Characterization of a low-level radioactive waste site, applied to the former Weldon Spring feed materials plant, Weldon Spring, Missouri

“This thesis deals with the characterization of the former Weldon Spring Feed Materials Plant, located at Weldon Spring, Missouri. The first step in the procedure presented for the site characterization of the low-level radioactive waste (LLW) site was to develop an understanding of the site background, and the regulatory requirements for remediation of this and other LLW sites. The second step was the physical characterization of the site. The site characterization is presented in two sections: Threat characterization, including the waste types and known or suspected waste-related problems associated with the site, and; site characterization, including the site physiography, land use geology, hydrology, and meteorology. The final step in the procedure was to evaluate acceptable remediation alternatives with respect to the specific site, waste, and threat characteristics, as well as economic and political aspects associated with the site, and to recommend remediation alternatives, and topics for future design level site investigations. The author has recommended two remediation alternatives involving permanent on-site storage of the LLW in existing earth-lined pits: with and without waste treatment. A significant finding has been that there is insufficient evidence at this time to draw absolute conclusions as to whether the currently existing pits are environmentally acceptable for permanent storage of thee LLW without further examination of the pit bottom integrity”--Abstract, pages ii-iii