Design and Performance Assessment of an Above Grade Disposal Structure

Abstract

The low-level waste generated in conjunction with the solidification of high-level radioactive waste at the West Valley Demonstration Project will be disposed of in an above ground tumulus. This design was selected on the basis of glacial till site geology, humid climatic conditions and the isotopic inventory of the waste which contains significant actinide activity. The results of pathway analyses indicate that this design will not create a significant impact to the biosphere, even under conditions of partial failure. A comparative analysis with shallow land burial revealed superior performance for the conditions at the West Valley site.