Wastes from nuclear operations fall into two broad categorieshigh-level wastes from chemical processing of spent fuels which are stored in special facilities and low-level wastes which arise in all nuclear energy operations and in some cases are released into the environment. Since the need for strict control of the high-level wastes is recognized by everyone, every effort is made to contain these wastes and to avoid environmental contamination. The release of low-level wastes may result in some radiation exposure to man and his surroundings. This book describes techniques of handling, treatment, and disposal of these low-level wastes aimed at keeping radiation exposure to a practicable minimum. In this context, wastes are considered low level if they are released into the environment without subsequent control. In the determination of permissible rates of release, the resulting human exposure is a paramount consideration. Where appropriate, allowance must be made for other environmental sources of human exposure. Basic guidance on these matters has been provided by the Federal Radiation Council (FRC), the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and the National Committee on Radiation Protection (NCRP). Formal regulation of waste-disposal practices, at the state and the federal levels, is based largely upon these standards. This book is concerned with practices relating only to continuous operations and not to accidental releases of radioactive materials. It is written for use by those interested in low-level waste disposal problems and particularly for the health physicist concerned with these problems in the field. It should be helpful also to water and sewage works personnel concerned with the efficiency of water- and sewage-treatment processes for the removal of radioactive materials; to personnel engaged in the design, construction, licensing, and operation of treatment facilities; and to the student of nuclear technology. An attempt has been made to bring together pertinent material currently scattered throughout many project reports and the published literature. Much information was obtained on practices at atomic energy installations in this country and abroad. Specific examples of such practices and their results have been described in some detail IX The author was strongly influenced by Arthur E. Gorman, convinced of the importance of radioactive wastes as environme contaminants, urged study and solution of the problems to avoid adverse public reactions to pollution encountered by other indust He was encouraged to participate more actively in this area of s by Elda E. Anderson, who initiated formal training in the princ and practices of waste handling, treatment, and disposal for all he physicists with whom she had contact. This book is evidence, in p of his respect and gratitude. The author is indebted to his collaborators for their contributi to the many individuals who provided data and information inclusion in the text, to those who reviewed the manuscript, particularly to Dr. Francis J. Weber for his foreword and to Dr. A Wolman for his introductory statement. Assistance given the writer's associates in typing, editing, and reproducing manuscript is also acknowledged. The author wishes to express appreciation to James D. Cape, Division of Technical Informat U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Washington, who handled admi trative details. Finally, he wants to thank four members of the s of the Division of Technical Information Extension, Oak Ridge, handled the details of preparing the book for publication: Marian Fox and Martha M. Hobson, who edited the manuscript, and Wer Pearson and Adrian Spangler, who prepared most of the artwork. CONRAD P. STRAU |