20.6 Disposition of Remediation Waste
261
Fig. 20.3 Cross-section of a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility showing the various
features designed to prevent leakage of radioactivity into the environment. US Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/infographics/low-level-radioactivewaste-disposal.png) Accessed December 7, 2020
• Proximity to population centers—a greater distance means that any releases to
the air or groundwater will take longer to reach the population center and will be
more diffuse when they arrive
• Proximity to surface waters (rivers, lakes, streams, etc.)—a greater distance to
surface waters reduces the impact of leaks on the ecology of local water bodies
and those who use them
• Proximity to transportation routes—closer distance leads to easier access and
lower transportation risk
• Proximity to cultural, historic, recreational, and other important locations—to
minimize the possible impact on these locations in the event of an accident or
release
• Weather and climate—ideally located in an arid location to minimize infiltration
of water into the facility
• Local geology (for buried facilities)—stable, unfractured, rock or soil with low
porosity and low permeability delays water infiltration and the migration of
contaminants
261
Fig. 20.3 Cross-section of a low-level radioactive waste disposal facility showing the various
features designed to prevent leakage of radioactivity into the environment. US Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/infographics/low-level-radioactivewaste-disposal.png) Accessed December 7, 2020
• Proximity to population centers—a greater distance means that any releases to
the air or groundwater will take longer to reach the population center and will be
more diffuse when they arrive
• Proximity to surface waters (rivers, lakes, streams, etc.)—a greater distance to
surface waters reduces the impact of leaks on the ecology of local water bodies
and those who use them
• Proximity to transportation routes—closer distance leads to easier access and
lower transportation risk
• Proximity to cultural, historic, recreational, and other important locations—to
minimize the possible impact on these locations in the event of an accident or
release
• Weather and climate—ideally located in an arid location to minimize infiltration
of water into the facility
• Local geology (for buried facilities)—stable, unfractured, rock or soil with low
porosity and low permeability delays water infiltration and the migration of
contaminants