Regulation of the Barnwell Low-level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility

The Barnwell low-level radioactive waste disposal facility operated since 1971 by Chem-Nuclear Systems, Inc., (CNSI) has been under the regulatory control of the State of South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). South Carolina has been delegated this authority by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission as an Agreement State. This commercial disposal site is now the only operating facility open to waste receipt from the majority of the states. The regulation of this facility and the generators using it has changed considerably over the years as evidenced in new regulatory standards. This paper will discuss the specifics of the Barnwell disposal facility, the state of South Carolina's regulatory role over the facility and the state's low-level waste management program.