APPLICATION OF LESSONS LEARNED IN THE TRANSURANIC NONDESTRUCTIVE RADIOASSAY PERFORMANCE DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW SPECIFIC ACTIVITY RADIOACTIVE WASTE

For those generator sites preparing to dispose of their Transuranic (TRU) waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), waste assay measurement performance will be demonstrated by the successful analysis of blind samples according to the criteria set forth by the Performance Demonstration Program Plan for Nondestructive Assay1. Several key program elements are discussed that have evolved over the last year. These elements include matrix design and fabrication, source specification and manufacture, measurement reporting and scoring, and site coordination. To be highlighted is the framework of quality assurance and quality control which provides the backbone of each program element and ensures an auditable program meeting the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) requirements. Technical and programmatic lessons learned are identified to facilitate the transfer of applicable TRU waste characterization technologies to other waste forms of low specific activity (< 100 nCi/g).