Progress in L/ILW Management at Operating NPP in the USA-19697

摘要

The volume of Low and Intermediate Level Waste (L/ILW) from commercial nuclear power plants (NPP) buried annually in the USA decreased dramatically over the last two decades of the last century. The reduction in disposal volume occurred for both dry active waste (DAW) and wet waste (e.g., resins, filters and sludges). Decreased disposal volume occurred at both Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs). The reduction in disposal volume occurred in stages. The major driver to reduce disposal volume in the commercial sector of the USA last century was increasing burial costs. The advent of bulk disposal facilities this century, lead to a reduction in burial costs for lower activity waste. The current drive to further reduce overall NPP operating costs to meet a deregulated electric market in the USA coupled with reduced disposal fees has removed the incentive for volume reduction and recycling. Waste minimization practices remain cost effective. This paper will review the stages of waste reduction and describe the current stage for NPP in the USA.