Suspension on Release of Uncontaminated Scrap from DOE Radiological Areas Current Status and Strategies for Management

Processing, handling, packaging, transportation and management of nuclear materials involve use of tooling, mechanical equipment, and materials. Most of these items are not placed in contact with radioactive materials and are at low risk for contamination. Nevertheless, metallic items consumed in nuclear operations at DOE sites have been prohibited for release as scrap since July 13, 2000 regardless of radiological character. The Secretarial Suspension on release of scrap metal from radiological areas was originally imposed as a temporary measure while DOE improved its administration of radiological clearance and release policies and requirements as described in DOE Order 458.1, “Radiation Protection of the Public and Environment.” Compliance with this policy has resulted in a backlog of over 14000 tons of uncontaminated scrap metal at DOE sites with a market value in excess of $50M. Since 2000, Department sites have instituted improvements to their radiation protection programs that comply with the conditions set forth as conditions to lift the Suspension Policy. In August 2011, NNSA was joined by the Offices of Science, Environmental Management, Nuclear Energy, and Health, Safety and Security in a proposal to delegate authority to allow sites to resume clearance of uncontaminated scrap from radiological areas if the relevant Under Secretary approves and such items comply with the requirements of DOE Order 458.1. This paper describes the implementation of the Suspension Policy, its impacts to date on site operations, and the current status of efforts to modify the policy to potentially allow sites to resume clearance and sale of uncontaminated scrap generated or managed in radiological areas since July 2000.