Integrated data base report--1995: US spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste inventories, projections, and characteristics

Abstract

PREFACEThe information in this report summarizes the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) data base for inventories, projections, and characteristics of domestic spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. This report is updated annually to keep abreast of continual waste inventory and projection changes in both the government and commercial sectors. Baseline information is provided for DOE program planning purposes and to support DOE program decisions. Although the primary purpose of this document is to provide background information for program planning within the DOE community, it has also been found useful by state and local governments, the academic community, and some private citizens. To sustain the objectives of this program in providing accurate and complete data in this field of operation, comments and suggestions to improve the quality and coverage are encouraged. Such comments and any general inquiries should be directed to the U.S. Department An important part of the Integrated Data Base Program is the Steering Committee, whose members provide both generic guidance and technical input. The membership of this committee, shown on the following page, represents all of the major DOE sites and programs for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management. Each support committee member is assisted by a technical liaison as needed. The participation and assistance of these individuals are acknowledged with appreciation. S p u e l Rousso, Director Office of Waste Acceptance, The radioactive materials considered, on a chapter-by-chapter basis, are spent nuclear fuel, high-level waste, transuranic waste, low-level waste, commercial uranium mill tailings, DOE Environmental Restoration Program contaminated environmental media, commercial reactor and fuel-cycle facility decommissioning wastes, and mixed (hazardous and radioactive) low-level waste. For most of these categories, current and projected inventories are given through the calendar-year 2030, and the radioactivity and thermal power are calculated based on reported or estimated isotopic compositions. /FL URANIUM MILL TAILINGS FROM COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS OVERVIEW INTRODUCTIONThis report is an update of the previous document' on spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and radioactive waste inventories and projections that was prepared for use in the planning and analysis of various SNF and waste management functions. Quantities of SNF and radioactive wastes produced fiom both commercial and U.S. Radioactive waste originates fiom five major sources: (1) the commercial nuclear fuel cycle; (2) DOE-related activities; (3) institutions such as hospitals, universities, and research foundations; (4) industrial uses of radioisotopes; and (5) mining and milling of uranium ore. The waste is broadly categorized as SNF, high-level waste (HLW), transuranic waste (TRUW), low-level waste (L. L. W), and uranium mill tailings (UMT). Large quantities of radioactive waste also result...