LLNL requirements for hazardous materials transportation and know accidental spill response procedures.

Offsite Shipment

LLNL has a central system for recording all offsite shipments of hazardous and radioactive materials. This system and an LLNL-oversight checklist ensure that shipments and documentation of transportation practices comply with applicable regulations and DOE Orders. The Traffic Management Section of the Supply and Distribution Department reviews all shipments of materials before shipment and ensures that the carrier is properly certified to transport hazardous or radioactive materials. LLNL conducts regular internal and external audits, and inspections and reviews of the Traffic Management Section's duties. These audits enable LLNL to identify environmental, health, and safety concerns and associated causes, and necessary corrective actions. Special shipments by DOE courier are separate from traffic management duties and are controlled through the Materials Management Division.

Proper packaging of hazardous and radioactive materials for transportation provides significant safeguards against accidental spills and releases. LLNL has a quality assurance plan for procurement of hazardous and radioactive materials shipping containers. Hazardous materials are shipped in containers meeting DOE and DOT requirements. Radioactive materials are shipped in containers certified to meet equivalent DOT and DOE requirements for normal and accident transportation conditions. (Appendix K discusses specific container types used at LLNL.)

In addition, DOT regulations require marking and labeling hazardous materials packages and containers, and placarding of transport vehicles. Should an accident occur, placards allow emergency response personnel to immediately identify hazards. Proper placarding is the responsibility of both the shipper and the carrier. Shipping papers, describing the hazardous or radioactive material and certifying that the shipment meets applicable DOT requirements, must accompany hazardous materials shipments.

Hazardous materials are shipped to and from the LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300 over public roads and highways, and, in limited cases, via public airports. The federal government develops transportation regulations, enforces these regulations (with state assistance), provides emergency response assistance to transportation accidents involving hazardous materials, and collects data and performs analyses on transportation of hazardous materials (Office of Technology Assessment, 1986).

In California, the California Highway Patrol regulates the transportation of hazardous materials pursuant to 13 C.C.R. sections 1 to 6.5. The California regulations incorporate by reference portions of the DOT regulations (49 C.F.R. sections 100–179, 393). The California Highway Patrol has approved routes, stopping places, and rules of the road (13 C.C.R.,Chapter 6) for transportation of explosives. Most LLNL explosives shipments occur between the LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300. There are two approved explosives routes between these two sites: the first is through Corral Hollow Road (west), Tesla Road, and Greenville Road. The second is through Corral Hollow Road (east), I-580, and Greenville Road. The first route encounters less traffic, and is therefore preferred.

All explosives shipped offsite are packaged in DOT-approved containers, or containers meeting equivalent DOT and NRC standards, bearing appropriate DOT labels. Drivers of vehicles carrying explosives receive training that meets DOT requirements (49 C.F.R. 390–397) in general explosives handling safety precautions and specialized explosives transportation. Before being loaded with Class A or B explosives for shipments on public highways, a properly equipped motor vehicle must be inspected and approved by qualified personnel using an approved inspection checklist, which is then carried by the driver. Every vehicle transporting explosives carries specialized emergency equipment, including fire extinguishers and two-way radios.

LLNL Site 300

Radionuclide Inventories

A listing of facility inventory administrative limits for fissile materials and tritium is included in Table 4.15-2. Tritium uses at LLNL Site 300 firing tables would resume under the proposed action with an administrative limit of 20 mg.

Chemical Inventories

Chemical inventories for LLNL Site 300, listed in Table 4.15-2, are based on an actual inventory conducted in 1990 (LLNL, 1990e). This list, however, should not be construed as exhaustive, but does represent the types of materials found at the site. At LLNL Site 300, approximately 84,000 gal, 100,000 lb of chemicals, and 1.9 million cu ft of compressed gas are stored.

Onsite Receipt and Distribution

All controlled hazardous materials received at LLNL Site 300 are handled by the Controlled Materials Group. Explosives are received and repackaged at Building 818 for transfer in LLNL-approved containers. As at the LLNL Livermore site, hazardous materials, including explosives, arriving at LLNL Site 300 are required to meet DOT requirements. The onsite distribution must adhere to the same DOE requirements as for the LLNL Livermore site.

Onsite Transfer

All controlled materials to be transferred onsite are moved by the Controlled Materials Group. Explosives are transferred by personnel qualified to handle explosives according to requirements enumerated in the LLNL Safety and Operations Manual. Transfers must be made in explosives-qualified vehicles and drivers must adhere to the site speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Additional information on transportation of high explosives is provided in Appendix K.

Offsite Shipment

Shipments of hazardous materials from LLNL Site 300 must comply with the same DOT, DOE, and state packaging requirements as shipments from the LLNL Livermore site. Table 4.15-2 lists inventories or administrative limits for all existing facilities. Also included is a projection of the estimated inventories under the proposed action.

SNL, Livermore

Radionuclide Inventory Limits

Like LLNL, SNL, Livermore uses radioactive materials as calibration and radiation sources and in a wide variety of operations including scientific and weapons research and development, diagnostic research, and research on the properties of materials. Tritium and uranium give the highest hazard ranking to buildings that house them. SNL, Livermore's tritium administrative limit is 50 g. There are approximately 3000 kg of uranium onsite. These figures are included in Table 4.15-3.

Chemical Inventories

The types and quantities of chemicals used at SNL, Livermore in performing research and testing in support of its programs are varied. The amounts and concentrations of chemicals vary with the research conducted. They range from laboratory reagents to photographic chemicals, organic solvents, metals, pesticides, etc. The representative chemical inventory onsite is 3420 gal, 6320 lb, and 197,000 cu ft. These chemicals were selected because they are typical of what exists onsite at any given time. This list is based on an inventory check conducted in 1991 (and projected to 1992), but because of the changing nature of work conducted onsite, it is not to be construed as exhaustive.

Table 4.15-3 provides an overview of the total sitewide administrative limits for tritium and uranium radionuclides, representative inventories of chemicals, and waste generation rates. Also included is a projection of the estimated inventories, administrative limits, and generation rates under the proposed action.

Onsite Receipt and Distribution

Hazardous and radioactive materials, except explosives, are received onsite through the SNL, Livermore Property Management Division, which is responsible for transferring these materials to onsite programs and facilities. Bulk compressed gas is received at Building 918 and then distributed to a requesting organization. Outbound compressed gas containers must also go through this facility.

In 1990, SNL, Livermore reorganized its administration of materials packaging and transportation, creating several new divisions to ensure adequate self-assessments and independent oversight to meet the requirements of DOE Orders 5480.1 and 5482.1B. Additionally, SNL, Livermore instituted an oversight program to ensure that line organizations comply with DOE and SNL, Livermore hazardous material policies and procedures. Hazardous materials handlers and delivery personnel must undergo training in the hazards and safety procedures related to the types of materials with which they work (Yourick et al., 1989). SNL, Livermore requires its vendors and suppliers to adhere to all relevant onsite health and safety regulations; for example, the labeling of cryogenic (very low temperature) storage tanks onsite (SNL, Livermore, 1991c).

Consistent with this reorganization, SNL, Livermore instituted a comprehensive training program for hazardous material packaging and transportation, providing job task analysis, individual training records, acceptable performance standards, and frequency-of-training requirements. Additionally, a training database was developed to track past and future training session attendance and to identify future training needs. SNL, Livermore has also prepared a hazardous materials quality assurance plan addressing onsite transportation and handling of hazardous materials. The plan details improvements in procedures such as proper grounding of flammable liquid drums, cargo loading, and securing loads (SNL, Livermore, 1991c).

To ensure compliance with DOE Order 5480.3 regarding preparation, packaging, and transporting offsite shipments of hazardous materials, SNL, Livermore developed a Transportation Safety Manual (SNL, Livermore, 1991j). This manual identifies responsibilities, lines of authority, and program approval procedures. The manual further defines minimum safe packaging and training requirements, compliance with regulatory vehicle standards, and driver qualifications for the transport of hazardous materials. It also provides information about emergency response procedures (SNL, Livermore, 1991j).

SNL, Livermore has detailed onsite transportation procedures (SNL, Livermore, 1991c) in addition to those included in the Transportation Safety Manual (SNL, Livermore, 1991j) for transferring hazardous materials and wastes. These procedures are consistent with federal regulations and DOE Orders for offsite shipment of hazardous materials and wastes, including proper packaging of materials or wastes; marking the outside of the packaging; labeling the outside of the packaging, whenever possible, with a proper DOT label; documenting the movement with proper records; and placarding transport vehicles.

Offsite Shipment

SNL, Livermore revised its quality assurance plan along with the supporting procedures to include offsite and onsite packaging and shipping. Adherence to the quality assurance plan is verified by a series of internal audits of the packaging and transportation programs (SNL, Livermore, 1991c). The telephone system at the SNL, Livermore Security Control Center was upgraded to accommodate up to six emergency response, law enforcement, or other appropriate personnel in one conference call, thereby increasing communication capabilities to respond to a transportation emergency involving hazardous materials.

The shipping of explosives is monitored by the California Highway Patrol. Furthermore, DOE Orders require compliance with all DOT regulations regarding packaging, labeling, shipping documentation, and transportation requirements (49 C.F.R. 100–179). Specific vehicles are dedicated for transporting explosives and are equipped according to DOE Explosives Manual requirements. Each vehicle must be inspected by the operator before use and inspected monthly by the section supervisor. Records are kept of these inspections. Additionally, different materials must be compatible to be transported on the same vehicle.

4.15.1.3 Controlled Materials

For health and safety, environmental protection, security, strategic importance, monetary value, or programmatic urgency reasons, LLNL and SNL, Livermore classify certain materials as controlled materials. Some of these materials are also hazardous. Examples of controlled materials include explosives, radioactive materials, special nuclear materials, classified substances and parts, and precious metals.

Safe, secure transports (SSTs) are used by DOE for offsite shipment of classified special nuclear materials, including classified devices. These transports have "built-in deterrent and disabling devices and special electronically coded locks set in vault-like doors" (DOE, 1988a). These transports are operated by specially selected and trained personnel and must comply with DOE and DOT requirements for shipment of special nuclear materials.

LLNL

The Materials Management Division at LLNL provides effective control of and accountability for controlled materials, including nuclear materials, radioactive and classified parts, mock and actual high explosives, precious metals, and wastes of these materials, as directed by DOE. The Materials Management Division provides Laboratory management with timely and accurate information regarding the movement, characteristics, and locations of controlled materials in the Laboratory's possession (LLNL, 1989d). This accountability extends to providing procedures, guidance, and advice on the assaying and proper disposition of controlled materials, and preparing the required DOE reports (LLNL, 1989b).

SNL, Livermore

SNL, Livermore has a program to manage receipt, transfer, storage, and shipment of controlled materials.

At SNL, Livermore, the Property Management Division is responsible for the control, movement, documentation, and tracking of controlled materials. All controlled nuclear materials, except mechanical component assemblies containing explosives, are received through this division, which accounts for these materials as they are transferred to onsite programs and facilities.

The Property Management Division is responsible for maintaining accountability for controlled materials beginning with onsite receipt of the materials, transfer to onsite program facilities, and offsite shipments; for providing procedures, guidance, and advice on shipping and proper disposition of controlled material, including accountable nuclear materials classified as expendable nonrecyclable wastes; and for providing the required DOE reports.

The Safety Programs Department physically handles all explosive materials. Class A explosives are received by qualified explosives handlers in the Health and Safety Division at Building 981. Class B and C explosives may be received at Building 928 for later pickup by explosives handlers. All explosives are packaged for shipment by explosives handlers only in authorized explosives areas. The Property Management Division maintains accountability records for explosives containing controlled nuclear materials; the Safety Programs Department is accountable for those that do not.

The Health Protection Department assays waste packages containing controlled materials and radioactive components. Personnel in the Health Protection Department assay for tritium in materials that are shipped offsite.

4.15.1.4 Nonhazardous Materials

LLNL Livermore Site

The Central Stores, Building 411, is located in the southeast quadrant of the LLNL Livermore site. This 69,598-sq-ft building is managed by the Supply and Distribution Department and handles all onsite receiving and storage and offsite shipment of materials (LLNL, 1991h). Material deliveries (nonhazardous, hazardous, and radioactive) are received here and sorted, and specially ordered materials are forwarded to the requesting program. Standard (nonhazardous) supply items are placed in the storage area in Building 411 and program representatives can obtain needed material from Central Stores.

LLNL Site 300

The Central Stores, Building 875, is located in the General Services Area, near the main entrance. This building, which is managed by the Supply and Distribution Department, handles all onsite receiving and storage and offsite shipment of materials. Building 875 fills the same role at LLNL Site 300 as Building 411 at the LLNL Livermore site.

SNL, Livermore

The general warehouse area, which includes general stores in Building 928, is located at the east end of the technical area. The warehouse is approximately 25,000 sq ft in area and handles the receiving and shipping for SNL, Livermore as well as general stores products and some storage. Building 928 serves the same functions for SNL, Livermore as Building 411 for the LLNL Livermore site.

4.15.1.5 Decontamination of Equipment and Facilities

LLNL

At LLNL, decontamination of equipment and facilities must be done in accordance with Laboratory safety procedures which in turn are based on DOE orders and other federal and State of California laws and guidelines. It is also the policy of LLNL that decontamination of equipment must be managed in a safe manner to assure the protection of employees. Until 1989, Building 419 served as a size reduction and solidification facility where equipment could be decontaminated and returned to service. However, Building 419 was removed from service in 1989.

Since 1989, decontamination of equipment is done at the facility where the equipment is located, provide that no hazardous waste treatment is performed as part of this process. Equipment that cannot be decontaminated is reduced in size, if necessary, and disposed of through waste management procedures. Size reduction for large pieces of equipment (e.g., gloveboxes, pumps, machining tools, and tanks) contaminated with hazardous and/or mixed waste or hazardous chemical constituents can be done in Building 612. These pieces of equipment may be vacuumed, wiped down, or steam cleaned to remove residual contaminants. The equipment is then dismantled using, for example, a plasma arc or a cutoff saw, or is taken apart with handtools. Contaminated areas of equipment exposed during dismantling are vacuumed or wiped down. Equipment contaminated with transuranic radionuclides such as plutonium is not decontaminated and, when removed from service, is managed as transuranic waste.

SNL, Livermore

At SNL, Livermore, which also follows Laboratory safety procedures based on DOE orders and other federal and State of California laws and guidelines, contaminated equipment must be decontaminated by the Environmental Protection staff before it can be serviced or used in a nonhazardous capacity. During this process, a polyethylene tank is used as a catch basin for rinse water which is subsequently pumped into drums, analyzed, and disposed of according to waste management requirements. If equipment cannot be decontaminated it is disposed of through the waste management procedures (SNL, Livermore, 1990c).

The decontamination and decommissioning of the Tritium Research Laboratory described in Appendix A, section A.3.5.3, is planned to be performed over a 3-year period, and will be completed in accordance with appropriate DOE Orders and federal and state of California laws and guidelines (see Appendix A, Decommissioning Tritium Research Laboratory, Fiscal Year 1994).

4.15.1.6 Excess Properties Salvage and Reclamation

Both LLNL and SNL, Livermore follow a similar process for the disposal of excess equipment through a policy of making this property available for other needs at the Laboratories, or to other federal and state agencies, or to be sold to reduce the cost of the Laboratories' operations. For example, at LLNL items will be appropriately screened for radiation and contamination prior to being sent to the Storage, Excess and Recycling Group for disposition. The LLNL custodian is responsible for providing an explanation of the condition of the item on an Excess Equipment Card and making arrangements for delivery of the items to Storage, Excess and Recycling.

Storage, Excess and Recycling is responsible for screening, reutilization, and disposition of items declared excess to the needs of the Laboratory.

Excess items are made available to groups within the Laboratory and to other DOE agencies, other federal agencies, to other public (non-federal) agencies, or to private agencies in the following sequence:

• Reutilization availability is announced simultaneously for 30 days to:

• Laboratory organizations
• DOE offices and contractors

• Following the 30-day wait, the Energy-Related Laboratory Equipment Program is notified that the item is available. If they choose it (normally laboratory equipment only), it is screened for an additional 60 days with universities, colleges, and other nonprofit educational institutions.
• Following the above waiting periods, the item is listed with the General Services Administration for 60 days. At this point, other federal agencies can request title and accountability for the item to be transferred to them.
• Following the General Services Administration screening period, the item is subject to a 21-day donation screening by the General Services Administration with non-federal agencies and private agencies.

Items not requested for reutilization are sold after completing the excess screening process. Disposition of surplus items can be accomplished by public sales (including auctions and Laboratory sales) or by scrap or salvage sales to vendors.

The excess and recycling operations use approximately 15, 850 sq ft of covered space and 10,000 sq ft of outside area.

4.15.2 Waste Management

This section describes waste generation, waste management practices, treatment/storage facilities at LLNL and SNL, Livermore, and offsite disposal of waste from these facilities. The waste generation rates presented in this section represent actual 1990 data based upon LLNL and SNL, Livermore records (see Appendix B). The 1990 quantities were then used to project the existing FY 1992 generation rates, as described earlier. The waste quantities discussed include radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and medical wastes. In this section and throughout this report, waste generated as a result of environmental restoration investigations (e.g., contaminated soil cuttings from well drilling) at the Laboratories during 1990 are included as part of the hazardous waste quantities. Appreciable waste quantities resulting from planned environmental restoration clean-up activities at the Laboratories are not anticipated, and therefore have not been quantified for the baseline or future waste projections. The Laboratories anticipate using in situ techniques for cleanup of large quantities of soil, while ground water would be treated onsite and discharged in accordance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits. Quantities of residual wastes, such as spent carbon from treatment units, are expected to be insignificant relative to current hazardous waste generation rates and should therefore be bounded by the conservative assumptions used to project waste quantities for the proposed action and no action alternatives.

Generally, at both Laboratories, wastes generated at individual buildings are accumulated at the point of generation. At LLNL, these wastes (with the exception of medical waste) are then transferred to waste accumulation areas where hazardous and mixed wastes may be stored for up to 90 days. At SNL, Livermore, waste accumulation areas are at the generator facilities. Wastes are collected from waste accumulation areas or retention tanks by hazardous waste technicians. The wastes are then transferred to onsite waste management facilities for treatment, storage, and/or preparation for offsite disposal. Hazardous wastes are either stored onsite before offsite shipment or shipped directly from the point of generation to various permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Low-level and transuranic radioactive wastes are currently being stored awaiting shipment to the Nevada Test Site or other DOE-approved disposal facility for storage or disposal. Mixed wastes are being stored pending availability of an approved disposal option. Medical wastes are typically collected at the generator facility before being treated onsite or shipped offsite for treatment and disposal.

4.15.2.1 Regulatory Setting

Management of hazardous, radioactive, mixed, and medical wastes generated at LLNL and SNL, Livermore is pursuant to applicable DOE Orders and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. For more details regarding the statutes and regulations and the agencies that enforce them, see Appendix B, Table B-2. As summarized in Appendix B, section B.2, LLNL and SNL, Livermore waste management programs implement sitewide plans and operating practices to comply with regulatory requirements.

Waste Generation

LLNL Livermore Site and LLNL Site 300

In addition to solid nonhazardous refuse, LLNL generates five categories of waste: radioactive, hazardous, mixed, medical, and nonsewerable industrial wastewater (as defined in Appendix B). Nonhazardous and uncontaminated refuse is collected and disposed of in a sanitary landfill. For more information on this type of waste, see sections 4.4 and 5.1.3. Four of these categories are listed in Tables 4.15-1 and 4.15-2: radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and medical. Nonsewerable industrial wastewater is waste that contains constituents at concentrations too high to allow discharge to the sanitary sewer but does not meet the criteria to be designated as hazardous waste. This waste is managed as hazardous waste by the Laboratory. Liquid effluents with contaminants below limits specified by the City of Livermore are released to the City of Livermore sewer system. Medical waste consists of biohazardous waste and sharps waste (needles, blades, and glass slides). For a more detailed description of medical waste, see Appendix B.

At LLNL the individual waste generators (e.g., researchers in various laboratories) and the waste management staff are responsible for waste management. Generators must segregate, identify, characterize, separate, package, label, document, and transfer waste to designated waste accumulation areas (LLNL, 1989b). Waste management staff assist the generators in many of the above activities and manage wastes from pickup to disposal.

LLNL strives to minimize wastes, particularly hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes, whenever possible. LLNL uses three methods for reducing waste generation: source reduction, recycling, and treatment (LLNL, 1990h). Appendix B gives details relative to waste minimization efforts at LLNL.

SNL, Livermore

SNL, Livermore generates the same five categories of waste as does LLNL: radioactive, hazardous, mixed, medical, and industrial nonsewerable wastewater. The radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and medical wastes generated onsite are summarized in Table 4.15-3. Nonsewerable industrial wastes are managed as hazardous waste. For a more detailed description, including definitions of waste types and waste management terminology, see Appendix B.

At SNL, Livermore, waste generator responsibilities are the same as at LLNL. They are responsible for the characterization, segregation, packaging, and proper labeling of their waste. The SNL, Livermore waste management staff manage waste from pickup to disposal (SNL, Livermore, 1991c). SNL, Livermore has had and continues to have an active waste minimization and recycling program for radioactive and hazardous waste. In addition, a Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Program, as required by DOE Order 5400.1, is being implemented by line management at SNL, Livermore. This program, which relies on source reduction and recycling, establishes goals for reduction in RCRA- and California-regulated hazardous waste and solid waste over a 3-year period.

4.15.2.2 Radioactive Waste

DOE regulates LLNL and SNL, Livermore radioactive wastes pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, through DOE Order 5820.2A and other related DOE Orders.

Radioactive waste is material containing radionuclides regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. Radioactive waste generated at the Laboratories is classified as either transuranic (LLNL only) or low-level. Transuranic waste is material contaminated with alpha-emitting radionuclides of atomic number greater than 92 and with half-lives greater than 20 years in concentrations greater than 100 nanocuries per gram. Transuranic waste is generated at LLNL from plutonium and other transuranic isotopes used in nuclear weapons research and development. Low-level waste is radioactive material not classified as high-level waste, transuranic waste, spent nuclear fuel, or specified byproduct material, as defined by DOE Order 5820.2A (DOE, 1988d).

DOE Order 5820.2A permits onsite storage of low-level and transuranic wastes until appropriate disposal becomes available. Currently, there are no regulatory restrictions on the length of time this waste may be stored onsite, provided that disposal or offsite storage options are being pursued and the waste is stored in accordance with all applicable regulations. Transuranic wastes would eventually go to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) when that facility completes a 5-year test phase. Meanwhile, the Nevada Test Site is the designated interim storage site for these wastes, but will accept only waste certified according to the WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria. Waste acceptance criteria establish procedures and requirements for the safe shipment, storage, and disposal of transuranic and low-level waste at a disposal site.

Available storage space for low-level and transuranic waste is limited by exposure considerations (i.e., radiation exposure to personnel) at a given storage location. However, radioactive wastes, unlike RCRA-regulated wastes, can be stored at various locations onsite provided that the waste is properly packaged, labeled, and monitored. Both LLNL and SNL, Livermore have sufficient space available to accommodate storage of radioactive wastes until disposal at the Nevada Test Site (low-level waste) or the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (transuranic waste) becomes available. Tables 4.15-1 and 4.15-2 provide a breakdown of the types of wastes generated at the LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300. Table 4.15-3 provides a breakdown of the types of wastes generated at SNL, Livermore.

LLNL Livermore Site

Radioactive Waste Generation

LLNL generates low-level and transuranic radioactive wastes from its research activities. In 1990, the LLNL Livermore site generated approximately 185,000 lb of solid low-level radioactive waste such as gloves, absorbent paper, plastics, glass, and other solid materials contaminated with low-level radioactive materials. Of the 185,000 lb, approximately 136,280 lb were generated from operations in Buildings 332, 331, 175, 419, 321C, and 332B. The primary radionuclides in wastes from these buildings were plutonium-239, uranium-238, thorium-232, and mixed fission products. The remaining 48,720 lb were generated from operations located in buildings throughout the site (LLNL, 1991h). For further details see Appendix B.

In 1990, the LLNL Livermore site also generated approximately 15,810 gal of liquid low-level radioactive waste. Of this, approximately 14,220 gal were generated from operations in Buildings 235, 151, 251, and 361 (this includes wastes in retention tanks). The primary radionuclides in wastes from these buildings were uranium-238, americium-241, californium-250, and mixed fission products (LLNL, 1991m). The remaining 1590 gal were generated from operations in buildings dispersed throughout the site. For further details see Appendix B.

In 1989, the most recent full year for which figures are available, the LLNL Livermore site generated approximately 2500 cu ft of transuranic waste. Approximately 95 percent of this waste is contaminated with americium-241 and plutonium isotopes, including plutonium-238, plutonium-239, plutonium-240, plutonium-241, and plutonium-242. Nearly all transuranic waste originates in the Plutonium Facility (Building 332) and the Heavy Element Facility (Building 251) (LLNL, 1991s).

Radioactive Waste Management

Pursuant to applicable regulations and orders, radioactive wastes are treated and/or stored at the Building 514 Complex and the Building 612 Complex, both in the southeast corner of the LLNL Livermore site. The Building 514 complex contains processing equipment and storage areas for radioactive liquids. The Building 612 Complex contains solid radioactive waste processing equipment and storage for radioactive wastes (LLNL, 1989e). See Appendix B for a complete description of these facilities.

Transport of low-level radioactive wastes between the LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300 must comply with DOE and DOT packaging requirements (DOE Order 5480.3 and 49 C.F.R. section 173). Transuranic radioactive wastes (see Appendix B) must meet additional packaging and certification requirements to qualify for long-term storage and eventual disposal at a DOE-licensed facility. These requirements are described in LLNL's TRU Wastes Certification Program (LLNL, 1987) and in the Nevada Test Site's waste acceptance criteria (DOE, 1988c). Currently, LLNL is developing a waste certification plan that meet these requirements for submittal to DOE. Until this plan is approved by the Nevada Test Site, radioactive waste is stored onsite.

LLNL Site 300

Radioactive Waste Generation

Approximately 300,000 lb of low-level radioactive waste were generated in 1990 (LLNL, 1991o). No liquid radioactive waste is generated at LLNL Site 300. Most LLNL Site 300 solid low-level radioactive waste is generated from the non-nuclear detonation of test assemblies on firing tables. Gravel and debris from these tables is handled as low-level radioactive waste. Currently, LLNL Site 300 low-level radioactive waste contains depleted uranium and small quantities of other radionuclides. Historically, firing table operations have periodically generated waste containing tritium, and this would likely continue.

Radioactive Waste Management

At LLNL Site 300, radioactive wastes are stored in Building 804 in the east firing area before transfer to LLNL Livermore site waste management facilities. Wastes are currently stored indefinitely pending approval of the NTS low-level waste certification plan as described above.

SNL, Livermore

Radioactive Waste Generation

SNL, Livermore generates only low-level radioactive waste at its facilities. In 1990, SNL, Livermore generated approximately 8550 lb of low-level radioactive solid waste, over 80 percent of which was tritium-contaminated materials, generated mostly at the Tritium Research Laboratory (Building 968). The remainder was depleted uranium (uranium-238) contaminated material (SNL, Livermore, 1990f).

In 1990, SNL, Livermore generated approximately 7400 gal of low-level radioactive liquid waste. This waste consisted of tritiated water from the Tritium Research Laboratory and was evaporated at an evaporator permitted by the EPA and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Other wastes typically generated at SNL, Livermore from weapons-related research and other research activities include tritium and uranium-238–contaminated oils and tritium-contaminated acids not containing heavy metals. Over 90 percent of radioactively contaminated liquids are generated at the Tritium Research Laboratory (SNL, Livermore, 1990f).

Radioactive Waste Management

Preparation of radioactive wastes for offsite transportation occurs at the Waste Management Facility (Building 961), where wastes are properly packaged, marked, and labeled according to DOT and EPA regulations. Some solid radioactive wastes are compacted or decontaminated and stored at Building 961, which has a waste compactor to reduce the volume of compatible low-level waste. All liquid waste requiring offsite disposal is solidified at the generation point before acceptance by the waste management staff at Building 961 (SNL, Livermore, 1990c). Currently, as described in the LLNL section above, radioactive wastes are stored until approval of Nevada Test Site waste certification plans allowing shipment to the Nevada Test Site. The certification plan and application to ship low-level radioactive waste for disposal at the Nevada Test Site has been filed by SNL, Livermore.

SNL, Livermore is currently conducting recycling programs for its radioactive wastes (SNL, Livermore, 1991m): tritium used at the Tritium Research Laboratory is recaptured and recycled to the maximum extent possible; and water effluent with tritium concentrations in excess of permitted levels is packaged in an AL-M1 container and shipped offsite for eventual recycling.

Additional information on radioactive waste generation, treatment, storage, and disposal at LLNL and SNL, Livermore is presented in Appendix B.

4.15.2.3 Hazardous Wastes

The treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste and the hazardous components of mixed waste at LLNL and SNL, Livermore are regulated by the EPA. Additionally, hazardous wastes are regulated by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

LLNL Livermore Site

Hazardous Waste Generation

Almost all buildings at the LLNL Livermore site generate hazardous wastes, ranging from common household items such as fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and lead-based paint to solvents, metals, cyanides, toxic organics, pesticides, asbestos, and polychlorinated biphenyls. Information on hazardous waste generation by building is contained in Appendices A and B.

In 1990, the LLNL Livermore site generated approximately 425,500 lb of solid hazardous waste. About 50 percent, 216,000 lb, was generated by operations in Buildings 511, 222, 241, 321, 231, 361, 431, 141, and 321C. The remaining 209,500 lb of solid hazardous waste were generated by operations in many buildings dispersed around the site. In 1990, the LLNL Livermore site also generated approximately 276,800 gal of liquid hazardous waste. About 70 percent, 195,500 gal, was generated by operations in Buildings 141, 325, 222, 322, 418, 175, 321, and 492 (LLNL, 1991h). The remaining 81,300 gal of liquid hazardous waste were generated by operations in many buildings throughout the LLNL Livermore site. The site generates only small quantities of compressed waste gases annually. For more details, see Appendix B.

Onsite, LLNL transports containers of hazardous solid wastes primarily on flatbed trucks. Large quantities of liquids are transported in portable tanks, ranging in size from 330 to 1100 gal, on flatbed trucks or in steel-lined tank trucks. Trucks with self-contained pumps transfer temporarily stored wastewater from sumps or tanks. Appendix K summarizes requirements relative to these onsite transfers.

Hazardous Waste Management

The hazardous waste management facilities are located in the southeast corner of the LLNL Livermore site at the Building 514 Complex and the Building 612 Complex, and in the northeast corner of the site at Building 693. These facilities are operated under interim status provisions in accordance with RCRA. In compliance with interim status provisions, wastes may be stored for up to one year. There is also a storage area for classified hazardous waste adjacent to Building 233. Except for empty-container crushing, hazardous wastes are usually not treated before offsite shipment to a licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facility (LLNL, 1989e). Hazardous wastes are shipped through licensed commercial transporters to various permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities offsite.

In accordance with the interim status provisions of RCRA, LLNL has applied for a RCRA Part B permit to continue operating the hazardous waste storage and treatment facilities at the LLNL Livermore site. As part of the permitting process, LLNL performed a health risk assessment examining potential community health impacts from continued storage and treatment of hazardous wastes. A hypothetical maximally exposed individual was assumed to be born, reside, and work over a 70-year lifetime where the highest concentration of emissions are predicted from the hazardous waste storage and treatment units (Radian Corporation, 1990). Inhalation, ingestion (including soil, vegetation, wine, and water), and skin contact with soil were the primary exposure routes considered.

Additionally, the lifetime risk of developing cancer and the potential for acute and chronic noncarcinogenic effects from operating the waste storage and treatment facility were evaluated using two scenarios: very conservative and plausible-case. For the very conservative scenario, the lifetime risk of developing cancer for the maximally exposed individual from exposure to nonradiological substances associated with the waste storage and treatment facility was 0.08 in a million. The risk to the plausible-case maximally exposed individual was 0.02 in 1 million. The highest chronic and acute noncarcinogenic effects hazard indices were 0.00027 and 0.17 respectively (Radian Corporation, 1990).

Under California's Hazardous Waste Control Law, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control monitors compliance with applicable hazardous waste packaging, labeling, manifesting, transportation, and disposal requirements. All California shippers or transporters of hazardous waste must comply with these requirements.

To transport LLNL hazardous wastes, contractors must be state licensed. Additionally, in California, vehicles transporting hazardous wastes are subject to California Highway Patrol inspections, both at the terminal and on roads and highways. Table 4.15-4 lists the annual number of LLNL offsite shipments of hazardous and radioactive materials and wastes for 1987 through 1990.

LLNL Site 300

Hazardous Waste Generation

LLNL Site 300 wastes, managed by the waste management staff, range from high explosives and analytical chemicals to industrial wastewater. The generation of solid and liquid hazardous waste varies with the number and type of LLNL Site 300 experiments. In 1990, LLNL Site 300 generated approximately 37,300 lb of solid hazardous waste. Of this, approximately 29,750 lb were generated by operations in Buildings 873, 801, 829, 865, 875, and 879. The remaining 7550 lb were generated by operations in many buildings located throughout the site. In 1990, LLNL Site 300 also generated approximately 41,200 gal of liquid hazardous waste. Of this, approximately 39,000 gal were generated by operations in Buildings 865, 879, 843, 875, 872, and 801 (LLNL, 1991h). The remaining 2200 gal were generated by operations in many buildings located throughout the site. LLNL Site 300 also generated approximately 4500 lb of high explosive (HE) waste in 1990 which was processed at the Building 829 High Explosive Burn Pit Facility. For further details see Appendix B.

Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous wastes are stored but not treated in Building 883, a RCRA-permitted storage facility, before transfer to LLNL Livermore site waste management facilities. Generally, wastes can be stored up to one year before shipment to LLNL. Waste high explosives are treated at the Building 829 Complex, a burn pit facility used for thermal treatment of these wastes. Hazardous wastes are shipped through licensed commercial transporters to various permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, using licensed contractors as described for the LLNL Livermore site. Waste generating processes and waste minimization alternatives are analyzed to reduce the toxicity and/or volume of wastes generated at LLNL Site 300 (LLNL, 1990h).

SNL, Livermore

Hazardous Waste Generation

Research laboratories onsite conduct bench scale, nonproduction activities using varying amounts and types of materials. Most hazardous wastes at SNL, Livermore are generated in the electroplating, photography, and maintenance shops, and in the printed-wiring and plastic laboratories. These facilities are located in Buildings 906, 910, and 913 (SNL, Livermore, 1990f). In 1990, SNL, Livermore generated 3800 gal and 6100 lb of liquid and solid hazardous wastes (excluding waste generated from the one-time remediation of the Trudell Auto Repair Shop site). Of the total hazardous waste shipped offsite, 24,826 cu ft were from remediation activities at the Trudell Auto Repair Shop site. This remediation program is now complete. Typically, SNL, Livermore ships offsite approximately 11,000 cu ft of hazardous waste per year.

Waste Management

The packaging, transportation, and disposal of hazardous wastes are the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Department (SNL, Livermore, 1991j). Once hazardous wastes are properly identified, packaged, marked, and labeled, a trained hazardous waste technician loads, secures, and moves the wastes to the Hazardous Waste Storage Facility (Building 962-2) in a qualified vehicle, specifically designed for this work. The vehicle used to transport waste onsite is equipped with a CB radio tuned to the site security communication center. At no time during this transfer does the vehicle carrying waste use a public road (SNL, Livermore, 1991j).

SNL, Livermore operates a hazardous waste management facility, Building 962-2, under interim status pursuant to RCRA. Hazardous wastes are brought to Building 962-2 for packaging, including consolidation and/or lab packing (i.e., overpacking of small containers in absorbent material), or for storage before shipment to a licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facility. No treatment of hazardous wastes, other than compaction and crushing of empty containers and fluorescent light tubes, occurs onsite (SNL, Livermore, 1990c). Hazardous wastes are shipped through licensed commercial transporters to various permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. Table 4.15-5 lists the annual number of hazardous and radioactive materials and waste shipments offsite from 1987 through 1990. Before waste is shipped offsite, the containers are inspected for compliance with DOT requirements (according to 49 C.F.R. sections 100–177) and for disposal-site waste acceptance criteria. Additional information on hazardous waste generation, treatment, storage, and disposal at SNL, Livermore is provided in Appendix B.

SNL, Livermore is currently conducting recycling programs to minimize its hazardous wastes. Wastes being recycled through the use of offsite vendors are listed below (SNL, Livermore, 1991m):

• Batteries
• Mercury and fluorescent light tubes
• Coolants and petroleum oil containing less than 1 percent chlorinated solvents and no PCBs or metals
• Drums containing oil residues
• Silver reclaimed from photo chemicals (fixers and developers)
• Solvents
• Lead waste

Table 4.15-4 Annual Number of LLNL Offsitea Hazardous and Radioactive Materials and Wastes Shipments for 1987-1990b

Hazardous, Radioactive, and Mixed Materials or Wastes	1987 Shipments	1988 Shipments	1989 Shipments	1990 Shipments
Explosives	8	53	47	12
Nonflammable Gas	23	41	47	66
Flammable Gas	3	5	10	8
Flammable Solid	8	25	27	5
Oxidizer	1	0	5	2
Poison	1	3	14	9
Corrosive Materials	1	14	15	8
Hazardous Wastes	9	49	70	175
Combustible Liquids	0	0	0	2
Flammable Liquids	3	22	22	10
Radioactive Materials Empty Packaging	32	42	28	29
Radioactive Materials—Other	82	114	132	95
Radioactive Waste for Burial	12	0	2	0
Highway Route Controlled Radioactive Materials	2	5	9	7
Total:	181	373	428	426

^a Includes shipments to and from LLNL Site 300.
^b Does not include vendor pickups of hazardous materials (e.g., compressed gases), which LLNL estimates to be approximately 250 shipments annually.
Source: LLNL, 1991q.

4.15.2.4 Mixed Wastes

Mixed wastes contain both radioactive and hazardous materials. DOE regulates the radioactive component of mixed waste, pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, through DOE Order 5820.2A and other related DOE Orders. The EPA regulates the hazardous component of mixed waste.

LLNL Livermore Site

Mixed Waste Generation

In 1990, the LLNL Livermore site generated approximately 41,561 lb of solid mixed waste, of which 38,200 lb were generated by operations in Buildings 514, 321, 233, and 241. The remaining 3361 lb of solid waste were generated by operations in many buildings throughout the site. Also, approximately 6286 gal of liquid mixed waste were generated, of which approximately 5705 gal were from activities in Buildings 321C, 332, 514, 321, 161, and 419. The majority of these liquids were processed at the Area 514 Wastewater Treatment Tank Farm. The primary radionuclides in these wastes were uranium-238, americium-241, thorium-232, plutonium-239, mixed fission products, and tritium. The predominant hazardous constituents were coolants and solvents used in machining operations, toxic metals such as beryllium, decontamination solutions, and dyes (LLNL, 1991n). The remaining 581 gal of liquid mixed waste generated during 1990 were from activities in many buildings throughout the site. For more details, see Appendix B.

Mixed Waste Management

Mixed waste generated at the LLNL Livermore site may be classified as low-level mixed waste or transuranic mixed waste. Pursuant to applicable regulations and orders, mixed wastes are treated and/or stored at the Building 514 and Building 612 complexes. The Building 514 complex contains low-level radioactive and mixed waste liquid treatment equipment, the mixed-waste shredder (in Building 513), and storage areas for these wastes. The Building 612 complex has storage for low-level and transuranic mixed wastes. Several areas are used for storage of low-level mixed waste, while Building 625 is the primary storage location for transuranic mixed waste. Building 233 is used to store classified hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes (LLNL, 1989e). Mixed wastes are stored until DOE-approved disposal options are available.

The Nevada Test Site is the designated interim storage site for transuranic mixed waste. The Nevada Test Site must obtain, and has applied to secure, EPA RCRA permits to store mixed waste (i.e., waste containing both hazardous and radioactive constituents). The schedule for completing this process is uncertain. Thus, it may be necessary to hold all mixed transuranic wastes on the LLNL Livermore site until the WIPP completes its test phase.

As of the end of 1991, the LLNL Livermore site had available capacity for storage of mixed waste of 1860 cu yd and 80,100 gal based on permitted capacity, or 580 cu yd and 71,900 gal based on practical capacity (i.e., current available space). For more details, see Appendix B.

LLNL Site 300

LLNL Site 300 generation of mixed waste has been nearly eliminated by restricting the use of lead in high explosive tests. Lead and other materials that could produce hazardous or mixed wastes are used only when integral to a test, or when not readily substituted. The major radioactive material used is depleted uranium, though other materials may be used depending on needs. Currently, most waste is low-level radioactive waste and is handled accordingly. In 1990, LLNL Site 300 generated approximately 2000 lb of mixed waste.

SNL, Livermore

Mixed Waste Generation

SNL, Livermore liquid mixed wastes are acids contaminated with tritium and heavy metals and scintillation cocktails, organic solvents used for counting radioactivity, from the Tritium Research Laboratory (Building 968). California-regulated oils contaminated with tritium or uranium are also generated. In 1990, SNL, Livermore generated approximately 236 lb of liquid scintillation cocktails that were shipped offsite for incineration at a permitted treatment facility. SNL, Livermore solid mixed waste consists of hazardous wastes contaminated with tritium or uranium-238. SNL, Livermore generated approximately 70 lb of solid mixed wastes in 1990, mostly from the Tritium Research Laboratory (SNL, Livermore, 1990f). Currently, mixed wastes stored at SNL, Livermore (in Building 961) occupy approximately 25 sq ft of the 2400-sq-ft building. Source control is used to help minimize generation of mixed waste. All potential generators of mixed waste must have their proposed operations reviewed by the waste management staff to determine if alternatives could be used and/or quantities of mixed waste kept as low as possible.

Mixed Waste Management

SNL, Livermore mixed wastes are stored at Building 961. All liquid waste, except scintillation cocktails, must be solidified at the point of generation before it can be accepted by the waste management staff at Building 961 (SNL, Livermore, 1990c).

Scintillation cocktails are shipped to a permitted facility in Florida for incineration. Other mixed wastes are stored onsite in Building 961 until DOE-approved disposal options are available.

Additional information on mixed waste generation, treatment, storage, and disposal at LLNL and SNL, Livermore is provided in Appendix B.

Table 4.15-5 Annual Number of SNL, Livermore Offsite Hazardous and Radioactive Materials and Wastes Shipments for 1987-1990*

Hazardous, Radioactive, and Mixed Materials or Wastes	1987 Shipments	1988 Shipments	1989 Shipments	1990 Shipments
Explosives	110	120	91	44
Nonflammable gas	55	37	81	82
Flammable gas	19	49	21	34
Flammable solid	23	31	22	8
Oxidizer	0	0	1	1
Poison	10	11	8	18
Corrosive materials	7	17	51	68
Flammable liquids	7	6	9	10
Radioactive materials (No label required)	30	56	42	28
Radioactive materials (White label required)	7	7	8	11
Radioactive materials (Yellow label required)	17	23	26	13
Hazardous waste	10	12	22	39
Radioactive waste	1	0	0	1
Mixed waste	0	0	0	2
Otherwise regulated materials (ORM) A, B, D, and E	10	13	3	5
Total:	306	382	385	364

* SNL, Livermore shipment data include hazardous materials shipments picked up by vendors (e.g., compressed gas cylinders). Source: SNL, Livermore, 1991f.

4.15.2.5 Medical Wastes

Medical wastes consist of biohazardous waste and sharps (i.e., needles, blades, and glass slides) waste. Medical wastes generated at LLNL and SNL, Livermore are managed as a separate waste stream in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.1.

LLNL

Medical wastes are generated at the LLNL Livermore site (Buildings 361, 364, 365, and 663) and at LLNL Site 300 (Building 877). Most of these wastes are autoclaved in Building 365 at the LLNL Livermore site to sterilize the materials before disposal as sanitary waste. Sharps waste (see Appendix B) is sent to a commercial incinerator following sterilization. LLNL generates approximately 200 lb of medical waste per month.

SNL, Livermore

SNL, Livermore medical wastes are generated in Building 911. Currently SNL, Livermore transports medical waste offsite for treatment and disposal. SNL, Livermore has incinerated medical waste in the past, and would resume onsite incineration after obtaining all required permits. Ash from the incinerator is managed as hazardous waste. Building 911 generates approximately 10 lb of medical waste per month. In 1990, SNL, Livermore generated approximately 120 lb of medical waste.