EXPERIENCES IN LOW-LEVEL WASTE MANAGEMENT AT DAVIS-BESSE NUCLEAR POWER STATION

Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station (DBNPS) is an 880 megawatt (electric), pressurized water reactor that has been in commercial operation since 1978. During these six years of operation, the annual volume of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) generated, processed, and shipped off-site for burial has been decreased significantly. Existing LLW processing capabilities have been evaluated, and several replacement systems are now in use, on order, or planned. The impacts of 10 CFR Part 61, rising burial costs, and high capital costs for several volume reduction (VR) options are demonstrated. The probable changes in LLW management in the next eight to twelve years are discussed.