NRRPT Radioactive Waste Management & Disposal 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under 10 CFR Part 61, low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is divided into how many disposal classes?
- Two classes: A and B
- Three classes: A, B, and C (Correct answer)
- Four classes: A, B, C, and D
- Five classes based on activity concentration
Correct answer: Three classes: A, B, and C
10 CFR Part 61 establishes three classes—A, B, and C—based on radionuclide concentrations and required isolation periods.
Question 2: Which federal law established the framework requiring states to develop compacts for low-level radioactive waste disposal?
- Atomic Energy Act of 1954
- Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982
- Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 (Correct answer)
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Correct answer: Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985
The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act of 1985 made states responsible for LLW generated within their borders and encouraged interstate compacts.
Question 3: What is the definition of 'mixed waste' in radioactive waste management?
- Waste containing both alpha and beta emitters
- Waste that is both radioactive and hazardous under RCRA (Correct answer)
- Waste containing transuranic and low-level components
- Waste from multiple nuclear facilities combined
Correct answer: Waste that is both radioactive and hazardous under RCRA
Mixed waste contains both radioactive material regulated under the Atomic Energy Act and hazardous waste regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Question 4: Which facility is specifically designed for the disposal of transuranic (TRU) waste from US defense activities?
- Yucca Mountain Repository
- Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) (Correct answer)
- Barnwell Low-Level Waste Site
- Nevada National Security Site
Correct answer: Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP)
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in New Mexico is the only operating deep geological repository in the US, specifically for defense TRU waste.
Question 5: What activity concentration defines transuranic (TRU) waste in the US?
- Greater than 1 nCi/g of TRU radionuclides
- Greater than 10 nCi/g of TRU radionuclides
- Greater than 100 nCi/g of TRU radionuclides (Correct answer)
- Greater than 1,000 nCi/g of TRU radionuclides
Correct answer: Greater than 100 nCi/g of TRU radionuclides
TRU waste is defined as waste containing more than 100 nCi/g of alpha-emitting TRU isotopes with half-lives greater than 20 years.
Question 6: Under 10 CFR Part 61, which LLW class has the most stringent disposal requirements and longest required isolation period?
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C (Correct answer)
- All classes have identical requirements
Correct answer: Class C
Class C LLW has the highest radionuclide concentrations and requires deeper disposal with greater intruder barriers for a 500-year isolation period.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of waste characterization in radioactive waste management?
- To determine the monetary value of the waste
- To identify radionuclides and quantities to ensure proper classification and disposal (Correct answer)
- To calculate the number of workers needed for handling
- To establish the color-coding system for waste containers
Correct answer: To identify radionuclides and quantities to ensure proper classification and disposal
Waste characterization identifies the radionuclide inventory, activity levels, and physical/chemical properties needed to classify waste and select the correct disposal pathway.
NRRPT Radioactive Waste Management & Disposal 1
Under 10 CFR Part 61, low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is divided into how many disposal classes?