How can depleted uranium be stored safely in a near-surface disposal facility?
The safe disposal of depleted uranium is the responsibility of licensed waste disposal facilities. Demonstration of compliance with 10 CFR Part 61 criteria will ensure safe disposal of DU in a near-surface environment. NRC staff performed a screening analysis to evaluate whether significant quantities of DU can be disposed of in the near-surface. The results of the screening analysis suggest that disposal facility performance is strongly dependent upon site-specific conditions. For instance, suitable covers and robust radon barriers may effectively limit exposures to radon gas at arid sites, while humid sites with viable water pathways are probably not appropriate for significant quantities of DU. Therefore, near-surface disposal of significant quantities of DU may be appropriate, but not under all site conditions. The analysis to assess performance of disposal of significant quantities of DU at a particular site should be supported by as much site-specific data as appropriate to demon
