B.4 WASTE MANAGEMENT AT LLNL
B.4.1 Waste Management Practices Common to the LLNL Livermore Site and LLNL Site 300
The LLNL Livermore site and LLNL Site 300 waste management facilities are operated under a common waste management staff and set of guidance documents. As described in section B.3.1.1, waste generators are responsible for collecting, packaging, characterizing, and labeling of the wastes. Most generators accumulate hazardous and mixed waste at the work place (satellite) accumulation areas subject to federal and state laws prior to removal from the work place to the Waste Accumulation Area (Hirabayashi, 1989). The waste is then stored in designated waste accumulation areas (refer to Appendix A Figures A-18 and A-19) for pickup by the waste management staff. For LLNL Site 300, however, there may be the additional step of offsite transport of waste to the waste management facilities at the LLNL Livermore site, or directly to offsite waste treatment, storage, or disposal facilities. Hazardous waste can be stored at the LLNL Site 300 Permitted Storage facility pending offsite shipment. edical waste is accumulated at the generator facility and collected on a weekly basis for sterilization at Building 365.
Various containers of different size, shape, materials, and color are used at LLNL to collect, store, transport, and dispose of wastes generated. The containers used for offsite shipments must meet all applicable federal, state, and local regulations for the specified use of each container. Table B-8 (LLNL, 1989c) summarizes the containers used to manage radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes at LLNL. Various smaller containers such as 1-liter bottles and 2.5-gal paint cans are also used to collect small quantities of waste at the point of generation.
B.4.2 LLNL Livermore Site
LLNL hazardous waste management facilities are operating under RCRA interim status standards and a Department of Health Services (DHS) (this activity is now administered by the Department of Toxic Substance Control) interim status document, which allows storage of hazardous and mixed waste for up to 1 year in designated waste management storage units (see section B.4.2.1). LLNL has notified the regulatory agencies that mixed waste is being stored indefinitely until an approved treatment and/or disposal facility is available to receive the waste. Hazardous and mixed wastes may be accumulated in waste accumulation areas and generator retention tank systems for up to 90 days. At present, there is no limit to the amount of time that radioactive waste can be stored onsite, providing it is properly packaged, stored, labeled, and monitored through periodic visual inspection and radiological surveys prior to shipment.
LLNL has submitted a RCRA Part B permit application to the EPA and the California Department of Health Services (this activity is now administered by the Department of Toxic Substances Control) for the waste management facilities used to treat and/or store hazardous and mixed wastes, but has not yet received a final permit. The Part B permit application (LLNL, 1992b) does not cover waste generator operations, accumulation areas, or retention tank systems.
Table B-8 Representative Containers Used for Storage of Waste at LLNL
| Waste Type | Container Type | DOT Specification | Lining |
| Neutral aqueous solutions, machine coolants, organic liquids, mixtures, solvents | 55-gallon steel drum | 17E White or 17E Gray | None |
| Corrosive inorganic and organic solutions, neutral aqueous solutions, machine coolants, acids, caustics, inorganic salt solutions | 5-gallon polyethylene and nalgene carboy | 34 White or Blue | None |
| Corrosive inorganic and organic solutions, acid, caustics, inorganic salt solutions, corrosive sludges | 55-gallon steel drum | 6D White | 2SL polyethylene |
| Solid waste | 30-gallon steel drum | 17C Black | None |
| Solid waste (e.g., asbestos, nonleaking PCB capacitors), solid mixed waste | 4' x 4' x 7' wooden box 2' x 3' x 7' wooden box 2' x 2' x 7' wooden box | eet Type A requirements for radioactive waste | None |
| Solid waste (e.g., asbestos, nonleaking PCB capacitors), transuranic waste, solid low-level and mixed waste | 42" x 46" x 86" carbon steel box 77.5" x 52.5" x 40" carbon steel box 84.5" x 48" x 26" carbon steel box 88.5" x 44.5" x 43.5" carbon steel box | 7A | None |
| Solid waste | 5-gallon steel can | 37C | None |
| Dry waste, overpacked containers of nonradioactive liquids and solids (nonleaking PCB capacitors and transformers) | 55-gallon steel drum | 17C Gray | With/without polyethylene |
| Overpacking materials in smaller containers | 7-gallon steel can | N/A | None |
| Strong oxidizers and other wastes requiring glass containment | 5-gallon glass carboy | N/A | None |
| Solid waste (typically used as overpack) | Cardboard boxes | N/A | With/without polyethylene |
| Solid waste for incineration | Fiber drums, various sizes | eet or exceed specs of 49 C.F.R. Subpart F Sections 178, 224 | N/A |
| Can overpack leaky or damaged 55-gallon drums | 80-gallon steel overpack drum | N/A | Appropriate liner, if required |
| Overpack bulging or damaged containers | 80-gallon poly overpack drum | Excepted | N/A |
| Solid radioactive or mixed waste | 55-gallon steel drum | 17C Yellow | With/without polyethylene |
| Solid radioactive or mixed waste | 55-gallon steel drum | 17H | None |
| Solid waste, firing table debris | 8' x 8' x 40' cargo container 8' x 8' x 20' cargo container | Strong, tight | None |
| Transuranic waste | 55-gallon steel drum TRUPACT II Standard Waste Box | 17C 7A | 90-mil polyethylene None |
Source: LLNL, 1989c.
B.4.2.1 Waste Management Facilities
The waste management facilities at the LLNL Livermore site include the ability to handle and process solid and liquid radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and medical waste. Waste may be treated or stored in one of the waste management buildings or areas prior to shipment offsite for treatment and/or disposal. Most waste is brought to the waste management facilities prior to offsite shipment, as described in the following sections. At times, however, it may be necessary or preferable to ship wastes directly from generator sites for treatment or disposal. In this situation the waste management staff is responsible for verifying the contents, preparing the shipping documentation, and approving the shipment.
The waste management facilities at the LLNL Livermore site are located at the Building 514 Complex and the Building 612 Complex (in the southeast corner of the LLNL Livermore site), and Building 693 (in the northeast corner of the site). The maximum waste inventory or capacity for each of the hazardous and mixed waste management units at the LLNL Livermore site is summarized in Table B-9. These capacities apply to RCRA- and California-regulated waste and do not apply to radioactive waste. Based on current generation rates, these capacities are sufficient to accommodate wastes generated at LLNL.
Inventory capacities for radioactive wastes are not restricted in the same manner as RCRA- and California-regulated waste and are therefore not included in Table B-9. The values, from the 1992 Part B permit application, may vary as regulatory requirements change or operational needs are identified. These changes will be subject to regulatory review and approval.
Unless otherwise indicated, the facility information in the following sections was obtained from Section VI of the LLNL Part B permit application to the EPA and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (LLNL, 1992b).
Building 514 Complex
The Building 514 Complex, as shown in Figure B-4 (LLNL, 1992b), consists of the following waste management units:
- Building 513—Shredder, Container Storage, Solidification Unit
- Wastewater treatment tank farm and storage tank
- Building 514—Wastewater Filtration, Silver Recovery
- Mixed waste storage area 514-1
- Mixed waste storage area 514-2
- Container storage area 514-3
Current site practices for each of these units are summarized in the sections below.
Building 513
Building 513 houses a waste solidification unit, a radioactive and mixed waste shredder, and a radioactive and mixed waste storage area. The solidification unit is not being used; however, this unit is being permitted for solidification of hazardous and/or mixed waste in the future. The mixed waste shredder is used to reduce the volume of mixed waste trash (contaminated with both low-level and hazardous waste constituents). As indicated in Table B-9, this unit can be used to process up to 8.32 cu yd (225 cu ft) per day.
The storage area has a total storage capacity of 15,760 gal, or approximately 286 fifty-five-gal drums of mixed waste. Wastes currently stored in this area contain heavy metals and depleted uranium. Incompatible waste (i.e., wastes that cause a potential hazard if mixed) is stored on secondary containment pallets to contain leaks or spills.
Area 514 Wastewater Treatment Tank Farm and Storage Tanks
The wastewater treatment tank farm consists of six 1850-gal treatment tanks, a 25,000-gal storage tank, and three retention tanks. The purpose of the tank farm is to treat wastewater that may be contaminated with hazardous constituents and/or radioactive isotopes.
The 1850-gal tanks have a permitted treatment capacity of 1500 gal and, because the tanks must maintain 2 ft of freeboard, a working capacity of 1390 gal. At least one tank is left empty to allow transfer of the contents of other tanks, if necessary. The majority of liquid wastes arrive at the Building 514 Complex in portable tanks and are pumped into the 1850-gal tanks through a pump station. Wastes in containers such as 55-gal drums and 5-gal carboys are bulked together and transferred to the 1850-gal tanks via the bulking station. The treatment process may involve batch chemical treatment consisting of neutralization, flocculation, oxidation, reduction, precipitation, and separation. Filtration is accomplished by a diatomaceous earth precoated–vacuum filter located in Building 514. The treatment process is discussed in more detail in section B.4.2.2.
The 25,000-gal storage tank (514-R501) has an operating capacity of 13,500 gal due to limited secondary containment capacity. The tank is filled through a pump station and can be pumped to any of the 1850-gal tanks. The retention tanks consist of one 1000-gal tank and two 2000-gal tanks. They are used to collect rinsewater from the wastewater filtration unit, to collect water used to apply the diatomaceous earth precoat to the unit, and to receive vacuum seal water from the wastewater filtration unit.
Building 514
This building houses the wastewater filtration unit. As water is processed through the rotating drum vacuum filter, solids are filtered out by the diatomaceous earth, built up on the outside of the rotating drum, and continuously scraped off as the drum rotates during operation. The scraped material is collected in a polyethylene-lined 55-gal drum for storage as a mixed waste. If the filtrate meets release limits, it is discharged to the sanitary sewer. If it does not meet the release criteria, the filtrate is reprocessed until the release limits are met.
The silver recovery unit, also located in Building 514, is used to recover silver from liquids generated at the LLNL photographic processing shops. The unit consists of five treatment tanks and two ion exchange cartridges. The treatment tanks include three electroplating treatment tanks (two tanks in service), which pass a controlled electrical current between a positive and a negative electrode in a process used to plate out nearly pure silver. The solution is then pumped to the gravity feed tank, where it drains through the ion exchange cartridges and into the holding tank. All reclaimed materials are packaged and shipped offsite for recycling. The remaining waste solutions are packaged and shipped to a licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facility for processing and disposal.
Storage Areas 514-1 and 514-2
These areas are designated for the storage of mixed wastes. They consist of epoxy-coated, covered concrete storage pads with sloped floors contained by 12-inch-high berms on three sides. This is also the proposed area for new process equipment (i.e., evaporator, centrifuge, carbon adsorption unit, and blending station) to be used for processing hazardous liquid wastes.
Storage Area 514-2 is subdivided into three areas by concrete berms in order to separate incompatible chemicals. The types of mixed waste stored in these areas include radioactive acid and alkaline solutions; dilute coolant with oil residue; and wastes containing low concentrations of metals, including copper, beryllium, chromium, nickel, and/or zinc. Waste containers are stored on pallets.
Storage Area 514-3
This area is used as a portable tank and container storage area to store waste prior to treatment at the wastewater treatment tank farm. The types of waste stored in these areas include acid and alkaline solutions; dilute coolant with oil residue; and wastes containing low concentrations of metals, including copper, beryllium, chromium, nickel, and/or zinc. The majority of these wastes contain radioactive constituents and are consequently treated as mixed wastes. The area is also used to store solid waste generated by the wastewater filtration unit as well as empty tanks. The total storage capacity for the area is 22,050 gal or approximately 400 fifty-five-gal drums
Building 612 ComplexAs shown in Figure B-5 (LLNL, 1992b), the Building 612 Complex consists of the following waste management units:
- Building 612—Lab Packing, Container Crushing, Container Storage
- Radioactive and mixed waste storage areas 612-1. and 612-5
- Hazardous and mixed waste storage area 612-2
- Receiving, segregation and storage area 612-4
- Building 614—West Cell Storage, East Cell Storage
- Building 625—Container Storage
- Portable Tank Storage Unit
- Tank Trailer Storage Area
Current site practices for each of these units are summarized in the following sections. The hazardous waste storage area (612-3) and the waste incinerator complex (Building 624) are also part of the Building 612 Complex but are discussed under the section entitled Closed Facilities due to the planned closure of these units.
Building 612
Building 612 houses the drum crusher for hazardous or radioactive drums and containers, the storage area that supports the lab packing of small quantities of nonradioactive waste chemicals and the bulking of corrosive materials, a mixed waste storage area, and a low-level radioactive waste compactor/baler.
The drum crusher is connected to a high-efficiency particulate air filter to remove any airborne particulate contaminants. The crusher is used to compact 55-gal drums and smaller containers that previously contained hazardous chemicals or radioactive materials. Crushed containers are treated as hazardous or radioactive waste and disposed of accordingly. Site procedures restrict the commingling of hazardous and radioactive containers and require that the crusher be swiped and surveyed prior to crushing different types (radioactive or hazardous) of containers.
The lab packing operation prepares small containers of compatible chemicals for disposal by packing the containers in absorbent material inside larger overpack containers. Procedures dictate that no more than 17 gal of liquids contained in smaller containers may be overpacked in a 55-gal drum. An overhead crane is used to move full lab packs.
A small room adjacent to the lab packing area is used for bulking (i.e., mixing together to form larger quantities) corrosive materials and chemical sorting prior to taking the materials into the lab packing area.
The mixed waste storage area in Building 612 has a total inventory capacity of 191 cu yd or approximately 700 fifty-five-gal drums of waste (LLNL, 1992b). Hazardous and mixed wastes stored in this building are stored on pallets.
The waste compactor/baler located in Building 612 is used to reduce the volume of solid low-level radioactive waste by compressing compactible materials into bales prior to shipment and disposal at the Nevada Test Site. The enclosed unit is connected to a high-efficiency particulate air filter to remove any airborne contaminants. LLNL is not currently using the baler until air permit issues for the unit are resolved.
Storage Areas 612-1 and 612-5
Area 612-1 consists of two enclosed tents constructed of plastic-coated canvas. Tent A (612-1A) is 49×82 ft. Tent B (612-1B) is 30×98 ft with a total capacity of approximately 1422 cu yd of solid waste.
Area 612-5 consists of a fenced area and a tent made of plastic-coated canvas. The fenced area contains four 8×8×40 ft containers used to store classified solid mixed wastes. The tent is 49×98 ft with storage capacity of 995 cu yd.
Storage Area 612-2
Storage Area 612-2 is a 30×47 ft, covered area surrounded by a 6-inch-high concrete berm used for storage of hazardous and mixed waste. The secondary containment capacity of the bermed area is approximately 3700 gal. Liquid wastes are stored in the area in 55-gal drums or smaller containers (generally 5 gal or less) and are placed on secondary containment pallets. Liquid waste can also be stored in portable tanks, with varying capacities of 300, 600, 660, 750, and 1100 gal. These tanks are typically not placed on secondary containment pallets unless segregation of incompatible wastes is required. The permitted capacity for this area is shown in Table B-9.
Storage Area 612-4
Area 612-4 is the primary receiving, segregation, and storage area for most wastes generated at LLNL prior to their distribution to the appropriate treatment, storage, processing, or disposal site. The 40×100 ft area is covered by a roof and has an epoxy-coated concrete floor that is subdivided into five areas by berms that provide secondary containment. Three of the areas can store 144 fifty-five-gal drums each and the other two can store 216 fifty-five-gal drums each, totaling 864 fifty-five-gal drums. The storage capacity of this area is shown on Table B-9.
Building 614
Building 614 is divided into eight rooms or cells for storage of hazardous wastes and bulking of small quantities of compatible materials. The types of waste handled and stored in these cells may vary depending on need. Only compatible wastes, however, are managed in any room at one time. Wastes stored in these cells include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Waste mercury
- Oxidizers
- Flammables
- Alkali and earth alkali solids
- Chlorosolvents and oils
- Caustics
- Acids
- Compressed gases
- Radioactive and mixed waste
- Aqueous solutions containing precious metals
The four cells on the west side of the building each have a maximum storage capacity of 168 gal of waste. The four cells on the east side of the building each have a maximum storage capacity of 880 gal of waste. In addition to storage, the east cells may also be used for bulking and labpacking small quantities of compatible materials.
Building 625
This building handles and stores transuranic and transuranic mixed wastes and wastes regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos. The building is also used to store wastes regulated by the Department of Toxic Substances Control. It has a total floor space of approximately 4800 sq ft and may store 210 cu yd of waste volume. An epoxy-coated concrete berm inside the building separates the radioactive wastes (east side) from the nonradioactive wastes (west side) and provides a secondary containment capacity of about 17,954 gal. Wastes are typically stored in steel drums or steel boxes.
The Laboratory has applied to EPA and California Department of Toxic Substances Control for permission to move the nonradioactive storage operations from Building 625 to Building 693 to allow for installation of a real-time radiography facility in Building 625. The real-time radiography facility would be used to assay waste containers in order to verify contents and determine compliance with applicable waste acceptance criteria.
Portable Tank Storage Unit
The Area 612 Portable Tank Storage Unit is used to store liquid hazardous wastes in portable tanks. The storage unit has a design capacity of 10,000 gal and is divided into two cells by a concrete curb. Cell A is designed to store up to 4000 gal of hazardous waste while Cell B has a design capacity of 6000 gal. The area consists of an uncovered 1200 sq ft concrete pad surrounded on the north, east, and west sides by a concrete curb. The concrete pad slopes northward 11 inches over 16 ft and the curb heights range from 11 inches along the north side to zero inches along the southern edge of the storage area.
The internal dimensions of Cell A are 30 ft by 16 ft and the internal dimensions of Cell B are 45 ft by 16 ft. Cell A is designed for storage of portable tanks as large as 330 gal, while Cell B can store tanks as large as 660 gal. The south end of the storage unit provides personnel and equipment access for management, inspection, and maintenance of the containers.
Tank Trailer Storage Areas
The Area 612 Tank Trailer Storage Area is designated for storage of hazardous or mixed liquid wastes in tank trailers or in portable tanks on flatbed trailers. The area has a total storage capacity of 5000 gal and the largest volume of any individual container that can be stored in the area is 5000 gal. The storage area is an uncovered recessed loading dock. The unit is 9 ft wide and 77.5 ft long and is recessed down to 4 ft below grade with a ramp on the east end for access. More than one tank trailer or flatbed trailer with portable tanks may be stored in the area as long as the wastes are compatible (i.e., won't create a potential hazard if mixed).
Building 693—Chemical Waste Storage FacilityThis building will replace the hazardous waste drum/container storage area (612-3). The 80×120 ft storage facility contains four bays, each 30×80 ft, separated by walls with the floor area surrounded by a 6-inch-high berm for containment. The floor of each bay is epoxy-lined concrete and is sloped toward the center into a separate sump to allow for detection and removal of liquids.
Each bay in the bermed storage area has enough secondary containment capacity to allow 384 fifty-five-gal drums, or a total of 1536 drums. Because Building 693 was intended to replace the storage area 612-3, the EPA and California Department of Health Services' approval (March 1991) for this building limits storage to 74,470 gal or 1354 fifty-five-gal drums, the size of the 612-3 area (LLNL, 1991b). When the RCRA Part B Permit application is approved, operating capacity for this building is planned to increase to 84,470 gal or 1536 drums.
Building 233—Classified Mixed Waste Storage UnitThe location of this recently approved two-bay storage area is adjacent to the east wall of Building 233. The area was originally constructed as a waste accumulation area. LLNL, however, received permission from the EPA and approval from California Department of Health Services in March 1991 (LLNL, 1991b) to store classified and other controlled hazardous and mixed waste under interim status standards.
Controlled materials stored in Building 233 include precious metals, beryllium, lithium, transuranic waste, and various other hazardous, radioactive, and mixed wastes. Precious metal wastes are also accumulated prior to being sent for recovery. This facility is used for the storage of materials and wastes, and there are no effluents or hazardous wastes generated. Special nuclear material and explosives are not stored in this facility (LLNL, 1989a).
LLNL is currently evaluating options to upgrade the Building 233 storage unit to meet final hazardous waste storage permit requirements. Until these changes are made, LLNL plans to store only solid waste in this area or to use secondary containment pallets that provide adequate containment.
Closed FacilitiesThere are three treatment and storage facilities that have been shut down or closed. The closure does not impact the waste management practices at LLNL. The three facilities are Building 419, a radioactive and mixed waste decontamination and treatment facility; Storage Area 612-3 (to be closed in 1992); and Building 624, the incinerator.
Building 419
Building 419 was previously used for equipment decontamination and size reduction as well as solidification of mixed wastes. This building is not being used because of seismic concerns about building design and construction. LLNL is conducting an engineering evaluation to determine the feasibility of bringing the facility up to seismic standards; however, the facility is no longer used to handle and/or treat radioactive, hazardous, or mixed wastes.
Area 612-3
The drum/container storage area, Area 612-3, is being used on an interim basis to store packaged hazardous waste materials while awaiting shipment to a permitted offsite treatment, storage, and disposal facility. The closure plan for this area and the permit to operate Building 693 as a hazardous drum/container storage area was approved in March 1991 by the EPA and the California Department of Health Service, allowing LLNL to close this area.
Building 624
Building 624 was the waste incinerator complex. LLNL withdrew its permit application for incinerating waste. A closure plan to clean close the incinerator was approved by both the EPA and the California Department of Health Services. A commitment was made by LLNL to dismantle the incinerator following the submittal of the clean closure certification to both agencies. This commitment was not part of the closure plan. The storage unit (612-2) associated with the incinerator will continue to be used to store hazardous and mixed wastes.
Table B-9 Maximum Waste Inventory for Hazardous and Mixed Waste Management Units for the LLNL Livermore Site
| Bldg/Area | Waste Management Unit* | Unit Type | Waste Type | Storage and Treatment Capacities |
| Bldg. 513 | Shredder | T | ixed | 8.32 cu yd/day (O/D) |
| Container Storage | S | ixed | 15,760 gal (O/D) | |
| Solidification Unit | T | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 1,760 gal/day (O/D) | |
| Bldg. 514 | Waste Water Filtration | T | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 4,480 gal/day (O/D) |
| Silver Recovery | T | Hazardous | 100 gal/day (O/D) | |
| Area 514 | Container Storage 514-3 | S | Hazardous and Mixed | 22,050 gal (O/D) |
| Storage Tank 514-R501 | S | Hazardous and Mixed | 13,850 gal (O) 25,000 gal (D) | |
| Wastewater Treatment Tank Farm | T | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 9,000 gal (O/D) | |
| Storage Area 514-1 | S | ixed | 14,080 gal (O/D) | |
| Storage Area 514-2 | S | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 10,400 gal (O/D) | |
| Bldg. 625 | Container Storage | S | Hazardous and Mixed | 210 cu yd (O/D) |
| Area 612 | Receiving, Segregation & Storage 612-4 | S | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 47,520 gal (O/D) |
| Portable Tank Storage | S | Hazardous | 10,000 gal (O/D) | |
| Storage Area 612-1 | S | ixed | 1,422 cu yd (O/D) | |
| Container Storage 612-2 | S | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 10,560 gal (O/D) | |
| Storage Area 612-5 | S | ixed | 995 cu yd (O/D) | |
| Tank Trailer Storage | S | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 5,000 gal (O/D) | |
| Bldg. 612 | Lab Packing Storage Area | S | Hazardous | 21 cu yd (O/D) |
| Drum/Container Crushing | T | Hazardous and Mixed | 240 crush loads/day (O/D) 1 crush load/78 sec (M) | |
| Container Storage | S | ixed | 191 cu yd (O/D) | |
| Bldg. 614 | West Cell Storage | S | Hazardous and/or Mixed | 168 gal/cell (O/D) 672 gal total (O/D) |
| East Cell Storage | S | Hazardous | 880 gal/cell (O/D) 3,520 gal total (O/D) | |
| Bldg. 693 | Chemical Waste Storage Facility | S | Hazardous | 18,620/21,120 gal/day (O/D) 74,470/84,470 gal total (O/D) |
| Bldg. 233 | Classified Mixed Waste Storage | S | Hazardous and Mixed | N. Bay - 128 drums or 34.9 cu yd (O/D) S. Bay - 144 drums or 39.2 cu yd (O/D) |
* Units permanently out of service not included.
T = Treatment.D = Design capacity.
S = Storage. M = Manufacturer's design.
O = Operational permitted capacity.
Source: LLNL, 1992b.
B.4.2.2 Management of Radioactive Waste
Solid and liquid radioactive wastes are generated at the LLNL Livermore site. This section discusses the generation, collection, treatment, and storage of these wastes.
Solid Radioactive Waste GenerationSolid radioactive wastes generated at the LLNL Livermore site include both low-level waste and transuranic wastes. The characteristics of the low-level waste generated at the LLNL Livermore site vary significantly within the various programs. The solid radioactive wastes generated at the Laboratory typically include contaminated compactible materials (e.g., paper, plastic, wipes), experimental hardware, contaminated protective clothing and equipment, and solidified retention tank wastes. In addition, solid wastes are generated from treatment and filtering of aqueous waste in the Area 514 Wastewater Treatment Tank Farm to remove precipitated contaminants.
Table B-10 summarizes annual low-level radioactive waste generation, by building, for 1990 and includes the total activity, by isotope, generated by the facility. Weights shown in the table represent the total weight (including the container) of waste contaminated with the corresponding radionuclide. The information presented in Table B-10 was summarized from individual waste requisition data from the LLNL waste management data base (LLNL, 1991e). The generation rates represent low-level radioactive waste received by the waste management staff for processing or storage prior to disposal.
Approximately 74 percent of the quantity of low-level solids, based on pounds of low-level waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 332, 331, 175, 419, 321C, and 332B. The major radionuclides of concern in the waste from these buildings, based on total activity compared to annual limits on intake (a qualitative index of risk for individual isotopes) established by the International Committee for Radiation Protection (ICRP), are plutonium-239, uranium-238, thorium-232, and mixed fission products. It should be noted that the waste generated at Building 419, the waste decontamination and treatment building, was generated through decontamination of equipment from other buildings. Operations in this building have ceased.
Transuranic waste is generated from defense programs at the LLNL Livermore site. By volume, approximately 95 percent of the transuranic waste generated is contaminated with plutonium isotopes, including plutonium-238, plutonium-239, plutonium-240, plutonium-241, and plutonium-242 as well as americium-241. Nearly all transuranic waste generated at LLNL originates in the Plutonium Facility (Building 332) and the Heavy Element Facility (Building 251). Solid transuranic waste consists predominantly of untreated solid trash from glovebox operations, such as wiping tissues, paper, plastic, chemistry glassware, ceramics, and metals (LLNL, 1990f).
Transuranic waste generation information is maintained on a separate data base at the LLNL Livermore site. Table B-11 summarizes the generation data from this data base (LLNL, 1991j). Note, however, that because liquid transuranic waste is solidified and packaged in the same 55-gal transuranic waste drums as dry waste, relative generation rates for transuranic waste (and mixed transuranic waste) liquids were not distinguishable from dry waste generation. The volumes shown in Table B-11 represent solid and liquid transuranic and mixed transuranic waste.
Solid Waste Collection, Treatment, and Storage
Collection
Contaminated articles from glovebox operations are placed in an uncontaminated secondary container within the glovebox. The containers are then removed from the box by bagging the container in plastic (bagging out). The bagged items are placed in properly labeled, covered metal cans that are lined with a plastic bag and a paper inner bag (LLNL, 1991a).
Other radioactive solid waste is placed in a plastic bag–lined metal waste container, typically a 55-gal drum. Waste containers are then characterized based on contents and stored in designated waste accumulation areas. Wastes are collected on a scheduled basis by waste management staff from the waste generators (LLNL, 1989c). Following pickup, LLNL waste management personnel transport radioactive wastes to the Area 612-4 receiving, segregation, and storage unit. The packages are then either taken to Building 612 for processing and packaging, or moved to areas 612-1 or 612-5 for storage prior to shipment for offsite disposal at the Nevada Test Site.
For transuranic waste, the LLNL Livermore site uses containers certified by DOE for disposal of transuranic waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) (LLNL, 1990i). In addition to 55-gal transuranic waste drums, the site has recently started using the standard waste box (67 cu ft) designed for transport in the TRUPACT-II shipping cask (see Appendix K). Before using the standard waste box, LLNL was using 4×4×7 ft boxes, certified for disposal at WIPP, for large items.
Treatment
Compactible materials can be volume-reduced into bales by the waste compactor located in Building 612. The waste compactor, however, is not being used until issues relating to an air permit for the unit are resolved. Noncompactible materials, such as contaminated equipment, dirt, and so on, are typically packaged in steel boxes and stored prior to disposal at the Nevada Test Site.
Currently, no radioactive waste processing is being performed at the 612 Area. Large items may be decontaminated at the generator facility by the waste management staff using manual wipe-down methods with cloths and nonhazardous cleansers.
Transuranic waste is packaged in WIPP-certified containers at the generating facility although the waste is not compacted for storage and disposal. Containers are accumulated in Building 332 prior to being assayed. Following assay to determine waste isotopic characteristics, the waste is shipped to storage at Building 625.
Storage
Low-level and transuranic waste is currently being stored onsite at the LLNL Livermore site while waste certification plans are being developed to allow for shipment to the Nevada Test Site (or other approved facility). Normal practices are to temporarily store low-level waste at various waste management facility locations (as defined in section B.4.2.1) prior to shipment offsite for disposal. Transuranic waste is stored at Building 625, at other waste management facilities, and at generator sites. Before 1991, transuranic waste was shipped to the Nevada Test Site for storage until disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant becomes available. When certification plans are approved, LLNL plans to continue storage of transuranic waste at the Nevada Test Site. If certification plans do not receive approval, LLNL would pursue other onsite and/or offsite storage options.
Liquid Radioactive Waste GenerationLiquid radioactive wastes generated as a result of a number of research activities at the LLNL Livermore site include both low-level waste and transuranic wastes. The characteristics of the low-level waste generated at the LLNL Livermore site vary with the various programs.
Table B-12 summarizes annual liquid low-level radioactive waste generation, by building, for 1990. The table also includes the total activity, by isotope, generated by the facility. The information presented in Table B-12 was summarized from individual waste requisition data from the LLNL waste management data base (LLNL, 1991e). The volumes represent gal of liquid low-level waste received at the waste management facilities for treatment. The majority of these liquids are then processed at the Area 514 wastewater treatment tank farm.
Approximately 90 percent of the low-level liquid waste, based on gal of low-level waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 235, 151, 251, and 361. The major radionuclides of concern in the waste from these buildings, based on total activity compared to annual limits on intake (a qualitative index of risk for individual isotopes) established by the International Committee for Radiation Protection (ICRP), are uranium-238, americium-241, californium-250, and mixed fission products.
Because liquid transuranic waste is solidified and packaged in the same 55-gal transuranic waste drums as dry waste, relative generation rates for transuranic waste (and mixed transuranic waste) liquids were not distinguishable from dry waste generation. Total transuranic waste generation rates (including mixed transuranic waste) are summarized in Table B-11.
Liquid Waste Collection, Treatment, and StorageCollection
As discussed in section B.3.2, relatively large quantities of nonsewerable wastewater from retention-tank systems may be treated as low-level waste. Smaller quantities of contaminated liquids may be accumulated in various sizes and types of containers, as illustrated in Table B-8.
At the LLNL Livermore site, nonreleasable wastewater in generator retention-tank systems is typically pumped into 330-, 400-, 600-, 660-, 750-, or 1000-gal portable tanks for treatment at the wastewater treatment tank farm. Low-level liquid wastes are taken to the Area 612 receiving area for receipt and inspection prior to being taken to the 514 facility for processing (LLNL, 1990e).
Treatment
The processes used to treat liquid wastes at the LLNL Livermore site are described below. A general description of the associated facilities can be found in section B.4.2.1.
Low-level liquid wastes are treated at the wastewater treatment tank farm to remove radioactive constituents and other contaminants. Although this section deals with low-level wastes, the process is also applicable to mixed waste liquids that are treated at this facility to remove contaminants prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer system (see section B.4.2.3).
Five types of wastewater contaminants are treated at the wastewater treatment tank farm (LLNL, 1989c):
- Metals are removed by pH adjustment, oxidation, flocculation, and precipitation.
- Coolants are treated by lowering the pH, settling, and decanting the chlorinated hydrocarbons. Powdered carbon may be added to the tank to remove organics.
- Cyanides and other organics are treated by raising the pH and adding sodium hypochlorite to a predetermined level.
- Hexavalent chromium is removed by the addition of iron sulfate and sodium sulfide, neutralization, flocculation, and settling.
- Soluble earth alkalis are treated by chelation.
Filtration, which is used to remove the radionuclides and other particulates from the wastewater, is usually the final treatment step for each of the treatment procedures. The filtrate is always sampled and analyzed for the pollutants of concern. Based on an analysis of the effluents, a decision is made on whether to dispose of the effluents (i.e., discharge to sewer if release criteria are met or process and package for disposal) or to reprocess the wastewater until it meets sewer release limits. The diatomaceous earth filter media is collected and stored as mixed waste as described in section B.4.2.1. Figure B-6 shows a flow diagram of the processes at the Area 514 treatment facility (LLNL, 1989c).
The specific chemical and/or physical processes used depend on the characteristics of the specific waste stream. All or a combination of the treatment processes listed can be used to remove contaminants from the process stream so that the resulting effluents can be discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
Liquid wastes containing transuranics are solidified in 1-gal paint cans or plastic containers, allowed to cure for at least 24 hours, and then tipped to check for free water. The solidified matrices are then placed in lined 55-gal transuranic waste containers for storage and ultimate disposal (LLNL, 1990i). This process is performed in the Plutonium Facility (Building 332). Solidification of transuranic wastes is required to comply with free-liquid restrictions for transportation and disposal.
Table B-10 LLNL Livermore Site Solid Low-Level Radioactive Waste Generationa
January & December 1990| Building Number | Solids Quantity (lb)b | Contaminant Radionuclidec | Total Activity (curies) |
| 121 | 6 | Co-60 | 1.00×10-9 |
| 2 | Po-210 | 1.00×10-6 | |
| 131 | 138 | U-238 | 1.00×10-8 |
| 141 | 3 | H-3 | 1.00×10-3 |
| 151 | 106 | Am-241 | 3.04×10-7 |
| 10 | Ba-140 | 1.00×10-6 | |
| 37 | Ce-141 | 2.00×10-8 | |
| 118 | Cs-137 | 1.50×10-5 | |
| 160 | Eu-152 | 7.00×10-7 | |
| 956 | H-3 | 1.00×10-3 | |
| 3,018 | FP | 9.39×10-1 | |
| 21 | Ra-226 | 3.95×10-4 | |
| 1 | Rb-83 | 1.00×10-4 | |
| 1 | Th-230 | 1.00×10-6 | |
| < 1 | Th-232 | 4.58×10-6 | |
| 7 | U-238 | 8.63×10-5 | |
| 161 | 110 | U-238 | 5.00×10-6 |
| 169 | 600 | U-238 | 1.33×10-5 |
| 175 | 785 | Am-241 | 1.40×10-5 |
| 1,800 | Cs-137 | 1.00×10-2 | |
| 4,000 | FP | 4.00×10-2 | |
| 14,010 | U-238 | 4.54×10-2 | |
| 177 | 370 | U-235 | 2.15×10-5 |
| 4,852 | U-238 | 5.46×10-2 | |
| 179 | 5 | U-238 | 2.66×10-8 |
| 212 | 2,000 | Ce-144 | 1.00×10-2 |
| 700 | Co-60 | 1.00×10-9 | |
| 222 | 8 | H-3 | 3.10×10-1 |
| 2 | Ni-63 | 1.00×10-7 | |
| 281 | Th-232 | 5.69×10-5 | |
| < 1 | U-234 | 1.80×10-5 | |
| 5 | U-235 | 2.72×10-5 | |
| 359 | U-238 | 2.00×10-4 | |
| 226 | < 1 | U-235 | 4.28×10-6 |
| 725 | U-238 | 7.10×10-6 | |
| 227 | 2 | U-238 | 1.00×10-6 |
| 231 | 2 | Ba-133 | 3.00×10-6 |
| < 1 | P-32 | 1.00×10-3 | |
| 2 | Pu-239 | 4.00×10-6 | |
| < 1 | U-235 | 8.56×10-6 | |
| 960 | U-238 | 8.75×10-6 | |
| 232 | 3 | U-238 | 3.33×10-7 |
| 235 | 20 | Th-232 | 5.45×10-9 |
| 550 | U-238 | 3.28×10-5 | |
| 241 | 3 | Co-57 | 8.00×10-3 |
| 112 | Co-60 | 2.26×10+3 | |
| 12 | Cs-134 | 1.00×10-3 | |
| 5 | H-3 | 2.00×10-5 | |
| 18 | Tc-99 | 1.36×10-2 | |
| 3 | Th-232 | 1.09×10-8 | |
| 3,184 | U-234 | 2.29×10-1 | |
| 80 | U-235 | 2.14×10-8 | |
| 764 | U-238 | 9.99×10-3 | |
| 251 | 6,501 | Am-241 | 1.14×10-3 |
| 100 | Am-242m | 2.50×10-4 | |
| 65 | Am-243 | 1.00×10-7 | |
| 1 | Cf-250 | 1.00×10-9 | |
| 10 | Cm-244 | 2.00×10-9 | |
| 10 | Cm-246 | 1.00×10-5 | |
| 130 | Pu-238 | 2.10×10-6 | |
| 600 | Pu-239 | 4.80×10-11 | |
| 253 | 240 | Am-241 | 3.02×10-6 |
| 10 | Ce-144 | 9.00×10-7 | |
| 10 | Co-57 | 5.00×10-7 | |
| 10 | Cs-137 | 2.70×10-10 | |
| 333 | H-3 | 4.66×10-3 | |
| 1,430 | Pu-239 | 1.64×10-7 | |
| < 1 | U-238 | 1.70×10-6 | |
| 254 | 960 | Am-241 | 3.37×10-11 |
| 150 | U-238 | 1.35×10-5 | |
| 255 | 1 | U-238 | 4.70×10-5 |
| 261 | 50 | Am-241 | 1.02×10-3 |
| 200 | FP | 4.00×10-6 | |
| 281 | 540 | FP | 7.00×10-2 |
| 25 | Pu-242 | 1.00×10+0 | |
| 291 | 70 | H-3 | 4.00×10-1 |
| 292 | 2,700 | Co-60 | 2.00×10-6 |
| 2,900 | H-3 | 2.20×10-2 | |
| 298 | 624 | H-3 | 3.84×10-3 |
| < 1 | Th-232 | 6.00×10-3 | |
| 120 | U-238 | 2.41×10-3 | |
| 321 | 153 | U-238 | 5.00×10-6 |
| 321A | 3 | Po-210 | 1.90×10-7 |
| 321C | 2,000 | C-14 | 1.00×10-4 |
| 10 | Th-232 | 6.70×10-5 | |
| 9,371 | U-238 | 3.10×10-2 | |
| 322 | 150 | Pu-239 | 6.13×10-5 |
| 331 | < 1 | H-3 | 7.90×10-1 |
| 18,796 | H-3 | 5.64×10+2 | |
| 2,342 | U-238 | 2.40×10-6 | |
| 332 | 4 | Ba-133 | 1.00×10-3 |
| 1,500 | H-3 | 2.10×10-8 | |
| 1,500 | FP | 3.60×10-5 | |
| 57,156 | Pu-239 | 7.01×10-3 | |
| 3,000 | U-238 | 1.47×10-5 | |
| 332B | 150 | Pu-238 | 1.00×10-8 |
| 8,430 | Pu-239 | 2.04×10-3 | |
| 341 | 30 | Ir-192 | 3.00×10-7 |
| 25 | FP | 1.00×10-3 | |
| 527 | U-238 | 3.34×10-4 | |
| 343 | 3 | Ni-63 | 1.00×10-8 |
| 361 | 338 | C-14 | 3.75×10-3 |
| 3 | Co-60 | 1.81×10-8 | |
| 296 | H-3 | 2.05×10-2 | |
| 1 | Ni-63 | 2.00×10-4 | |
| 1,526 | P-32 | 9.71×10-2 | |
| 2 | P-32 | 2.50×10-4 | |
| 1 | Pu-239 | 1.00×10-8 | |
| 305 | S-35 | 5.14×10-3 | |
| 31 | U-238 | 2.52×10-4 | |
| 362 | 10 | C-14 | 2.50×10-8 |
| 363 | 35 | C-14 | 3.10×10-6 |
| 364 | 2,000 | Co-60 | 3.40×10-1 |
| 365 | 195 | C-14 | 1.66×10-5 |
| 30 | S-35 | 2.00×10-6 | |
| 366 | 14 | C-14 | 1.02×10-4 |
| 2 | S-35 | 1.00×10-5 | |
| 377 | 225 | C-14 | 1.01×10-3 |
| 10 | Cr-51 | 1.00×10-6 | |
| 27 | P-32 | 3.00×10-2 | |
| 378 | 2 | Am-241 | 1.00×10-9 |
| 60 | H-3 | 1.00×10-3 | |
| 391 | 90 | H-3 | 4.40×10-4 |
| 405 | 20 | Am-241 | 1.17×10-3 |
| 412 | 950 | Eu-152 | 5.80×10-2 |
| 45 | Ra-226 | 8.00×10-8 | |
| 310 | Sr-90 | 4.00×10-6 | |
| 2 | U-238 | 6.66×10-7 | |
| 419 | 11,430 | U-238 | 1.75×10-3 |
| 490 | 1,153 | U-238 | 8.93×10-2 |
| 491 | 321 | U-238 | 2.81×10-2 |
| 493 | 1 | U-238 | 1.80×10-6 |
| 592 | 800 | Cs-137 | 8.00×10-2 |
| 2425 | 5 | Co-60 | 3.00×10-3 |
| 2581 | 101 | U-238 | 1.92×10-4 |
| Totals: | » 185,000 | Am-241 | 3.35×10-3 |
| Am-242m | 2.50×10-4 | ||
| Am-243 | 1.00×10-7 | ||
| Ba-133 | 1.00×10-3 | ||
| Ba-133 | 3.00×10-6 | ||
| Ba-140 | 1.00×10-6 | ||
| Ce-141 | 2.00×10-8 | ||
| Ce-144 | 9.00×10-7 | ||
| Cf-250 | 1.00×10-9 | ||
| Cm-244 | 2.00×10-9 | ||
| Cm-246 | 1.00×10-5 | ||
| Co-57 | 8.00×10-3 | ||
| Co-60 | 2.26×10+3 | ||
| Cr-51 | 1.00×10-6 | ||
| Cs-134 | 1.00×10-3 | ||
| Cs-137 | 9.00×10-2 | ||
| C-14 | 4.98×10-3 | ||
| Eu-152 | 5.80×10-2 | ||
| H-3 | 5.65×10+2 | ||
| Ir-192 | 3.00×10-7 | ||
| FP | 1.05×10+0 | ||
| Ni-63 | 2.00×10-4 | ||
| Po-210 | 1.19×10-6 | ||
| Pu-238 | 2.11×10-6 | ||
| Pu-239 | 9.12×10-3 | ||
| Pu-242 | 1.00×10+0 | ||
| P-32 | 1.28×10-1 | ||
| Ra-226 | 3.95×10-4 | ||
| Rb-83 | 1.00×10-4 | ||
| Sr-90 | 4.00×10-6 | ||
| S-35 | 5.15×10-3 | ||
| Tc-99 | 1.36×10-2 | ||
| Th-230 | 1.00×10-6 | ||
| Th-232 | 6.13×10-3 | ||
| U-234 | 2.29×10-1 | ||
| U-235 | 6.15×10-5 | ||
| U-238 | 2.64×10-1 |
a Based on quantities received by Waste Management from January 1, 1990,
through December 31, 1990. Data base quantities for waste management facilities
where waste is repackaged/consolidated (i.e., Buildings 233, 514, and 612) are
excluded. These quantities are included in the quantities for the individual
waste generators.
b Quantities are a total of the contaminated material, the contaminant, and,
if appropriate, the waste container. Consistent with the definition of
radioactive waste, quantities of radionuclide contaminants are determined to be
too small to be economically recoverable.
c Quantities of transuranic radionuclides in individual waste packages are
less than 100 nanocuries per gram.
FP = Mixed Fission Products.
Source: LLNL, 1991e.
Table B-11 LLNL Livermore Site Transuranic and Mixed Transuranic Waste Generation
|
Calendar Year |
Building |
Number Drums |
Number Boxes |
Approximate Volume (cu ft)a |
| 1989 | 332 | 30 | 20 | 2,465 |
| 251 | 3 | 0 | 23 | |
| 1990b | 332c | 39 | 9 | 1,255 |
| 251 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
a Box volumes are based on one standard waste box in 1990, all other boxes
are 4 × 4 × 7 ft. Drums are 55 gal. Volumes are based on quantities
received by Waste Management during respective periods.
b 1990 represents approximately 6 months of generation because inoperable
assay equipment delayed assay operations. Radiation monitoring equipment
continued to be operable during this period.
c Because assay equipment was inoperable from June 1990 to April 1991,
transuranic waste accumulated in Building 332. As of May 16, 1991, 63
fifty-five-gal drums accumulated in Building 332.
Source: LLNL, 1991j.
Table B-12 LLNL Livermore Site Gallons of Low-Level Radioactive Waste Generated* JanuaryûDecember 1990
| Building Number | Liquid quantity (gallons) | Contaminant Radionuclide | Total Activity (curies) |
| 131 | < 1 | U-238 | 1.00×10-8 |
| 151 | 5 | Am-241 | 2.20×1-8 |
| 177 | Ba-140 | 9.24×10-3 | |
| 20 | Ce-141 | 2.78×10-5 | |
| < 1 | Cf-250 | 5.10×10-7 | |
| 14 | H-3 | 3.28×10-3 | |
| 115 | I-131 | 8.02×10-4 | |
| 535 | FP | 2.00×10-1 | |
| < 1 | Nb-95 | 5.01×10-3 | |
| 5 | Pu-238 | 8.60×10-7 | |
| 2,900 | Ru-105 | 5.59×10-5 | |
| 1 | U-238 | 4.30×10-5 | |
| 1 | Y-88 | 1.00×10-7 | |
| 175 | 5 | U-235 | 1.07×10-5 |
| 123 | U-238 | 1.04×10-5 | |
| 177 | 15 | U-238 | 2.35×10-5 |
| 179 | 3 | U-238 | 3.33×10-9 |
| 222 | 13 | U-238 | 1.89×10-5 |
| 227 | 10 | U-238 | 3.33×10-9 |
| 231 | < 1 | U-238 | 3.33×10-7 |
| 235 | < 1 | Th-232 | 1.09×10-8 |
| 6,705 | U-238 | 7.11×10-2 | |
| 241 | < 1 | Nb-95 | 3.00×10-3 |
| 165 | U-234 | 3.00×10-6 | |
| 20 | U-238 | 1.42×10-6 | |
| 251 | 3,305 | Am-241 | 7.73×10-5 |
| 56 | Cf-250 | 1.00×10-5 | |
| 3 | U-235 | 4.26×10-7 | |
| 253 | 5 | Am-241 | 3.00×10-6 |
| 5 | Ce-144 | 9.00×10-7 | |
| 5 | Co-57 | 5.00×10-7 | |
| 5 | Cs-137 | 2.70×10-10 | |
| 1 | C-14 | 1.46×10-2 | |
| 15 | H-3 | 1.02×10-1 | |
| 281 | 7 | FP | 2.00×10-5 |
| 5 | Np-237 | 3.80×10-7 | |
| 3 | Os-189 | 1.00×10-7 | |
| 4 | Pu-242 | 1.00×10-5 | |
| 282 | < 1 | Co-57 | 2.00×10-5 |
| < 1 | S-35 | 1.00×10-4 | |
| 321 | 130 | U-238 | 1.60×10-2 |
| 321C | 378 | U-238 | 2.66×10-6 |
| 331 | 36 | H-3 | 4.06×10-1 |
| 332 | 5 | Pu-239 | 8.28×10-4 |
| 341 | 5 | U-238 | 3.33×10-7 |
| 361 | 13 | C-14 | 2.00×10-1 |
| 66 | H-3 | 4.63×10-2 | |
| 300 | P-32 | 3.01×10-2 | |
| 363 | 15 | P-32 | 2.00×10-3 |
| 365 | 35 | C-14 | 4.00×10-4 |
| 366 | 5 | S-35 | 4.00×10-5 |
| 377 | 5 | Cr-51 | 1.00×10-4 |
| 30 | C-14 | 1.01×10-3 | |
| 1 | H-3 | 1.00×10-6 | |
| 50 | P-32 | 9.50×10-3 | |
| 412 | 5 | C-14 | 1.00×10-4 |
| 419 | 55 | Co-57 | 5.80×10-9 |
| 30 | Co-60 | 3.10×10-9 | |
| 189 | U-238 | 1.39×10-6 | |
| 490 | 150 | U-238 | 4.25×10-4 |
| 592 | 55 | Cs-137 | 1.00×10-2 |
| 1446 | 5 | P-32 | 1.50×10-4 |
| Totals: | » 15,810 | Am-241 | 8.03×10-5 |
| Ba-140 | 9.24×10-3 | ||
| Ce-141 | 2.78×10-5 | ||
| Ce-144 | 9.00×10-7 | ||
| Cf-250 | 1.05×10-5 | ||
| Co-57 | 2.05×10-5 | ||
| Co-60 | 3.10×10-9 | ||
| Cr-51 | 1.00×10-4 | ||
| Cs-137 | 1.00×10-2 | ||
| C-14 | 2.17×10-1 | ||
| H-3 | 5.58×10-1 | ||
| I-131 | 8.02×10-4 | ||
| FP | 2.00×10-1 | ||
| Nb-95 | 8.01×10-3 | ||
| Np-237 | 3.80×10-7 | ||
| Os-189 | 1.00×10-7 | ||
| Pu-238 | 8.60×10-7 | ||
| Pu-239 | 8.28×10-4 | ||
| Pu-242 | 1.00×10-5 | ||
| P-32 | 4.17×10-2 | ||
| Ru-105 | 5.59×10-5 | ||
| S-35 | 1.40×10-4 | ||
| Th-232 | 1.09×10-8 | ||
| U-234 | 3.00×10-6 | ||
| U-235 | 1.11×10-5 | ||
| U-238 | 8.76×10-2 | ||
| Y-88 | 1.00×10-7 |
* Based on waste received by Waste Management from January 1, 1990, through
December 31, 1990. Data base quantities for waste management facilities where waste is
repackaged/consolidated (i.e., Building 514 and 612) are excluded. These quantities are included in
the gallons reported for the individual generators.
FP = Mixed fission products.
Source: LLNL, 1991e.
B.4.2.3 Management of Mixed Waste
Solid and liquid mixed wastes are generated at the LLNL Livermore site. This section discusses the generation, collection, treatment, and storage of these wastes.
Mixed Waste GenerationMixed waste generated at the LLNL Livermore site contains both low-level and transuranic radioactive components. Because of the numerous research activities performed at LLNL, low-level mixed waste may consist of a wide variety of hazardous components. Table B-13 summarizes annual low-level radioactive mixed waste generation, by building, for 1990. The information presented in Table B-13 was summarized from individual waste requisition data from the LLNL waste management data base (LLNL, 1991f). The volumes represent gal of liquid low-level mixed waste received for treatment, while the pounds represent solid materials for packaging and storage.
Approximately 90 percent of the quantity of solid low-level mixed waste, based on pounds of mixed waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 514, 321, 233, and 241. Approximately 90 percent of the quantity of liquid low-level mixed waste, based on gal of mixed waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 321c, 332, 514, 321, 161, and 419. The major radionuclides present in these wastes include uranium-238, americium-241, thorium-232, plutonium-239, mixed fission products, and tritium, while the predominant hazardous constituents consist of coolants and solvents used in machining operations, toxic metals such as beryllium, decontamination solutions, and dyes.
It should be noted that the waste generated at Buildings 514 and 419 was generated as a result of processing wastes generated at other facilities. In addition, Building 419 has been closed and will no longer generate mixed wastes.
Transuranic mixed waste (hazardous waste that also contains transuranic radionuclides in concentrations greater than 100 nanocuries per gram at the time of assay) consists of transuranic-contaminated corrosive materials, coolants, and solvents. Most of this waste is contaminated with plutonium isotopes, including plutonium-238, plutonium-239, plutonium-240, plutonium-241, and plutonium-242 as well as americium-241. Nearly all transuranic waste generated at LLNL originates in the Plutonium Facility (Building 332) and the Heavy Element Facility (Building 251) (LLNL, 1990i). As discussed earlier, transuranic mixed wastes are included in Table B-11.
Mixed Waste Collection, Treatment, and Storage
Collection
Solid and liquid mixed wastes are segregated from other waste streams at the generator facility and collected in separate containers. The different mixed waste streams are typically collected in 55-gal drums, but may be collected in other containers depending on operating conditions at the generator facility.
Treatment
Solid mixed wastes are not treated or compacted onsite for volume reduction. Low-level mixed wastes are packaged in steel drums and/or steel boxes and stored in Area 612 until a disposal option becomes available. Wet solids, such as filtration media from the Building 514 rotary drum filter, are packaged in plastic-lined containers for storage. Absorbents may be added to these containers to eliminate freestanding liquid.
Liquid mixed wastes are treated and stored as follows:
- Nonsewerable wastewater from retention-tank systems and/or bulked liquids containing low-level radioactive and hazardous waste constituents are treated at the wastewater treatment tank farm. After appropriate treatment and sampling, the process effluents are discharged to the sanitary sewer system if the analysis shows that the wastewater meets discharge limits.
- Low-level mixed waste liquids that cannot be treated at Area 514 because of tritium levels or hazardous constituents are packaged and stored in area 612 pending the availability of an approved disposal method.
- Small quantities of transuranic mixed waste may be solidified in 1-gal paint cans or plastic containers and placed in lined 55-gal transuranic waste containers for storage and ultimate disposal (LLNL, 1990i).
Storage
LLNL is currently storing mixed waste in designated storage areas, as defined in section B.4.2.1, until a disposal option becomes available. The waste is stored in accordance with interim status standards (LLNL, 1990e).
In December 1991, LLNL conducted an inventory of mixed waste volumes stored onsite and available storage capacities at the Building 612 Complex and Building 514 Complex. The analysis assumed that all radioactive waste currently stored at mixed waste storage units was removed from these areas. Some storage areas are only used to store solid mixed wastes while other areas may be allowed (under interim permit status) to store liquid and/or solid wastes. Therefore, areas used for solid waste storage are represented in cubic yards while areas used for liquid and/or solid waste storage are represented in gallons, as follows (LLNL, 1991m):
| Cu Yd | Gal | |
| Total Permitted Capacity: | 2,710 | 140,500 |
| Practical Storage Capacity: | 1,430 | 132,300 |
| Mixed Waste Stored (12/91): | 850 | 60,400 |
| Available Capacity Based on Permitted Volumes: | 1,860 | 80,100 |
| Available Capacity Based on Practical Volumes: | 580 | 71,900 |
For comparison, the LLNL Livermore site generated approximately 41,560 lb (or approximately 41 cu yd) of solid mixed waste in 1990. In addition, approximately 6300 gal of liquid mixed waste were generated; however, some of these liquids were treated at the Area 514 Wastewater Treatment Tank Farm prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer. The residual solids from this treatment process are included in the 41 cu yd. Historical data indicates that approximately 1 cu yd of solids are generated for every 3500 gal processed (LLNL, 1991m).
Table B-13 LLNL Livermore Site Low-Level Radioactive Mixed Waste Generationa
January–December 1990| Building Number | 1990 Pounds | 1990 Gallons |
| 131 | 0 | 2 |
| 151 | 676 | 93 |
| 161 | 0 | 300 |
| 175 | 0 | 9 |
| 177 | 75 | 9 |
| 222 | 250 | 56 |
| 226 | 0 | 50 |
| 233b | 4,285 | 0 |
| 234 | 20 | 0 |
| 235 | 0 | 7 |
| 241 | 1,757 | 10 |
| 251 | 10 | 5 |
| 253 | 0 | 66 |
| 254 | 375 | <1 |
| 281 | 0 | 1 |
| 292 | 0 | 12 |
| 321 | 11,222 | 785 |
| 321c | 50 | 1,842 |
| 322 | 8 | 4 |
| 331 | 439 | 18 |
| 332 | 10 | 1,320 |
| 341 | 0 | 5 |
| 361 | 258 | 172 |
| 362 | 43 | 16 |
| 363 | 0 | 5 |
| 365 | 35 | 5 |
| 366 | 0 | 5 |
| 377 | 25 | 10 |
| 412 | 0 | 15 |
| 419 | 352 | 237 |
| 514c | 20,970 | 1,172 |
| 597 | 605 | 0 |
| 612 | 95 | 58 |
| Totals: | 41,561 | 6,286 |
a Based on quantities received by Waste Management from January 1, 1990,
through December 31, 1990.
b Waste shown for Building 233 (a waste management storage facility) is
primarily laboratory trash and contaminated duct work from Defense Programs.
c Mixed waste from Building 514 is primarily filter media from processing
low-level radioactive waste and low-level mixed waste liquids (as shown in Table
B-10 and the above table, respectively).
Source: LLNL, 1991f.
B.4.2.4 Management of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste GenerationAlmost all buildings at the LLNL Livermore site generate hazardous wastes in one form or another. These wastes can range from common household items such as fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and paint to a variety of solvents, metals, cyanides, toxic organics, pesticides, asbestos, and PCBs. Annual quantities in solid or liquid form generated at each building range from grams and ounces to thousands of lb and gal.
The types of hazardous wastes generated at the site, using the Department of Health Services hazardous waste codes, are summarized in Table B-14 (LLNL, 1990f). To quantify hazardous waste generation by building, information from the LLNL waste management data base was used (LLNL, 1991c). Approximately 50 percent of the quantity of solid hazardous waste, based on pounds of hazardous waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 511, 222, 241, 321, 231, 361, 431, 141, and 321C. Approximately 70 percent of the quantity of liquid hazardous waste, based on gal of hazardous waste received by the waste management staff in 1990, was generated by Buildings 141, 325, 222, 322, 418, 175, 321, and 492. Table B-15 summarizes the relative quantities of hazardous waste generated by the top generators of hazardous wastes in 1990 (LLNL, 1991c).
Hazardous Waste Collection, Treatment, and StorageCollection
Hazardous wastes may be collected at the generating facility in any of a number of containers. The wastes are typically collected in satellite accumulation areas at the generator facility and transferred to waste accumulation areas while awaiting pickup by the waste management staff. Waste accumulation areas may also serve as the initial point of collection for some waste generators. Wastes are handled and managed in accordance with applicable regulations.
Treatment
With the exception of empty containers, which are compacted in Building 612, solid hazardous wastes are not treated or compacted onsite for volume reduction. The wastes are typically packaged in Department of Transportation–approved steel drums and stored in Area 612 prior to offsite shipment to a licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facility.
Wastewater that contains hazardous constituents in quantities that exceed sewer discharge limits is packaged and shipped offsite to a licensed treatment, storage, and disposal facility. All waste is packaged in accordance with all applicable regulations and treatment, storage, and disposal facility requirements.
B.4.2.5 Management of Medical Waste
As defined in section B.1.1, medical waste consists of biohazardous waste and sharps (e.g., needles, blades, and glass slides) wastes. LLNL manages these wastes in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 6.1 of the California Health and Safety Code.
For purposes of handling, labeling, and proper disposal, LLNL has divided medical wastes into three waste streams (LLNL, 1991d) as follows:
- Waste containing recognizable fluid blood or other body fluid potentially containing blood (e.g., dressings and bandages) and empty live or attenuated vaccine vials.
- Sharps waste (e.g., needles, blades, and glass slides).
- Waste such as blood and blood tubes.
These wastes, generated at Buildings 361, 364, 365, and 663, are packaged and transferred to Building 365 in accordance with established procedures for handling medical waste. At Building 365, the wastes are autoclaved to sterilize the material prior to disposal as sanitary waste. After sterilization, sharps waste is shipped to an offsite permitted incinerator for final disposal.
The LLNL Livermore site generates approximately 200 lb of medical waste per month, or approximately 2400 lb annually.
Table B-14 Summary of Hazardous Waste Stream by DHS Code for LLNL*
| DHS Code | Hazardous Waste | Total Liquids (gal) | Total Solids (lb) |
|
121 122 123 131 132 133 134 135 141 151 172 181 211 212 213 214 221 222 223 232 241 261 271 272 281 291 321 322 331 341 342 343 351 352 441 451 461 491 512 513 541 551 571 581 611 711 721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 731 741 791 792 |
Alkaline solution (pH ³ 12.5) with metals Alkaline solution (pH ³ 12.5) without metals Unspecified alkaline solution Aqueous solution (2 < pH < 12.5) containing reactive anions Aqueous solution with metals (£ restricted levels) Aqueous solution with total organic residues of 10% or more Aqueous solution with total organic residues of < 10% Unspecified aqueous waste Off-specification, aged, or surplus inorganics Asbestos-containing waste etal dust and machining waste Other inorganic solid waste Halogenated solvents Oxygenated solvents Hydrocarbon solvents Unspecified solvent mixture Waste oil and mixed oil Oil/water separation sludge Unspecified oil-containing waste Pesticides and other waste associated with pesticide production Tank bottom waste Polychlorinated biphenyls and material containing PCBs Organic monomer waste (includes unreacted resins) Polymeric resin waste Adhesives Latex waste Sewage sludge Biological waste other than sewage sludge Off-specification, aged, or surplus organics Organic liquids (nonsolvents) with halogens Organic liquids with metals Unspecified organic liquid mixture Organic solids with halogens Other organic solids Alum and gypsum sludge Degreasing sludge Paint sludge Unspecified sludge waste Empty containers 30 gallons or more (nonpesticide) Empty containers less than 30 gallons Photochemicals/photoprocessing waste Laboratory waste chemicals Fly ash, bottom ash, and retort ash Gas scrubber waste Contaminated soil from site clean-ups Liquids with cyanides ³ 1000 mg/L Liquids with arsenic ³ 500 mg/L Liquids with cadmium ³ 100 mg/L Liquids with chromium (VI) ³ 500 mg/L Liquids with lead ³ 500 mg/L Liquids with mercury ³ 20 mg/L Liquids with nickel ³ 134 mg/L Liquids with selenium ³ 100 mg/L Liquids with thallium ³ 130 mg/L Liquids with polychlorinated biphenyls ³ 50 mg/L Liquids with halogenated organic compounds ³ 1000 mg/L Liquids with pH £ 2 Liquids with pH £ 2 with metals |
10,257 99 62 366 173,479 3,500 36,312 9,556 159 13 0 35 7,737 7,355 578 1,179 10,702 155 707 0 55 5,844 2 95 58 475 0 0 2,167 382 395 3,207 0 7 0 0 551 48 3,215 405 10,647 36 0 150 0 503 55 < 1 1,985 < 1 498 7,763 < 1 < 1 117 4,999 755 5,448 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,349 22,699 2,133 56,411 0 0 0 0 3,826 0 11,341 150 0 4,995 29 2,837 89 0 275 103 2,442 0 0 0 435 33,988 1 300 1,470 1,295 68,408 7,208 8,645 12 2,700 1,300 56,192 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
* Based on LLNL requisition system data from June 1988 to June 1989. DHS Codes are now under the jurisdiction of the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Source: LLNL, 1990f.
Table B-15 LLNL Livermore Site Top Hazardous Waste Generatorsa
January & December 1990| Building | Hazard Classb | Gallons | Pounds |
| 141 |
Combustible |
440 |
1,183 |
|
Corrosive |
6,211 |
2,474 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
250 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
98 |
1,560 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
172 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
56 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
15 |
150 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
0 |
68 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
24 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
54,397 |
5,054 | |
|
Oxidizers |
60 |
187 | |
|
Poison B |
0 |
372 | |
|
iscellaneous |
340 |
0 | |
|
175 |
Combustible |
2,260 |
401 |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
21 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
45 |
200 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
15 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
0 |
93 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
106 |
550 | |
|
iscellaneous |
5,564 |
160 | |
|
222 |
Combustible |
43 |
87 |
|
Corrosive |
772 |
2,277 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
4 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
917 |
3,514 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
1,330 | |
|
Irritating Agent |
0 |
4 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
57 |
335 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
< 1 |
70 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
5 |
70 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
30,454 |
13,880 | |
|
Organic Peroxide |
0 |
64 | |
|
Oxidizers |
21 |
701 | |
|
Poison B |
19 |
1,102 | |
|
iscellaneous |
35 |
3,264 | |
|
231 |
Combustible |
931 |
1,789 |
|
Corrosive |
148 |
2,971 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
28 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
266 |
1,851 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
< 1 |
310 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
15 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
424 |
1,660 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
0 |
1 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
242 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
587 |
6,359 | |
|
Organic Peroxide |
1 |
2 | |
|
Oxidizers |
0 |
484 | |
|
Poison B |
182 |
1,245 | |
|
iscellaneous |
55 |
405 | |
|
241 |
Combustible |
330 |
600 |
|
Corrosive |
109 |
944 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
80 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
6 |
1,641 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
6,258 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
20 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
15 |
101 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
< 1 |
167 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
1,632 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
85 |
3,309 | |
|
Oxidizers |
6 |
70 | |
|
Poison B |
171 |
2,828 | |
|
iscellaneous |
15 |
2,127 | |
|
321 |
Combustible |
545 |
812 |
|
Corrosive |
176 |
629 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
81 |
1,472 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
188 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
215 |
694 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
< 1 |
18 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
71 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
6,448 |
13,405 | |
|
Oxidizers |
2 |
55 | |
|
Poison B |
0 |
154 | |
|
iscellaneous |
0 |
300 | |
|
322 |
Corrosive |
28,135 |
760 |
|
Flammable Liquids |
6 |
195 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
3 |
< 1 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
50 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
185 |
300 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
1 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
2,875 |
3,515 | |
|
Oxidizers |
0 |
225 | |
|
Poison B |
0 |
51 | |
|
iscellaneous |
5 |
10 | |
|
325 |
Combustible |
0 |
100 |
|
Corrosive |
19,635 |
150 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
20,035 |
56 | |
|
361 |
Combustible |
8 |
313 |
|
Corrosive |
199 |
2,399 | |
|
Etiologic Agent |
5 |
90 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
57 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
182 |
1,471 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
8 |
1,102 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
< 1 |
12 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
2 |
206 | |
|
ORM-B Material |
5 |
13 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
946 |
5,447 | |
|
Organic Peroxide |
0 |
100 | |
|
Oxidizers |
60 |
446 | |
|
Poison B |
2 |
608 | |
|
iscellaneous |
28 |
476 | |
|
418 |
Combustible |
660 |
30 |
|
Corrosive |
330 |
124 | |
|
Flammable Gas |
0 |
103 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
2,113 |
713 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
166 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
5,305 |
1,840 | |
|
iscellaneous |
255 |
0 | |
|
431 |
Combustible |
170 |
1,378 |
|
Corrosive |
86 |
46 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
16 |
350 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
< 1 |
0 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
1 |
ORM-E Material |
1,544 |
10,054 |
|
Oxidizers |
< 1 |
26 | |
|
492 |
Combustible |
20 |
50 |
|
Corrosive |
285 |
130 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
3,903 |
75 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
7 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
1 |
1 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
2,416 |
846 | |
|
511 |
Combustible |
4,982 |
6,031 |
|
Corrosive |
< 1 |
360 | |
|
Flammable Liquids |
120 |
740 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
6 |
572 | |
|
Flammable Solids |
0 |
1 | |
|
Nonflammable Gas |
0 |
9 | |
|
ORM-A Material |
0 |
30 | |
|
ORM-C Material |
0 |
24,537 | |
|
ORM-E Material |
1,146 |
54,433 | |
|
Oxidizers |
4 |
24 | |
|
iscellaneous |
165 |
150 | |
| Totals for Buildings Shown: |
»208,510 |
»215,610 | |
|
Totals for LLNL Livermore Sitec: |
»276,800 |
»425,500 | |
a Hazardous waste quantities listed in Table B-15 represent approximately 75 percent of the total gallons and 50 percent of the total pounds received by waste management from January through December 1990.
b DOT hazard class provides a more general categorization of the types of hazardous waste generated at LLNL.
c LLNL Livermore site totals exclude data base quantities for the waste management facilities where waste from generators is consolidated. These quantities are included in the gallons/pounds reported for the individual generators.
ORM: Other Regulated Material (i.e., materials other than combustible, corrosive, flammable, etc).
ORM-A: A material that has an anesthetic, irritating, noxious, toxic, or other similar property and that can cause extreme annoyance or discomfort in the event of leakage.
ORM-B: A material capable of causing significant damage to a transport vehicle due to leakage.
ORM-C: A material that has other inherent characteristics not described as an ORM-A or ORM-B, but which make it unsuitable for shipment, unless properly identified and prepared for transportation.
ORM-D: A material such as a consumer commodity that presents a limited hazard during transportation due to its form, quantity, and packaging. They must be materials for which exceptions are provided in 49 C.F.R. section 172.01.
ORM-E: A material that is not included in any other hazard class, but is subject to the requirements in 49 C.F.R. Materials in this class include some hazardous substances and hazardous wastes regulated by 40 C.F.R.
Source: LLNL, 1991c.
B.4.2.6 Planned Improvements for Waste Management Operations
The waste management operations described in the previous sections reflect current waste management practices at the LLNL Livermore site. Plans are currently underway to modify several aspects of waste management operations. These plans include the following:
- Implementation of a sitewide waste minimization plan as part of LLNL's continuing waste minimization actions. The plan has been written, in accordance with DOE and State of California regulations, and timetables for implementation have been established. Some of the strategies outlined in the plan are currently being put into place (see section B.3.3).
- Expansion of the waste processing operations at 514 Area to include additional equipment for hazardous waste treatment. This would include adding a waste evaporator, centrifuge, carbon absorption unit, and blending station.
- Construction of a new Decontamination and Waste Treatment Facility (DWTF) to replace current treatment and storage facilities. This facility would be a centralized waste management complex designed to treat about 75 percent of LLNL's treatable wastes. It would receive, consolidate, process, treat, and package wastes for offsite shipment and disposal. (See Appendix A, section A.1.5.1 for more information on the DWTF.)
- The Mixed Waste Treatment Facility (MWTF) is planned to provide treatment capacity for LLNL combustible, organo-mixed wastes. The best of the demonstration technologies for the treatment developed would be the basis for the Mixed Waste Treatment Facility design.
- The Integrated Demonstration Facility (IDF), tentatively proposed by LLNL, would be a research and development center for demonstrating best available technologies for treating LLNL mixed waste.
- Operation of the low-level waste compactor/baler in Building 612. This unit will be put back into operation for volume reduction of compactible low-level waste.
- Handwiping, steam-cleaning, and size-reduction operations at Building 612 area to replace some of the operations that used to be performed at Building 419.
- Completion and approval of the LLNL waste certification plan, including a detailed sampling, analysis, and training plan, to ship waste to the Nevada Test Site in accordance with NVO-325.
- Completion and approval of waste acceptance criteria documents for all LLNL generated waste.
- Complete closure of the incinerator at 624 Area and 612-3 Area (and subsequent activation of Building 693). Closure plans for these two areas were approved by the EPA and California Department of Health Services in March 1991 (LLNL, 1991b).
- Upgrade of Building 233, the classified hazardous/mixed waste storage facility, to meet applicable Part B permit requirements.
B.4.3 Waste Management at LLNL Site 300
Because LLNL Site 300 is part of the LLNL operations, the waste management procedures are the same for identifying, handling, packaging, storing, and transporting radioactive, hazardous, mixed, and medical wastes. The onsite generators have the same responsibilities as those at the LLNL Livermore site, and also receive the same assistance from the LLNL waste management staff. Wastes generated at the buildings are accumulated at the waste accumulation areas (refer to Appendix A, Figure A-19) and then transported to the LLNL Site 300 waste management facilities. Hazardous wastes are stored at Building 883 and low-level radioactive wastes are staged at Building 804. The site also treats high explosives waste at an open burning facility (Building 829). The following sections describe these buildings; the generation, collection and storage of radioactive, mixed, and hazardous waste; and the planned improvements for waste management operations.
B.4.3.1 Waste Management Facilities
Building 883Building 883, the Hazardous Waste Storage Facility, consists of a roofed, rectangular structure 50×35 ft with a total inventory capacity of 3300 gal consisting of 60 fifty-five-gal drums or their equivalent. The facility has an EPA and California Department of Health Services–approved Hazardous Waste Facility Permit for storage of designated hazardous wastes (LLNL, 1992b). The floor area is surrounded by a berm for secondary containment and slopes to a sump in the southwest corner of the building. The facility, illustrated in Figure B-7, is not used for the storage of radioactive materials.
Building 804Building 804 is currently used exclusively as a staging area for preparing low-level radioactive wastes to be shipped for disposal.
Building 829LLNL Site 300 conducts thermal treatment of high explosives waste at Building 829, the High Explosives Burn Pit Facility. This facility consists of three pits, a storage drying shed (inactive), a diesel fuel furnace called the "Iron Horse," surrounded by a fence, and a 252-sq-ft building for remote viewing of the open burns. High explosives waste and contaminated debris generated at the LLNL Livermore site are shipped to this facility, where they are burned.
The Iron Horse furnace is a metal box (approximately 3×5×5 ft) with wire-mesh doors on each end. The box is supported on four metal legs, which are approximately 3 ft high. The box is equipped with a diesel fuel burner system that ignites the explosive materials. Except for cloth bags sometimes used to hold explosives, diesel fuel and the explosives are the only things burned in the Iron Horse (LLNL, 1990a).
The burn cage (Pit 1) contains a cage in which explosive materials are burned. Burn Pit 2 is inactive, having last been used approximately 6 years ago to burn explosive liquids and paper products. The open burn unit (Pit 3) contains a burn pad consisting of a steel plate surrounded by railroad ties. Explosive pieces (i.e., fines) from machine scraps are burned in this area. The facility is used to burn process wastes generated from the High Explosives Process Area at LLNL Site 300 and from the high explosive operations at the LLNL Livermore site (LLNL, 1989b).
Only one burn unit is used at a time. Burns, which occur only once each day, last up to 90 minutes. In 1990, the Iron Horse was used 31 times, the open burn unit 5 times, and the burn cage 11 times. The amounts of wastes treated in 1990 at this facility are shown in Table B-16(Knezovich and Daniels, 1991; LLNL, 1991c).
Closed FacilitiesTwo solid-waste landfills (Pits 1 and 7) were used at LLNL Site 300 for disposal of debris from high explosive tests. These landfills, previously operated under RCRA interim permit status to dispose of the test wastes, are currently undergoing formal closure and have not been used for waste disposal since November 1988. Additional information on the closure of these two landfills can be found in section 4.17.
Table B-16 LLNL Site 300ù1990 High Explosives Waste Burned(lb/year)
| Material Burned | Open Burn Unit | Burn Cage | Iron Horse | Total |
| LX04* | 35 | N/A | 0 | 35 |
| LX10* | 78 | N/A | 98 | 91 |
| LX14* | 70 | N/A | 21 | 98 |
| LX17* | 532 | N/A | 631 | 1,163 |
| RDX* | 75 | N/A | 0 | 75 |
| PBX9407* | 0 | N/A | 25 | 25 |
| Paper, plastic | N/A | 1,831 | 0 | 1,831 |
| Wood | N/A | 1,186 | 0 | 1,186 |
* LLNL explosive designations (LLNL, 1989e).
N/A = Not applicable.
B.4.3.2 Management of Radioactive Waste
Radioactive Waste GenerationLow-level waste is generated from the firing tables where test assemblies are detonated. The debris consists of gravel and fragments of wood, metal, and glass; larger debris consists of tent poles and pieces of wood, steel, aluminum, concrete, plastic, glass, burlap bags, cables, and other inert testing materials. These parts are contaminated with depleted uranium and, in some instances, thorium is also present as a low-level radioactive waste (LLNL, 1990d). Tests involving tritium have also been conducted and are expected to continue in the future.
Figure B-8 shows that most gravel and debris generated at the firing tables used to be mixed waste. Waste minimization practices at the site have greatly reduced the generation of mixed waste in addition to reducing the total quantity of waste generated from firing table operations (LLNL, 1991g). Changes in operating practices, such as gravel removal procedures and substitution of tent materials, have been successful in minimizing the volume of low-level waste generated at the firing tables. In 1990, LLNL Site 300 generated approximately 300,000 lb of low-level waste from firing table generations.
Radioactive Waste Collection, Treatment, and StorageLow-level waste, including the gravel from firing table operations, is packaged in approved waste containers and transported to Building 804 for staging pending shipment to the LLNL Livermore site or shipment directly to the Nevada Test Site for disposal. Firing table debris is hauled to Building 804 where it is placed in large cargo containers pending shipment.
B.4.3.3 Management of Mixed Waste
In the past, LLNL Site 300 generated significant quantities of mixed waste from gravel and debris from firing tables. The site has greatly reduced mixed waste generation by restricting the use of lead (e.g., lead bricks) for testing operations. Lead is only used when it is an integral part of the unit being tested. The potential for mixed waste generation still exists at LLNL Site 300 from these operations, but only in greatly reduced volumes. In 1990, LLNL Site 300 generated approximately 2000 lb of mixed waste. LLNL Site 300 mixed wastes are shipped to the LLNL Livermore site for appropriate treatment, storage, and preparation for shipment to a disposal site.
B.4.3.4 Management of Hazardous Waste
Hazardous Waste GenerationHazardous waste generated at LLNL Site 300 can be broken down into three categories: explosives that do not contain radioactive material, analytical chemicals, and industrial wastes (UC, 1987). Based on waste requisition data from the LLNL waste management data base (hazardous waste received by waste management in 1990), approximately 90 percent of all hazardous waste (solid and liquid) was generated by the buildings summarized in Table B-17.
Hazardous Waste Collection, Treatment, and StorageHazardous wastes are collected and packaged at the generator facility and temporarily stored in designated waste accumulation areas prior to pickup by the waste management staff. Upon pickup these wastes are stored at the LLNL Site 300 permitted facility pending offsite shipment.
Table B-17 LLNL Site 300ùHazardous Waste Generationa
Buildings Accounting for 90 Percent of the Total Waste Generated in 1990| Solid Wastes | Liquid Wastes | ||
| Building | Pounds | Building | Gallons |
| 873 | 12,120 | 865 | 19,590 |
| 801 | 4,660 | 879 | 11,025 |
| 829 | 4,025 | 843 | 4,925 |
| 865 | 3,425 | 875 | 1,320 |
| 875 | 3,400 | 872 | 1,080 |
| 879 | 2,115 | 801 | 1,060 |
| 836 | 1,840 | ||
| 843 | 1,100 | ||
| 805 | 980 | ||
| Totals for Buildings Shown: | »33,660 | Totals for Buildings Shown: | »39,000 |
| Totals for LLNL Site 300b: | »37,300 | Totals for LLNL Site 300b: | »41,200 |
a Received by Waste Management.
b LLNL Site 300 totals exclude database quantities for the waste
management facility (Building 883) where waste
from generators is consolidated. These quantities are included in the
pounds/gallons for the individual
generators.
Source: LLNL, 1991c.
B.4.3.5 Management of Medical Waste
Medical waste generated at LLNL Site 300 is generated at the medical facility, Building 877. These wastes are managed in accordance with established LLNL procedures for handling medical wastes. The wastes are transported to the LLNL Livermore site, where they are autoclaved at Building 365. The sterilized materials are then disposed as sanitary waste. Quantities generated at Building 877 are approximately 1 lb per month.
B.4.3.6 Planned Improvements for Waste Management Operations
Because LLNL Site 300 is part of LLNL waste management operations, many of the improvements planned for the LLNL Livermore site also affect LLNL Site 300 (see section B.4.2.6). In particular, LLNL Site 300 has initiated a site-wide waste minimization program to reduce waste generation at the source. As illustrated in its 1990 Progress Report (LLNL, 1991g), LLNL Site 300 has implemented several programs to recycle materials and modify operating practices to control future waste generation.
In addition to these improvements, LLNL Site 300 has proposed the development of a high explosive open burn/open detonation facility near Building 845 to manage wastes generated from high explosive operations. The new facility would replace the open burning at Building 829. The principal units to be permitted in a two-phase process include high explosive storage units (phase 1) and open burn/open detonation units (phase 2) consisting of an open detonation table, a metal burn pan, and the Iron Horse furnace (LLNL, 1991h). (See Appendix A for more details on this proposed new facility.)
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