B.3 OVERVIEW OF WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The objectives of waste management activities at LLNL and SNL, Livermore are to assure that all wastes are handled, treated, packaged, stored and disposed in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and orders (see section B.2). These laws are designed to protect the health and safety of workers, the public, and the environment and establish accountability and tracking requirements for the generators. LLNL and SNL, Livermore have implemented Quality Assurance/Quality Control programs, which incorporate the guidance documents summarized in section B.2.2, to effectively manage their wastes in accordance with applicable requirements.
It is the waste generator's responsibility to collect, package, characterize, and label wastes in accordance with established site waste acceptance criteria. The waste is segregated and stored in designated waste accumulation areas pending pickup by the waste management staff, who then transport the waste to the waste management facilities for treatment, storage, and/or preparation for final disposition. The individual handling, treatment, storage, and disposal methods used depend upon the type of waste (i.e., radioactive, mixed, hazardous, or medical waste), hazardous properties of the waste (i.e., corrosive, ignitable, reactive, and toxic), and the waste form (i.e., solid, liquid, or gas).
Table B-3 summarizes the onsite and offsite waste management practices utilized by the LLNL Livermore site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore based upon the types of waste managed at each site. The remaining part of this section provides an overview of waste management responsibilities as well as general handling, treatment, and disposal practices for solid and liquid waste streams. Gaseous waste is not processed by LLNL but is shipped offsite in DOT-approved containers for treatment and disposal.
Table B-3 Waste Management Practices at LLNL and SNL, Livermore
| Onsite Waste Management Practices | LLNL Livermore Site | LLNL Site 300 | SNL, Livermore | |||||||||
| Rad | Mixed | Haz | Med | Rad | Mixed | Haz | Med | Rad | Mixed | Haz | Med | |
| Accumulation (less than 90 days) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Interim storage (more than 90 days and less than 1 year) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Storage (more than 1 year) | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Treatment | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Recycle | X | X | X | |||||||||
Rad = Radioactive wastes include low-level and transuranic wastes. There are no time limits for storing this material.
Mixed = Hazardous and low-level or transuranic wastes that have been mixed together.
Haz = Hazardous waste.
Med = Medical waste.
B.3.1 Organizational Responsibilities
At LLNL and SNL, Livermore, waste management is a shared responsibility of both the individual waste generators and the waste management staff. The relative responsibilities of these groups are discussed below.
B.3.1.1 Waste Generator Responsibilities
Individual waste generators are responsible for the wastes from generation until they are picked up by the waste management staff or shipped offsite for treatment and/or disposal. Waste generators at LLNL and SNL, Livermore, with assistance from the waste management staff, have the following responsibilities (LLNL, 1989c; SNL, Livermore, 1991c):
- Implement waste minimization programs.
- Know and use current waste handling procedures.
- Identify, characterize, and certify the sources of the waste as well as the waste itself.
- Properly segregate the waste.
- When the waste is radioactive or mixed, contact a staff specialist to conduct radiation surveys.
- Package the waste in accordance with specific procedures for that type of waste.
- Complete all required documentation regarding the waste.
- Properly label each container of waste.
- Arrange for transport of the waste to a waste accumulation area.
- Ensure that hazardous and mixed wastes are removed from waste accumulation areas within 90 days.
- Ensure that waste accumulation areas are in compliance with federal and state laws.
- Respond to emergencies and spills.
B.3.1.2 Waste Management Staff Responsibilities
The LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300 have a common waste management staff; SNL, Livermore has a different, but comparable, waste management staff. The waste management staffs manage hazardous, radioactive, mixed, and medical wastes for the purposes of storage, treatment, and transportation for offsite disposal. At LLNL and SNL, Livermore this staff is part of the environmental protection organizations for the respective laboratories. The specific responsibilities of the waste management staffs include the following (LLNL, 1989c; SNL, Livermore, 1989a):
- Review waste requisition forms for completeness.
- Pick up waste at waste accumulation areas for transport to waste management facilities.
- Store, sample, process, package, treat, and prepare waste for offsite recycling, treatment, storage and/or disposal.
- Procure appropriate containers for packaging wastes.
- Track and document the movement of all waste from the generator's onsite waste accumulation areas to final disposal.
- Decontaminate laboratory equipment.
- Assure that containers for shipment of wastes meet Department of Transportation and other regulatory specifications.
- Respond to emergencies and help clean up hazardous and radioactive spills.
- Supply radioactive waste forecasting data to the Nevada Test Site as required by their waste acceptance criteria (NVO-325).
- Prepare the annual waste management plan and other reports mandated by regulatory requirements.
B.3.2 Management of Potentially Contaminated Wastewater
This section discusses the collection, analysis, and disposition of potentially contaminated wastewater at LLNL and SNL, Livermore. Sewer release limits and effluent monitoring are addressed. The information presented in this section demonstrates how the Laboratories are taking extra steps to reduce environmental impacts associated with inadvertent or unacceptable releases to the sanitary sewer system. By collecting potentially contaminated wastewater in retention systems for analysis prior to release, the Laboratories minimize the potential for releases that exceed established discharge limits.
The majority of wastewater sources at LLNL and SNL, Livermore meet sewer discharge limits, and can be discharged directly to the sanitary sewer system. There are, however, various operations at both LLNL and SNL, Livermore that generate wastewater that is potentially contaminated. These liquids are collected at the point of generation in retention systems to isolate them from the sewer system. This section describes how potentially contaminated wastewater is managed and describes the sewer release criteria and monitoring practices at the Laboratories.
Wastewater generated at LLNL Site 300 is handled in a variety of ways:
- Sewage is discharged to the oxidation pond without treatment or to septic systems and leach fields.
- Rinse waters from photographic developer processes and high explosives (HE) processing wastewater are discharged through a clarifier (i.e., treatment) to two Class II surface impoundments.
- Industrial wastewaters are collected in retention tank systems and disposed of offsite.
Procedures for discharging retention tanks at LLNL Site 300 are similar to those for the LLNL Livermore site and SNL, Livermore, except that the contents of LLNL Site 300 retention tanks are brought to the LLNL Livermore site for processing and disposal (Grandfield, 1989).
B.3.2.1 Collection, Analysis, and Disposition
Figure B-3 illustrates the typical flow path for wastewater that is potentially contaminated with radioactive and/or hazardous constituents. The following paragraphs discuss the step-by-step process of managing potentially contaminated wastewater to prevent effluent releases above allowable limits to the sewer system used by both LLNL Livermore and SNL, Livermore. (Grandfield, 1989; SNL, Livermore, 1991k). Sampling, analysis, and authorization to discharge are conducted by the Laboratories' environmental protection organizations and not the waste generators.
GenerationInformation on the source of generation is used to determine whether or not the process effluent could contain hazardous and/or radioactive constituents and to determine whether or not a retention system is needed. This information is also used to determine the applicable release criteria (i.e., categorical or noncategorical limits), as discussed in section B.3.2.2.
CollectionPotentially contaminated wastewater is collected in retention tanks at the generator facility. Site retention-tank systems are designed so that all fluids entering specified building sinks or floor drains are collected in a retention tank(s) that isolate the wastewater from the sanitary sewer lines. Liquid hazardous, radioactive, or mixed wastes are typically collected in smaller containers and are treated as described in sections B.4 and B.5.
AnalysisThe contents of these retention-tank systems may be discharged directly into the sanitary sewer system, provided that the waste is sampled and meets sewer release limits. A laboratory analysis of a representative sample from a full tank (i.e., no more fluid will be added prior to discharge) governs the disposition of the tank.
Based on the results of the laboratory analysis, retention tank contents will be categorized into one of three categories:
- Sewerable, without neutralization. Tank contents that meet all release limits may be discharged directly into the sanitary sewer system following authorized approval.
- Sewerable, following neutralization. Tank contents with a pH between 2 and 12.5 but outside the sanitary sewer pH discharge limit can be neutralized to the allowable pH range and then discharged to the sewer system.
- Nonsewerable. Tank contents that exceed site discharge limits, or any special limits established for that tank, and cannot be adjusted for discharge and therefore may not be released to the sanitary sewer system.
If the contents of a retention tank meet the site sewer release criteria (see section B.3.2.2), the wastewater is discharged to the sanitary sewer. Nonhazardous retention-tank wastewater from LLNL Site 300 that meets LLNL discharge limits is transported to the LLNL Livermore Site for discharge to the sewer.
TreatmentIf the wastewater generated by LLNL operations exceeds permissible pollutant levels (nonsewerable) and is treatable using permitted LLNL Livermore site waste treatment units, the water is processed to meet the release criteria and then discharged. If the liquids cannot be processed for discharge, they are packaged for treatment and/or disposal at an offsite facility. Treatment residues, or solids generated from the treatment process, are also packaged for treatment and/or disposal at an offsite facility. SNL, Livermore does not have onsite permitted treatment capability and packages wastewater exceeding permissible discharge limits for treatment and/or disposal at an offsite facility.
B.3.2.2 Sewer Release Limits and Effluent Monitoring
Before describing requirements for sewer discharges, it is important to understand the difference between the two types of sewer systems at LLNL and SNL, Livermore. They are as follows:
- Storm. The storm sewer system consists of outside drains for receiving storm-water runoff only. Contents from retention tanks or other containers, or wastewater from other sewers, may not be discharged to the storm sewer system. The storm sewer system discharges into Arroyo Las Positas and Arroyo Seco.
- Sanitary. The sanitary sewer system receives water and waste matter (i.e., sewage) from the LLNL Livermore site as well as SNL, Livermore, which is monitored as it leaves the sites. Wastewater from retention-tank systems that meet discharge requirements are discharged into the sanitary sewer. These wastes enter the City of Livermore's sewer system and are then processed at the City of Livermore Water Reclamation Plant.
LLNL has established guidelines to assist in managing wastewater generated at the LLNL Livermore site (Grandfield, 1989). These guidelines, along with established site procedures, provide the basis for monitoring and control of wastewater.
The criteria for release limits of wastewater to the sewer are based on federal, state, and local regulations and are summarized in Table B-4. The limits shown in the table are limits at the retention tank or at the point before discharge occurs. Noncategorical limits on Table B-4 are set to ensure that the level of each contaminant at the site outfall (where the Building 196 Sewer Monitoring Station is located) meets the discharge limit specified in the LWRP permit. The categorical limits are set by the EPA and are applicable at the point of discharge. Only designated individuals may authorize releases to the sanitary sewer system.
When wastewater is discharged to the sewer system, it combines with sewage from SNL, Livermore. The combined flow leaves the LLNL Livermore site at the site outfall. The Building 196 Sewer Monitoring Station located at the site outfall is equipped with a continuous monitoring system designed to monitor radiation, pH, and metals.
To protect the Livermore Water Reclamation Plant and to minimize any cleanup that might become necessary, LLNL has an onsite sewage diversion and retention system that is capable of containing approximately 200,000 gal of potentially contaminated sewage until it can be analyzed and appropriate handling methods implemented. Diversion is triggered automatically when the alarm is activated at the Sewer Monitoring Station. Alarm set points are based upon allowable release limits for specific parameters (see Table B-4). The system helps to ensure that much of the flow that triggers the alarm is retained at LLNL for evaluation and disposal, if necessary. In the event of an extended unacceptable release (in excess of 200,000 gal) the City of Livermore would be notified for diversion at the LWRP.
In addition to continuous monitoring of the effluent, daily sewer samples are collected from both the Sewer Monitoring Station and the Livermore Water Reclamation Plant. The samples collected at the Sewer Monitoring Station are collected with a flow-proportional 24-hour composite sampler. The samples are collected from the measuring flume for the combined LLNL and SNL, Livermore sewer effluent just before it is discharged from the LLNL site. For that portion of the Total Toxic Organic (TTO) requirement provided by EPA Method 624, cyanide, and oil/grease analyses, grab samples are manually collected directly from the same flume using a stainless steel sampler. For the measurement of tritium, each daily sample is analyzed and then those results are averaged for the monthly summary. Cesium and plutonium results are obtained from analysis of a monthly composite sample consisting of daily samples combined into a single sample. For the measurement of metals concentrations, an aliquot from each daily sample is combined into a weekly composite and the analysis is done on that composite sample.
Quarterly samples are also collected at the point of discharge of specified metal finishing and electrical and electronic component categorical processes to ensure compliance with EPA discharge limits for those processes.
LLNL Site 300
Sanitary wastewater generated within the General Services Area at LLNL Site 300 is discharged to an onsite sewer lagoon. Other more remotely located buildings on LLNL Site 300 are serviced by septic systems and leach fields. Industrial wastewaters are contained in retention tanks and analyzed, and their proper disposition determined. These wastewaters may be shipped to the LLNL Livermore site for treatment and discharged to the sanitary sewer system or shipped directly to an offsite treatment and disposal facility.
SNL, LivermoreThe sanitary sewer outfall from SNL, Livermore is located adjacent to Building 911, on the northern perimeter of the site. The liquid effluent flows from SNL, Livermore into the LLNL sewer system. SNL, Livermore maintains an on-line monitoring system at the sanitary sewer outfall connection to LLNL. This system continuously measures the pH and flow of the exiting waste stream. A flow-proportional 24-hour composite sampler collects samples of the sewer effluent at the discharge point from SNL, Livermore in order to demonstrate compliance with the SNL, Livermore wastewater discharge permit conditions (Brekke, 1991). An aliquot of the daily sample is combined into a weekly composite. This composite is submitted for analysis at a certified laboratory.
Wastewater generated by SNL, Livermore's categorical processes, the electroplating laboratory in Building 913 and the printed wire laboratory in Building 910, must comply with the metal finishing pretreatment standards listed in Table B-5 (Brekke, 1991). The EPA established these discharge standards based on the best available control technology economically achievable. Wastewater collected in retention systems from noncategorical processes must meet a separate set of limits. The criteria for release of this water to the public sewer system are based on limits established in SNL, Livermore's wastewater permit, issued by the City of Livermore (SNL, Livermore, 1991k). Table B-6 lists discharge concentration limits.
At the Tritium Research Laboratory, wastewater from the laboratory sinks, floor drains, and restroom showers flows into two 2500-gal holding tanks. Samples are obtained from the tanks, and levels of tritium and other constituents are determined prior to discharge into the sewer system (SNL, Livermore, 1991j). If the wastewater is determined to be contaminated with tritium in concentrations greater than that permitted by DOE Orders and Title 17, California Code of Regulations (17 C.C.R.), it is pumped to the EPA-permitted Tritium Research Laboratory wastewater evaporator system. This evaporator is capable of evaporating approximately 25,000 gal of tritium-contaminated water per year. The permit conditions allow a maximum of 100 Ci/yr to be released from the evaporator. During 1990, approximately 7400 gal of water contaminated with 22.7 Ci of tritium was evaporated at the EPA-permitted Tritium Research Laboratory evaporator (Garcia, 1991).
Table B-4 LLNL Sewer Release Limitsa
| Parameter | Noncategorical Limitsb | Categorical Limitsc | |
| Metal Finishing | Electronic Components | ||
| Beryllium (Be) | 0.74 | --- | --- |
| Copper (Cu) | 10 | 2.07 | --- |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.9 | 1.0 | --- |
| ercury (Hg) | 0.05 | --- | --- |
| Nickel (Ni) | 5 | 2.38 | --- |
| Zinc (Zn) | 15 | 1.48 | --- |
| Silver (Ag) | 1 | 0.24 | --- |
| Lead (Pb) | 4.9 | 0.43 | --- |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 0.9 | 0.26 | --- |
| Cyanide (CN)d | 5 | 0.65 | --- |
| pH | 5–10 | 5–10 | 5–10 |
| TTOe | --- | 2.13 | 1.37 |
| VHSf | 4.57 | --- | --- |
| TICHg | 0.10 | --- | --- |
| Oil and grease | 500 | --- | --- |
| PCBh | 0.05 | --- | --- |
|
Radiological Parameter |
Individual Discharges |
Total Daily Limit for Site | |
| Gross alpha | 0.3 mCi/1000 L | 5 mCi | |
| Gross beta | 3.0 mCi/1000 L | 50 mCi | |
| Tritium | 5.0 mCi/1000 L | 10010 mCi | |
| Gammai | --- | --- | |
a All limits except pH and radiological limits are in units of mg/L.
b These standards have been established to meet the City of Livermore's requirements at the Building 196 outfall.
c These standards are specified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By regulation, the EPA or City of
Livermore limit is used, whichever is lower. Noncategorical limits apply where no standard is specified.
d Limits apply to CN discharges other than CN salts. CN salts are classified by the State of California as "extremely hazardous waste" and cannot be discharged to the sewer.
e Total toxic organics. Applies to categorical processes only.
f Volatile halogenated solvents, the term used at LLNL to designate EPA ethods 601/8010.
g Total identifiable chlorinated hydrocarbons (pesticides).
h Polychlorinated biphenyls.
i There is no gross gamma limit; isotope-specific limits apply.
Source: Grandfield, 1989.
Table B-5 SNL, Livermore Pretreatment Standards for the Metal Finishing Category
| Pollutant | Daily Maximum (mg/L) | Maximum Monthly Average (mg/L) |
| Cadmium (T)b | 0.69 | 0.26 |
| Chromium (T) | 2.77 | 1.71 |
| Copper (T) | 3.38 | 2.07 |
| Lead (T) | 0.69 | 0.43 |
| Nickel (T) | 3.98 | 3.28 |
| Silver (T) | 0.43 | 0.24 |
| Zinc (T) | 2.61 | 1.48 |
| Cyanide (T) | 1.20 | 0.65 |
| Cyanide, amenable to chlorination | 0.86 | 0.32 |
| Total toxic organicsc | 2.13 | --- |
a Pretreatment standards for existing sources, as contained in 40 C.F.R.
Part 433.
b T = total.
c Total toxic organics are defined by a list of EPA priority pollutants in
40 C.F.R. section 433.11.
Source: Brekke, 1991.
Table B-6 SNL, Livermore Retention Tank Limits
| Parameter | Discharge Concentration Limit* |
| Arsenic | 0.06 |
| Cadmium | 0.14 |
| Copper | 1.0 |
| Chromium (total) | 0.62 |
| Lead | 0.20 |
| ercury | 0.01 |
| Nickel | 0.61 |
| Silver | 0.20 |
| Zinc | 3.00 |
| Cyanide | 0.04 |
| pH | 5–10 |
| Total toxic organics | 1.0 |
* All limits except pH are in units of mg/L.
Source: SNL, Livermore, 1991k.
B.3.3 Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization
LLNLThe goal of pollution prevention and waste minimization at LLNL is to eliminate or reduce pollution at the source of generation. Both federal and state regulations require this effort to reduce the amount and/or the toxicity of wastes released to the environment.
Pollution prevention and waste minimization includes both source reduction and recycling. Source reduction seeks to prevent pollution through methods such as redesign of currently used technologies; replacement of hazardous materials with nonhazardous ones (i.e., substituting biodegradable detergents for toxic solvents); improved operating practices (i.e., procedures to prevent chemical spills); and personnel training. Recycling encourages the reuse of spent materials either in the same process or in a different one. Some recycling uses all of the spent material, while other approaches extract only part of the waste stream. Recycling can occur either on- or offsite.
A portion of the nonhazardous waste that is generated is sold for recycling or reuse. In FY 1990, this included approximately 76,000 lb of cardboard containers, 3 million lb of ferrous metals, 1 million lb of nonferrous metals, and 71,000 lb of tires and other rubber products. Additionally, 500 cu yd of landscape clippings are chipped and reused annually as mulch, and approximately 80 percent of the aluminum can waste generated onsite is collected by individuals for personal recycling (LLNL, 1991l).
In April 1991, the LLNL Livermore site implemented a voluntary paper recycling program. This program anticipated that 65 percent of the LLNL Livermore site employees would participate (Yano, 1991). Employees are provided with containers to use in their offices to collect unclassified white paper for recycling. A private recycling firm retrieves the collected paper from specified onsite dumpsters and removes it for processing. The program is expected to divert approximately 1200 tons of recyclable paper away from landfill disposal each year (Yano, 1991).
The importance of minimizing waste generation through source reduction, recycling, and treatment has been acknowledged by LLNL management. Through assessment of waste generating processes and identification of pollution prevention and waste minimization alternatives, information is being obtained to implement changes that will result in reductions in the toxicity and/or volume of wastes generated at LLNL (LLNL, 1990j).
At LLNL Site 300, scrap wood is stored onsite and is made available to employees. The source of this scrap wood is old pallets and construction and demolition debris. Old tires are sent to the salvage yard at the LLNL Livermore site and sold on the outside market. Scrap metal is collected in several 1-cu-yd scrap bins and transferred periodically to the LLNL salvage yard by the LLNL Transportation Department. Computer paper and white ledger paper are collected on a voluntary basis at LLNL Site 300 and transferred for recycling to the LLNL Livermore site by the LLNL Transportation Department. Approximately 750 cu yd of scrap records, generated by the Records Management Department, are shipped annually from LLNL Site 300 to the hammer mill (Building 297) at the LLNL Livermore site.
LLNL Site 300 has implemented a successful program to minimize the generation of mixed waste from firing table operations by placing administrative controls on the use of lead in experiments. In addition, total waste quantities have been reduced through technology modifications on the design of firing table tents and changes to waste handling procedures (LLNL, 1990j). Mixed waste quantities of more than 1 million lb in 1988 have been reduced to approximately 300,000 lb of low-level and 2000 lb of mixed waste in 1990 (LLNL, 1991g).
LLNL has been researching and implementing waste minimization opportunities since the mid-1980s. Waste minimization strategies in place or soon to be installed at the LLNL Livermore site and/or LLNL Site 300 include:
- Redesign of the hydraulic systems operating traffic control gates, in order to prevent contamination of rainwater runoff with hydraulic oils.
- Substitution of brighter fluorescent lamps in many work areas, reducing the number of lamps needed, which decreases the volume of the spent lamp waste stream (fluorescent lamps contain mercury, a hazardous substance). LLNL is also evaluating options to recycle fluorescent tubes through an offsite recycling company.
- Reclamation and reuse of contaminated water from paint spray booths.
- Reclamation of silver from photo chemicals (fixers and developers).
- Process modifications in electroplating and printed circuit board shops that greatly reduce hazardous wastewater generation.
- Substitution of nonhazardous coolant for oil-based products in machine shop operations.
- Design and construction of a dedicated chlorofluorocarbon recycling system for laser program applications.
Formal plans for extensive future waste minimization efforts have been completed and accepted by LLNL, and timetables for actualizing the plans have been agreed upon. Implementation of new waste minimization technologies is being coordinated by the Waste Minimization Group within LLNL's Environmental Protection Department, and by the Waste Minimization Steering Committee. In addition, localized pollution prevention activities are currently underway within individual directorates and programs.
The Laboratory pollution prevention and waste minimization program is described in the LLNL Waste Minimization Program Plan (LLNL, 1990j), Nuclear Design Waste Minimization-1990 Progress Report (LLNL, 1991g), and Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Awareness Plan (LLNL, 1991n). The LLNL pollution prevention and waste minimization program provides waste reduction goals over a 5-year period in the generation of hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes.
SNL, LivermoreEmployee education and training are among the primary elements of the pollution prevention and waste minimization efforts available to SNL, Livermore. Educational programs, as well as a Pollution Prevention and Waste Minimization Awareness Program, a Process Waste Assessment Program, and a site Chemical Inventory Tracking System have been implemented. Together these programs represent a comprehensive approach to minimizing all wastes generated at the site. These educational and training efforts are designed to heighten the individual worker's awareness and knowledge of numerous source reduction alternatives.
In considering alternatives for pollution prevention and waste minimization, SNL, Livermore has examined its operating procedures, its waste information database, its process drawings, and, when appropriate, its vendor reference information. Because a portion of SNL, Livermore's research work examines the feasibility of new technology, including the safety and health impacts to employees, the public, and the environment, there is already considerable effort aimed at using the best available pollution prevention and waste minimization technology and/or practices.
The SNL, Livermore pollution prevention and waste minimization plan is described in Sandia National Laboratories Waste Minimization and Pollution Prevention Awareness Plan (SNL, Livermore, 1991o), which using 1990 as a baseline year, establishes a goal of 10 percent reduction in RCRA and California regulated hazardous waste over a 3-year period beginning in FY 1992. Additional information is also available in SNL, Livermore's Source Reduction Evaluation Review and Plan, (SNL, Livermore, 1991p), and Hazardous Waste anagement Performance Report, (SNL, Livermore, 1991q).
SNL, Livermore is currently conducting recycling programs in three major categories. These categories are low-level radioactive and mixed wastes, hazardous wastes, and nonhazardous wastes. The following outline summarizes these categories (SNL, Livermore, 1991m).
Low-Level Radioactive and Mixed Waste
- Tritium used at the tritium research lab is recaptured and recycled to the maximum extent possible.
- High-level tritiated water effluent is packaged in the AL-M1 container and shipped offsite for eventual recycling.
Hazardous Waste
SNL, Livermore utilizes numerous offsite vendors to recycle the following hazardous materials:
- 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 from photo chemicals (fixers and developers).
- Solvents.
- Lead waste.
Nonhazardous Waste
- A program is underway through the plant maintenance department to reduce the amount of yard waste sent to the landfill. A wood chipper will be used to mulch tree trimmings and leaves into compostable material. This end product will be used onsite and documented by the plant maintenance department. Early estimates of this waste stream are a 10 percent reduction in landfill material. Plant parts are also tilled and used as mulch.
- SNL, Livermore has supported a metal recycling program for several years. Assorted metals are collected and sold to an outside vendor for sorting and recycling.
- Classified and sensitive paper waste has been in a recycle stream for the past six years. SNL, Livermore classified waste is sent to LLNL for processing. The waste is then shipped to a paper products manufacturer.
- A pilot paper recycling program is progressing for unclassified paper. This project will be used to design a sitewide implementation plan.
- An employee recycling program to collect aluminum soda cans has been started. This is strictly a volunteer effort and the proceeds are given to charity.
B.3.4 Waste Accumulation
Generators of hazardous and mixed waste at LLNL and SNL, Livermore collect these wastes for temporary storage in areas designated as either satellite accumulation areas or as waste accumulation areas. Generators follow written procedures (Hirabayashi, 1989 and SNL, Livermore 1991c) which specify both regulatory requirements and best management practices.
All accumulation areas must provide a storage area that is safe and that will safely contain any wastes that are spilled or accidentally released. To protect against spills, waste accumulation areas must provide adequate secondary containment at both LLNL and SNL, Livermore. At LLNL, however, this containment capacity is provided via concrete berms surrounding the area perimeter or by secondary containment pallets placed under the waste containers.
In addition to spill prevention, additional requirements for waste accumulation areas include:
- Separation of incompatible wastes (i.e., wastes that may create a potential hazard if mixed),
- Safety equipment including fire-safety equipment, spill-response equipment, protective gear, and a telephone,
- At LLNL, and at SNL, Livermore, a posted contingency plan for waste accumulation areas,
- Proper packaging and labeling of all waste containers,
- Inspection requirements at LLNL waste accumulation areas and at SNL, Livermore satellite waste accumulation areas include procedures to check for leaking containers and to assure that adequate storage practices and safety requirements are followed.
Designated waste accumulation areas are located at various locations at the LLNL Livermore site, LLNL Site 300, and SNL, Livermore. Appendix A provides additional information on these locations.
B.3.5 Waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal
In general, the treatment, storage, and disposal alternatives currently used or proposed to be used by LLNL and SNL, Livermore for radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes are summarized in Table B-7. Medical wastes are treated onsite at LLNL. Currently, SNL, Livermore transports medical wastes offsite for treatment and disposal. SNL, Livermore has incinerated medical wastes onsite in the past, and will resume onsite incineration after obtaining all required permitting.
Currently, of the radioactive, hazardous, and mixed waste generated at LLNL and SNL, Livermore, only hazardous waste and scintillation cocktails (a mixed waste) are being shipped offsite for treatment and/or disposal due to several factors:
- Treatment and/or disposal alternatives are not yet available for most solid low-level mixed waste. At LLNL, liquid low-level mixed and radioactive wastes may be treated at Hazardous Waste Management facilities. Liquids that meet discharge limits are then disposed of through the sanitary sewer system; solids are stored onsite.
- LLNL and SNL, Livermore are developing certification plans to meet the new Nevada Test Site low-level radioactive waste acceptance criteria (NVO-235). Following completion of the certification plan, LLNL will file a formal application under NVO-325 for disposal at NTS. SNL, Livermore has filed their certification plan and application for disposal of low-level radioactive waste at NTS. Approval of these applications (LLNL and SNL, Livermore) is expected by early 1993. These wastes are currently being stored onsite.
- Waste certification plans are currently being developed to allow for storage of transuranic and transuranic mixed waste at the Nevada Test Site. Storage of transuranic mixed waste at the Nevada Test Site is contingent upon NTS receiving a RCRA permit for storage. Storage at NTS is contingent upon approval of regulatory permits and acceptance by NTS.
- The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico, designated as the disposal site for transuranic and transuranic mixed waste, has not yet been approved for operation. When it becomes operational, LLNL wastes will be scheduled to be shipped some time after an initial 5-year test phase.
In general, all waste will be stored onsite for a period of time prior to offsite shipment. Hazardous wastes will continue to be shipped to various permitted treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and low-level wastes will be shipped to the Nevada Test Site (or other approved disposal site) for disposal after the approval of certification plans. Until treatment technologies are developed and an approved mixed waste disposal facility is available, most mixed waste will be stored onsite indefinitely. Scintillation cocktails generated at SNL, Livermore are one mixed waste stream for which a treatment/disposal option currently exists. Transuranic and transuranic mixed waste (the LLNL Livermore site only) will either be transported to the Nevada Test Site for storage (if this option becomes available) or will be stored onsite. (See Appendix K for discussions on the transportation of radioactive wastes.)
Table B-7 Offsite Treatment, Storage, or Disposal Alternatives for Hazardous, Mixed, and Radioactive Waste Generated at LLNL and SNL, Livermore*
| Laboratory | Waste | Treatment, Storage, or Disposal |
| LLNL | LLW | Disposal at Nevada Test Site or other approved disposal site. |
| TRU | Offsite alternatives are currently not available; waste is being stored onsite until such options as interim storage at Nevada Test Site or until WIPP is operational. | |
| ixed LLW | Offsite alternatives are currently limited; waste is being stored onsite. Options to incinerate scintillation cocktails at an approved offsite facility are being pursued. | |
| ixed TRU | Offsite alternatives are currently not available; waste is being stored onsite until such options as interim storage at Nevada Test Site or until WIPP is operational. | |
| Hazardous | Offsite treatment and disposal at various permitted facilities. | |
| SNL, Livermore | LLW | Disposal at Nevada Test Site or other approved disposal site. |
| ixed LLW | Scintillation cocktails incinerated at a licensed facility. Offsite alternatives for other mixed LLW are currently limited; waste is being stored onsite. | |
| Hazardous | Offsite treatment and disposal at various permitted facilities |
* Status as of June 1992.
LLW = Low-level waste.
TRU = Transuranic waste—LLNL Livermore site only. TRU and mixed TRU
waste is being stored onsite pending approval of waste certification plans.
ixed TRU awaiting Nevada EPA to authorize NTS for RCRA storage.
WIPP = Waste Isolation Pilot Plant—Disposal Site in New Mexico for
transuranic and mixed transuranic waste.
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