DOE 2000. - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant - U.S. Department of Energy

WIPP RH PSAR DOE/WIPP-03-3174 CHAPTER 5
Analytical data on the concentrations of 29 VOCs in the headspace gases has been calculated and is
summarized in the HWFP, Table VI.D 20 . The most prevalent VOCs observed in the headspace gases are
methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, and carbon tetrachloride. Methylene chloride
and carbon tetrachloride, and chloroform are considered potential carcinogens and require further
analyses of the potential exposures during accident conditions. Methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride,
chloroform, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane are selected (due to prevalence) for consideration for accidental
releases involving the release of headspace gases (Table 5.1-2).
Fire scenarios require knowledge of the hazardous materials in the solid/liquid state. The BIR, 17
indicates that the largest volume of existing TRU mixed waste is from the Idaho National Engineering
and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). The INEEL Hazardous Stored TRU Waste Source Term for the
Radioactive Waste Management Complex Transuranic Storage Area 21 is used to develop the total waste
container non-radioactive hazardous material inventory (Table 5.1-3).
The waste that will come to WIPP will be addressed by programs at the TRU waste generator sites that
implement WIPP requirements. These programs will include the requirements of the Waste Analysis
Plan (WAP) found in the HWFP, Chapter C. 20 The WAP defines the required waste characterization
activities to be performed by the TRU waste generator sites. Every container of waste that will be
shipped to WIPP will also meet the certification requirements contained in the WIPP RH WAC. 10 These
criteria ensure that the waste is compatible with the transportation, management, and long-term disposal
requirements for the WIPP.
The RH WAC 10 requires the generator to prepare a waste certification program that lists the methods and
techniques used for determining compliance with the RH WAC 10 and associated quality assurance and
quality control (QA/QC) criteria. The RH WAC 10 contains the health and safety based limits that the
waste must meet for acceptance by WIPP. Also, the RH WAC 10 contains transportation related limits
based on the Certificate of Compliance for the RH road casks (NRC) and for hazardous waste (EPA).
Waste Acceptance
Waste acceptance refers to the process whereby a final determination is made, on a container-bycontainer
basis, that waste can be managed at WIPP in a manner that is protective of human health and
the environment, and is in compliance with the regulations. Waste that is finally accepted for disposal at
WIPP will have undergone the screening scrutiny required by WIPP programmatic documents. This
means that waste must meet the requirements of the WIPP RH WAC 10 and Chapter C of the HWFP. .20
These programmatic documents require that data collected regarding the waste be verified at the point of
generation, by the generating site project office, and then again by WIPP. The RH WAC establishes
minimum criteria that the waste must meet, and limits that cannot be exceeded in order to maintain health
and safety parameters. The following waste is unacceptable for management at the WIPP facility:
Ignitable, reactive, and corrosive waste
Liquid wastes (all waste must meet the RH WAC 10 criteria regarding residual liquid content)
Compressed gases
Incompatible waste (waste must be compatible with backfill, seal and panel closure materials,
canister, road cask, facility cask, and as well as with other waste)
Headspace-gas VOC concentrations resulting in average annual emissions not protective of human
health and the environment
Wastes with EPA codes not listed on HWFP, Table II.C. 20
5.1-8 January 22, 2003