INTEGRATING VOLUME REDUCTION AND PACKAGING ALTERNATIVES TO ACHIEVE COST SAVINGS FOR LOW LEVEL WASTE DISPOSAL AT THE ROCKY FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SITE

摘要

In order to reduce costs and achieve schedules for Closure of the Rocky FlatsrnEnvironmental Technology Site (RFETS), the Waste Requirements Group hasrnimplemented a number of cost saving initiatives aimed at integrating wasternvolume reduction with the selection of compliant waste packaging methods forrnthe disposal of RFETS low level radioactive waste (LLW).rnWaste Guidance Inventory and Shipping Forecasts indicate that over 200,000rnm3 of low level waste will be shipped offsite between FY2002 and FY2006.rnCurrent projections indicate that the majority of this waste will be shipped offsiternin an estimated 40,000 55-gallon drums, 10,000 metal and plywood boxes, andrn5000 cargo containers. Currently, the projected cost for packaging, shipment,rnand disposal adds up to $80 million. With these waste volume and costrnprojections, the need for more efficient and cost effective packaging andrntransportation options were apparent in order to reduce costs and achieve futurernSite packaging and transportation needs.rnThis paper presents some of the cost saving initiatives being implemented forrnwaste packaging at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (the Site).rnThere are many options for either volume reduction or alternative packaging.rnEach building and/or project may indicate different preferences and/orrncombinations of options.