EIS-0113_Section_9 - Hanford Site

053 ER
RECEIVED DOE-RL
V
O
3.3.1.1
-Page Two- JUL 14 1986
WM DIVISION
The option that gives us the greatest confidence is disposal at a geologic
repository. That repository too should be chosen on the basis of the greatest
confidence in the ability to protect Public health and safety and the
environment
2.1.1
Lest there be any doubt. it Is our clear and abiding conviction That Hanford
falls that test.
[
3.3.J 3J
3.3.5.3
3.3.5.4
3.3.5,3
Those principles lead us to these conclusions:
1. The high-level liquid wastes in the double shell tanks can and should be
retrieved, glasified, and moved to a future geologic repository.
Z The high level solidwastes in the single shell tanks should be retrieved
glaied, sif and moved to a future geologic repository.
For Nat to be achieved more imwvath i, technologies than those
considered must be pursued, because of the tremendous cost and needless
radiation exposure to workers.
The Imminent threat to the environment was relieved when Hqulds were
taken from these tanks. That action gives us the time to pursue safe.
cost-effective technologies to retrieve that waste for disposal in a
geologic repository.
We are confidant that we can know if that can be achieved within five
years. Only if that cannot be achieved, would we urge stabilization in
place. Even then the wastes should be solidified and more comprehensive
ergineered barriers adopted. -
3.
3.1,3J . LJ 25
the waste repmi tory being built in New Mexico,
3.1.3.25 '3 . 4. Plutonium wastes produced before 1970 should be retrieved and disposed
Plutonlum wastes produced after1970 should be retrieved and disposed at
at the New Mexico repoiitory.
However those pre-1970 wastes are dispersed and not as safely
retrievable nww. We urge you again to complete s more critical analysis
within five years to avald unreasoned roar and unnecessary radiation
a'"a to workers. Only If a better retrieval option cannot be
achieved. should stabilization be pursued. Even than, higher standards
for protection must be accomplished.
C
3.1. G 2 J
5.
The strontium and cesium wastes encapsulated for medical and irometrial
. use should be shipped to a future geologle repository.
Finally. we recognize that the initiative of U.S. DOE alone will not be enough.
We support Congressional action to:
-Page Three-
RECEIVED COE-RL
JUL 14 1986
WM DIVISION
- Direct that department to comply with federal and state r o ammenR on 2. 3. L 14
waste handling and disposal for chemical and low-level radioactive
waste as well_ and,
- Establish and enforce a descending srtedtle of compliance. 2. 2 . 2
But, even that will not be enough. Congress must he now what it should have done
40 years ago:
2. 2 . 9
Provide funding to dispose of these and future deferes wastes.
Congress demands that Oregonians pay-as-we-go to provide funds for waste
disposal for me commercial nuclear industry. Congress should demand no less of
itself and the U.S. DOE.
2.2.9
Congress should pay now for wastes produced now in its nuclear weapons production
programs.
2.2.9
The cast will be great. But. for 40 years. them wastes have grown as a liability of
this nation. It Is time that debt be paid
Thank You