Use of Authorized Limits During Decontamination and Demolition Phase

Donald Dihel; Orville W. Cypret*; G. Vazquez; W. Alexander Williams

Abstract: Protecting the public and the environment against undue risk from radiation associated with radiological activities conducted under the control of the Department of Energy (DOE) is the purpose of DOE environmental radiation protection programs. To meet this objective, DOE Order (O) 458.1, Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment contains radiation protection requirements including a 100 mrem/yr public dose limit and two property clearance dose constraints, 1 mrem/yr and 25 mrem/yr. During D&D activities of facilities, some waste and materials generated results in the clearance of property that does not meet the requirements for unrestricted release of surface contaminated objects as set forth in DOE O 458.1. Radioactive material on or within material, equipment, and real property which is approved for release when the radiological conditions of the material, equipment, and real property that have been documented to comply with the criteria for release set forth in a DOE Authorized Limits are exempt from 10 CFR Part 835. The development of Authorized Limits involves an evaluation process whereby land and structures, discrete items, or personal property may be cleared even though they contain minute, residual amounts of radioactivity from DOE activities. DOE O 458.1 outlines the requirements for the development and approval of Authorized Limits. By developing and applying Authorized Limits, some of the waste generated during the D&D may be sent to a public or DOE landfill for disposal instead of a Low Level Waste disposal facility without compromise in health and safety. Authorized Limits have been developed, approved, and are being applied in D&D activities at the Portsmouth and Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plants. The development of more Authorized Limits is planned for upcoming D&D activities. The waste streams to which Authorized Limits are applied include liquid waste (oil) and solid waste. Authorized Limits have also been developed for buffer land surrounding the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant as part of the long-term property management plan for the area. Currently, Authorized Limits for DOE buffer land at Portsmouth is being developed. To view the presentation click on the document below.

Kathy McLellan