Key Issues
Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Low-level waste is a byproduct of the beneficial uses of a wide range of radioactive materials. These include electricity generation, medical diagnosis and treatment, and various other medical processes.Where It Comes From
Low-level radioactive waste is a byproduct of the beneficial uses of a wide range of radioactive materials. These uses include electricity generation, medical diagnosis and treatment, biomedical and pharmaceutical research, and manufacturing.Low-level waste produced at nuclear power plants consists of water purification filters and resins, tools, protective clothing and plant hardware, such as steam generators.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has classified low-level waste in three categories. Class A—the lowest hazard—comprises 95 percent of low-level waste. Classes B and C represent greater potential hazards, but nonetheless are safely managed. The NRC and the states govern the siting, operation and closure of all low-level waste disposal facilities.Licensed Disposal Facilities
Three disposal facilities currently accept low-level radioactive waste:
Barnwell, S.C. Barnwell is licensed by South Carolina to receive wastes in Classes A, B and C. The facility accepts waste from Connecticut, New Jersey and South Carolina.
Richland, Wash. The facility is licensed by the state of Washington to receive wastes in Classes A, B and C. It accepts waste from states that belong to the Northwest Compact (Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Wyoming) and the Rocky Mountain Compact (Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico).
Clive, Utah. Clive is licensed by the state of Utah to accept Class A waste only. The facility accepts waste from all regions of the United States.
One new LLW disposal facility has been licensed but is not yet operating:
Andrews County, Texas. In September 2009, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued a license for Waste Control Specialists LLC to build and operate a facility at its site in Texas. The facility, expected to begin operating in 2010, will accept Classes A, B and C low-level radioactive waste from Texas and Vermont, as well as the federal government.