Comparative Life-Cycle Cost Analysis for Low-Level Mixed Waste RemediationAlternatives

摘要

The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) to develop a generic, life-cycle costmodel for evaluating low-level, mixed waste remediation alternatives, and (2) to apply the model, specifically, to estimate remediation costs for a site similar to the Femald Environmental Management Project near Cincinnati, OH. Life-cycle costs for virtification, cementation, and dry removal process technologies are estimated. Since vitrification is in a conceptual phase, computer simulation is used to help characterize the support infrastructure of a large scale vitrification plant. Cost estimating relationships obtained from the simulation data, previous cost estimates, available process data, engineering judgment, and expert opinion all provide input to an Excel based spreadsheet for generating cash flow streams. Crystal Ball, an Excel add-on, was used for discounting cash flows for net present value analysis. The resulting LCC data was then analyzed using multi-attribute decision analysis techniques with cost and remediation time as criteria. The analytical framework presented allows alternatives to be evaluated in the context of budgetary, social, and political considerations. In general, the longer the remediation takes, the lower the net present value of the process.