DISPOSAL OPTIONS AND CASE-STUDY PATHWAY ANALYSES

This paper presents an overview of alternatives that currently are emp loyed for the disposal of wastes containing enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The application of pathway assessment methodology to the derivation of acceptable cleanup criteria for residual NORM is described. A specific example is provid ed drawing on experience with a site containing above-background level s of natural uranium-series and thorium-series nuclides. The options f or safe, permanent disposal of U and Th bearing NORM waste are discuss ed and the application of pathway analysis to performance assessment o f a typical engineered disposal cell is illustrated. Typical methods f or disposal of other NORM waste forms also are described. This include s radium-contaminated wastes from petroleum sludges, uranium milling, and geothermal power plant operation as well as thorium wastes from pr oduction of thorium-magnesium alloys. (C) 1977 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.