High-level Quality for Low-Level Radioactive Waste

Low-level radioactive waste disposal site owners and operators must demonstrate reasonable assurance to the NRC in order to pick or chose a satisfactory disposal site, operate the site, close the site and maintain the stability of the waste after closure. Reasonable assurance is assurance of quality. That is, documented or verifiable evidence that the intent and construction of the project meet the design, the design meets the regulations and expectations, project construction and operation stay close to design and the site closure and stabilization plans will ensure continued compliance with requirements. The High-Level Waste Repository Program of the United States Department of Energy operates under a documented quality assurance program designed to meet the requirements of the Department while addressing the expectations of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The elements of the program may be of benefit to the low-level radioactive waste producer, processor, packager, transporter, and the disposal site owner/operator.