RSRL Integrated Waste Strategy - Issue 5- Oct 2012.pdf

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKED241. For certain wastes the cost of incineration is high, and therefore RSRL is currentlylooking into alternative treatment options for oils and solvents. Any change in strategy forthis type of waste will be documented in future revisions of the IWS.242. Consideration has been given to incineration of the graphite from other reactors, such asBEPO, but the radioactivity levels involved are too high. Plans are being developed toincinerate woodwork, such as doors, arising from decommissioning that cannot beconsigned as exempt (‘out of scope’) waste thereby negating the need for disposal to theLLWR and a high-level strategic BAT review has recently been undertaken. RSRL hasaccess to commercial incineration facilities through the contract with LLWR.6.1.3.3 Low Activity LLW (LA-LLW) and High Volume Very Low Level Waste (HV-VLLW)243. As part of its new policy for LLW, Government has given new definitions for the loweractivity end of the LLW, namely giving the two new categories of Low Volume and HighVolume Very Low Level Waste (VLLW). The activity of high volume VLLW can be up to4Bq/g except for tritium which is allowed up to 40Bq/g. The activity limits for LA-LLW aredependent on the conditions for acceptance given on the permit held by the receiving site.In the case of the off-site route established in the last year this is up 200Bq/g. LA-LLW andHV-VLLW comprises building rubble and soil from decommissioning and site remediation.244. With a large volume of LA-LLW and HV-VLLW arising from decommissioning and landremediation alternatives to disposal at LLWR have been considered and a route establishedin early 2012. This route is being successfully utilised by the Harwell site and its continuedavailability is a key issue for the organisation.245. Figure 7 summarises the strategy for LLW at Harwell:RSRL IWS (Issue 5 – October 2012)70