The rules Department of Energy nuclear sites follow when transporting radioactive and hazardous wastes short distances can be confusing and sometimes contradictory, DOE recently told the Defense Nuclear Facilities and Safety Board (DNFSB).
“Onsite transfers can vary widely depending on the materials, distance, routes, equipment, ability, to implement controls, and natural phenomena hazards at a site,” according to a document on onsite waste transfers at DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) and the department’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).
The document, a plan to address DNFSB recommendations on onsite waste transfers, was drafted by Lara Beasley, a manager with DOE’s Office of Environment, Safety, and Health. It was sent to DNFSB Acting Chair Thomas Summers in August and posted on the board’s website Sept. 15.
DNFSB and DOE have been looking at waste transportation safety documents, especially at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, for the past couple of years.
According to DOE, the waste transfers carried out by NNSA and Environmental Management sites are done safely. Nevertheless, improvements can be made by clarifying what rules apply in given situations, DOE said.
While the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) set standard transportation requirements for shipments over public roads or in commerce, DOE sets its own expectations and guidance on onsite operations, according to the document.
“DOE should correct inconsistencies and work to improve clarity in the areas causing confusion,” DOE told the board. “When writing requirements, DOE should consider the full range of onsite transfer activities and operations that fall under the definition of a nuclear facility,” under the Code of Federal Regulation for nuclear safety management.
NNSA analysis showed that at Los Alamos, the paperwork for onsite waste transfers don’t currently “provide sufficient hazard identification or hazard evaluation during accident conditions that could result in the uncontrolled release of radioactive and other hazardous materials.”
DNFSB was created by Congress to provide outside safety analysis and recommendations on DOE’ nuclear defense facilities. While the board lacks actual regulatory teeth, DOE is required to publicly respond to DNFSB’s recommendations.