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Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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151<br />

WASTE MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS<br />

the plutonium could not be stored in large tanks because <strong>of</strong> criticality reasons, so the<br />

plutonium was recovered separately, and then blended back just prior to solidification.<br />

Partial purification occurred during the recovery, but it was not required for criticality<br />

reasons.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.87<br />

Issue<br />

One commenter expressed concern over the concept <strong>of</strong> storing aqueous plutonium nitrate<br />

for "several years" prior to blending it into high-level liquid waste for solidification in<br />

one <strong>of</strong> the uranium-only recycle options. (181)<br />

Response<br />

In the discussion <strong>of</strong> the uranium-only recycle option in the draft Statement, the<br />

approach selected as a reference involved essentially immediate solidification <strong>of</strong> the high-<br />

level waste and plutonium nitrate mixture so that very little storage <strong>of</strong> plutonium nitrate<br />

solution would be required.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.87<br />

Issue<br />

The technique <strong>of</strong> using concrete to consolidate hulls in 55-gallon drums should be<br />

mentioned. (181)<br />

Response<br />

This technique is included in the final Statement (see Section 4.3.3.1).<br />

Draft p. 3.1.87<br />

Issue<br />

Calcination (conversion <strong>of</strong> metals in soluble salt solutions to dry, metallic oxides)<br />

can hardly be called an alternative solidification process. It's the first step or co-step<br />

in all consolidation processes. (181)<br />

Response<br />

Section 4.3.2.3 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement points out that various consolidation<br />

techniques can be utilized following calcination.

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