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EM International Highlights Feburary 1997
EM International Highlights is a brief summary of
on-going international projects within the Department of Energy's Office of Environmental
Management (DOE/EM). We encourage you to direct any comments or questions to the
appropriate point-of-contact listed for each activity. Additional information can be found
on the last page of this document.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is now implementing a new nuclear weapons
nonproliferation policy. On May 13, 1996, DOE, in consultation with the Department of
State (DOS), issued a research reactor spent nuclear fuel acceptance policy as
specified in the Record of Decision on a Nuclear Weapons Nonproliferation Policy
Concerning Foreign Research Reactor Spent Nuclear Fuel. Under this policy, the United
States is accepting and managing approximately 20 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel and
target material (containing uranium enriched in the United States) from 41 countries.
These countries have converted, or plan to convert, research reactors to use low enriched
uranium fuels. Aluminum-based spent fuel will be managed at DOE's Savannah River Site
(SRS) in South Carolina, and non-aluminum spent fuel will be managed at the Idaho
National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in Idaho. The spent fuel will be shipped to the
United States over the next 13 years through two military ports, the Charleston Naval
Weapons Station in South Carolina, and the Concord Naval Weapons Station in
California, and will proceed to DOE management sites by either truck or rail. Canadian
shipments will be transported by truck to SRS.
In September 1996, six casks containing aluminum-based spent fuel from research reactors
in Europe (Germany, Sweden and Switzerland) and two casks from South America (Chile and
Colombia) were received at SRS. The schedule for foreign spent fuel shipment is under
development; the next shipment is expected in early 1997. Overall, DOE anticipates
receiving about one or two shipments per month over the 13-year duration of the program.
With this program to accept foreign research reactor spent fuel in place, DOE is working
to transition research reactor operators into managing their own spent fuel. The
Department is also assisting countries in converting highly enriched uranium to low
enriched uranium fuels. In addition, the United States is reaching out to new partners,
such as China and Russia, in the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors
program.
Contact: Charles Head, EM-67, (202) 586-9441
GERMANY
Both the United States and Germany have active research and development (R&D) programs
underway in the field of radioactive waste management. Under a previous agreement with the
German Bundesministerium fur Forschung und Technologie, EM-76 engaged in a
cooperation and technical information exchange to evaluate the safety and efficiency of
radioactive materials transport. This cooperation also addressed technical issues of
concern to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Reactivation of the
agreement is in process and will focus on fracture mechanics design methodology, air
transport package analysis/design issues, seals and other closure mechanisms, sea
transport, risk assessment, decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of nuclear
facilities, and thermal and structural analyses.
Contact: Ashook Kapoor, EM-76, (301) 903-6838
NORWAY
See Section VIII: INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
SWEDEN
See Section I: GLOBAL ISSUES FACING EM
SWITZERLAND
See Section I: GLOBAL ISSUES FACING EM
UNITED KINGDOM
EM-50 has contracted with the United Kingdom's Atomic Energy Authority (AEA) to
jointly identify strengths and weaknesses of the United States waste cleanup program and
to identify methods to improve that program at reduced costs. Under a Memorandum of
Understanding to collaborate in energy research and development between DOE and the
UK, AEA work focuses on risk-based decision making in restoration optimization,
programmatic and technical benchmarking, management and infrastructure analysis as related
to rapid and cost effective implementation of technologies, and integrating international
technology developments at DOE sites. Projects of special note: Mixing of Compacted
Sludge in Horizontal Storage Tanks Using Fluidic Pulse Jets for a full-scale hot
demonstration of pulse jets mixing systems to mobilize sludge in the Oak Ridge Bethel
Valley Evaporator Service Tanks in Fiscal Year (FY) 1997; and Demonstration of Fluidic
Pumps for sampling radioactive liquids in underground storage tanks at SRS.
Contact: John Wengle, EM-53, (301) 903-8491
In coordination with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and in cooperation with British
Nuclear Fuels, Inc., EM is conducting work on high-level tank waste retrieval and
processing. The initiative involves the development of physical tank waste stimulant and
tank waste retrieval criteria.
Contact: Dave Geiser, EM-53, (301) 903-7640
REGIONAL
EM co-sponsored the Third International Symposium and Exhibition on Environmental
Contamination in Central and Eastern Europe in Warsaw (Warsaw '96). This symposium was
held September 10-13, 1996 and focused on problems related to hazardous waste and toxic
substances, including radioactive and mixed waste in the context of contaminated air,
water, and land. Initial planning has begun for the Fourth International Symposium,
which will be held in the region in the Fall of 1998. In addition to waste management and
technology development issues addressed at the first and second symposia, the third
meeting featured a special session to highlight the EM cooperative project and technology
demonstrations with the Institute for Ecology of Industrial Areas (IETU), in
Katowice, Poland.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
Central European country profiles currently exist on the environmental characteristics and
requirements of Hungary, Poland, and the Czech and Slovak Republics. Country studies also
examine the roles of government and non-government environmental organizations, their
programs and priorities, the universities and research centers involved in environmental
research and education, and contacts for more information.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175>
EM's principal partner for cooperative research and demonstration projects in the
Central/East European region, IETU, has established a Risk Abatement Center for East
and Central Europe (RACE), which opened in September in Katowice on the eve of Warsaw
'96. RACE is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, international, cooperative research,
education and implementation center working on regional environmental needs. Its efforts
focus on international environmental policy development, education, and know-how transfer,
providing a forum for implementing significant policy changes, technology transfer and
increasing public awareness. It utilizes risk-based tools for prioritizing problems and
managing the environment with regard to social, legal, economic, and political
considerations.
RACE was developed in response to the critical need for comprehensive, cost effective
environmental risk assessment and reduction strategies in Central and Eastern Europe
(CEE), as well as in response to the call for more independent regional environmental
centers as outlined in the October 1995, UN ECE Declaration of Ministers in Sofia.
EM anticipates conducting cooperative projects with RACE in the areas of R&D project
identification and regional workshops.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
EM, Florida State University (FSU), and IETU have agreed to adopt a Framework
for Establishing a Central/East Europe Joint Coordinating Committee for Environmental
Systems (JCCES-CEE), to identify and implement joint projects in Poland and other
countries in CEE. IETU has designated RACE as the implementing organization for management
of the JCCES-CEE Framework.
Through this Framework, EM has established a process for efficient and systematic
identification and initiation of joint research projects, new technologies, and other
activities to address environmental issues of national interest and mutual concern in the
CEE region. Joint actions will be taken in FY 1997 to begin Framework implementation so
that new project proposals can be prepared and approved for funding in FY 1998. The first
annual JCCES-CEE program review meeting is planned for the April-July timeframe to review
and approve a proposed FY 1998 work program and preview EM research priorities for FY
1999.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
CZECH REPUBLIC
EM has established a project with the Czech Technical University to perform a
laboratory evaluation of the radioactive and chemical stability of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
as a binder material for use with inorganic ion exchangers in the separation of
radionuclides in a variety of acidic, neutral, and alkaline liquid radioactive waste
forms. This evaluation will also address the compatibility of the PAN binder with a select
number of absorbers that are currently applicable to the ongoing EM waste separations
programs.
Under a contract with EM, the Czech Nuclear Research Institute is conducting a Review
of Advanced Separations Technologies in the Czech Republic project. The review covers
technologies in use or under development that deal with solvent extraction, ion exchange
and adsorption.
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
POLAND
Characterization and soil decontamination remediation technology demonstrations,
collaboration on risk assessment, and other activities are being carried out under a Memorandum
of Cooperation between EM and IETU in Katowice, Poland. DOE's primary objectives for
the project are to advance R&D of EM technologies for use at DOE facilities in the
U.S. and to promote commercial development between U.S. and Polish environmental
technology firms.
Expedited Site Characterization technologies were demonstrated in Katowice in May-June,
1996. A bioremediation technology demonstration began in late summer 1996, and will
continue through May 1997.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
Three new joint research projects are being developed for implementation with IETU in FY
1997 that address heavy metals contamination of soils, a priority research topic for the
EM Subsurface Contaminants Focus Area. The projects address phytoremediation,
bioavailability, and plant stress monitoring.
Contact: Jef Walker, EM-53, (301) 903-7966
As part of the FY 1996 emphasis on characterization technologies in the CEE region, EM
sponsored research on the topic in Poland. The resulting publication, entitled "Characterization
Technology Opportunities in Poland: A Market Assessment" (August 1996), is
available from EM-54 and on-line at HTTP://em-52.em.doe.gov/ifd/intl/intl.html
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
BELARUS
DOE continues to support and enhance collaboration between the Tulane/Xavier Center for
Bioenvironmental Research and the Institute of Radioecological Problems of the Academy of
Sciences, Minsk, Belarus. Research involves two Chernobyl-related modeling projects:
1) transport of radionuclides in marsh and forest fires, and 2) the Iput River, which
flows through the "Bryansk Cesium Spot," one of the most heavily contaminated
regions. Two graduate students from Minsk, currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs in the
Tulane University School of Engineering, are analyzing data using computer simulations for
applicability to the situations in Belarus.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
Activities in Russia are conducted under the auspices of a Memorandum of Cooperation
(MOC) in the fields of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management signed in 1990
by DOE and the Ministry of Atomic Energy for the Russian Federation (MINATOM). A
Joint Coordinating Committee for Environmental Restoration and Waste Management (JCCEM)
was established as the managing body for the MOC and is responsible for selecting specific
joint project activities in eleven areas of cooperation: Separations Technologies,
Contaminant Transport and Site Characterization, Mixed Waste Processing, High-Level Waste
(HLW) Tank Remediation, Decontamination and Decommissioning (D&D), Scientist
Exchanges, Risk Assessment, Transuranic Stabilization, Solidification Experiences,
Spectral Tables, and Internet Home Pages.
The 7th JCCEM meeting will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in May 1997.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
PROJECTS UNDER THE JCCEM
Separations:
Over the past four years, the Khlopin Radium Institute (KRI) has been under
contract to EM to perform an "Experimental Research Program on Applicability of
the Russian Separation Technology to Processing of Defense HLW." The cobalt
dicarbollide technology underwent a third testing at INEL in the spring of 1996. Final
results are pending, but look promising. Patent discussions are underway between KRI and
DOE.
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
In FY 1995, a technology development project was initiated with the Institute of
Chemical Technology in the area of "Crown Ethers for Chemical Separation of
Radioactive Wastes." The project studied the use of crown ethers for removing
radionuclides and toxic metals from low-level waste (LLW) and HLW, as well as the
potential of crown ethers to control the chemical (redox potential) conditions in alkaline
waste and process solutions. This project was expanded in FY 1996 to address the "Application
of Extraction Technology Using Crown Ethers for Removal of Cesium from HLW on the Acid
Side."
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
In FY 1995, the following technology development projects were initiated with the Institute
of Physical Chemistry in the area of separations technologies:
- "Recovery of Cesium-137 from Actual INEL High-Level Waste by Sorption Technique
with Copper Ferrocyanide." This technology was tested on actual waste at INEL in
July, 1996
- "Investigation on the Application of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis for
Alkaline Waste Treatment,"
- "Investigation on the Removal of TRU from Alkaline Waste Solutions on Carriers
Obtained by the Method of Appearing Reagents." A patent application has been
filed on behalf of the Russian inventor
- "Investigation on Disproportion of Plutonium (V) in Alkaline Media of Various
Composition in Liquids and Model Sludges,"
- "Investigation on Isolation of Technetium from Alkaline Solutions."
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
In FY 1996, the following additional projects were initiated in the Separations area:
- "Evaluation of Russian Liquid/Liquid Extraction Technologies Using Crown Ethers
for Decontamination of Low- and High-Level Radioactive Wastes from Long-Lived
Radionuclides and Toxic Metals," Institute of Chemical Technology
- "Crystallization of Sodium Nitrate from Radioactive Wastes," Institute
of Physical Chemistry
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
Contaminant Transport and Site Characterization:
In FY 1994, a team of EM scientists and engineers participated in a two week field
sampling at the Mayak Site in Chelyabinsk, Russia. The following three jointly authored
articles were submitted to technical and scientific journals:
- "Joint Russian - U.S. Radiometric and Surface Water Chemistry Measurements
within Lake Karachi - Mishelyak River System, Southern Urals, Russia"
- "Joint Russian - American Hydrogeological-Geochemical Studies on the
Karachi-Mishelyak System, Southern Urals, Russia"
- "Resistivity and Induced Polarization Survey at a Russian Nuclear Waste
Site"
As a result of FY 1994 field work, a second expedition took place in September 1996.
The objective of the trip was to conduct field experiments of plume migration in fractured
rock using multi-packer tests, conduct research on modeling contaminant migration in the
Mayak region, conduct field experiments to investigate the capacity of the Mishelyak River
to "self-cleanse," and collect comparative radiometric measurements of the
Mishelyak River.
Results of the September 1996 demonstration, along with existing site characterization
data, will be used to develop joint computer models for predicting contaminant plume
migration in this type of fractured system. It is anticipated that in 1997 the maturity of
the characterization strategy (i.e., low-cost monitoring combined with computer modeling)
will enable the collaborative effort to direct its focus in evaluating a similarly
contaminated U.S. site.
Contact: Caroline Purdy, EM-53, (301) 903-7672
Mixed Waste Processing:
In FY 1995, EM tasked the Institute of Chemical Technology with constructing the "Pilot
Scale Apparatus for Treatment of Solid Mixed Radioactive Wastes: Plasmatron with Induction
Cold Crucible Melter (PICCM)." The unit was constructed and Beta tests in Russia
were completed successfully. A patent application has been filed on behalf of the Russian
inventors. The unit is being leased and installed at the Georgia Institute of
Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The Russian inventor has entered into
commercialization discussions with U.S. counterparts.
Contact: Jenya Macheret, DOE-ID, (208) 526-2708
Additionally, in FY 1995, the following projects were initiated with the Institute of
Chemical Technology (Final Reports are available upon request):
- "Technology and Apparatus for Solidification of Radwaste by the Method of High
Temperature Adsorption of Metals on Inorganic Matrices (silico-gel)." In FY 1996
this project was transferred to the Tanks Focus Area (See description below)
- "Recovery of Noble Metals from Complex Concentrates by means of Continuous
Countercurrent Metal Extraction in Induction Furnaces."
Contact: Jenya Macheret, DOE-ID, (208) 526-2708
In FY 1996 the following projects were initiated in support of the Mixed Waste Focus Area:
- "Pilot Scale Apparatus for Treatment of Solid Mixed Radioactive Wastes:
Plasmatron with Induction Cold Crucible Melter (PICCM)," Institute of Chemical
Technology
- "Experimental Investigation of Cold Crucible Technology Applications to
Converting Mixed Low-Level Wastes into Stable Low Volume Glassy Slags," Khlopin
Radium Institute
- "Assessment of Russian Waste Treatment Technologies and Their Applicability to
US DOE Mixed Waste Focus Area Needs," Khlopin Radium Institute
- "Development of Mixed Waste Technologies Monitoring and Demo Capabilities,"
Khlopin Radium Institute
- "Experimental Investigation of Low Temperature Iron-Phosphate Ceramic for
Solidification on Mixed Waste LLW," Khlopin Radium Institute
- "Experimental Investigation of Radionuclide Partitioning In a High Frequency
Induction Melter," Khlopin Radium Institute
- "Cold Process of Solidification and Stabilization of Solid Wastes Containing
Radionuclides and Harmful Impurities Using Orthosilicic Acid Derivatives," Institute
of Chemical Technology
Contact: Jenya Macheret, DOE-ID, (208) 526-2708
High-Level Waste Tank Retrieval:
FY 1995, a project was initiated with the Integrated Mining Chemical Combine to "Develop
Equipment for Extraction of Radioactive Pulps and Cakes from Storage Facilities in
Krasnoyarsk-26 and Hanford." A Final Report is currently in preparation. A
technology development workshop was held in January 1996 in Savannah River to discuss
progress and to determine the next steps of the project.
Contact: Dave Geiser, EM-53, (301) 903-7640
At the 6th JCCEM meeting it was agreed to begin the following projects in support of the
Tanks Focus Area:
Contact: Dave Geiser, EM-53, (301) 903-7640
Decontamination and Decommissioning:
At the 5th JCCEM meeting in Berlin, it was mutually agreed to add D&D as a new area
of cooperation. Based on the proposals submitted by MINATOM, the following three proposals
were selected for FY 1996 funding:
- "Cryogenic Technology and Development of Equipment for the Production of
Granulated Materials," Institute for Chemical Technology
- "Biotechnological Decontamination of Open Ponds Contaminated by LLW,"
Khlopin Radium Institute
- "Use of Supercritical Fluid Extraction for Transplutonium Element
Decontamination of Solid Materials," Khlopin Radium Institute
Contact: Paul Hart, METC, (304) 285-4358
Additionally, a technology development workshop in the area of D&D technologies was
held in the summer of 1996 to further define possible areas of collaboration.
Contact: Paul Hart, METC, (304) 285-4358
Scientist Exchanges:
Twelve Technology Development Workshops have been held since February 1992. They have
provided a technical exchange forum from which both countries have greatly benefited.
Four Russian graduate students from the Chelyabinsk region are employed as EM research
assistants at INEL The students are enrolled at Idaho State University during the
academic year and work in the environmental management areas at DOE laboratories and
private companies during the summer.
The National Academy of Sciences is administering an EM- sponsored program that
provides grants of $16,000-$30,000 to support Russian scientists at U.S. national
laboratories. This program hosts Russian students and scientists to conduct research at
national labs and universities. Eight exchanges have been conducted to date and six more
are planned.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
EM is sponsoring a Russian post-doctoral researcher at the Seaborg Institute in
Berkeley, California to perform research in the area of separations technologies.
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
JCCEM: NEW AREAS OF COOPERATION
Four new areas of cooperation were added in FY 1996.
Risk Assessment
To initiate Risk Assessment as a new area, a workshop was held in Seattle, Washington, in
August 1996. The U.S. and Russian delegations discussed several potential risk assessment
topic areas worthy of further exploration. Important considerations were given to the role
of stakeholder involvement, regulatory framework, continuing budget pressures,
incorporation of scientific innovation, near-term and long-term risk, prioritization of
risks, and other issues.
Contact: Carol Henry, EM-50, (202) 586-7150
Solidification Experiences
A second workshop was held in Seattle, Washington, in August 1996, to initiate
Solidification as a new area. It was noted that there are currently two JCCEM projects
relevant to the topic of waste solidification: the silica-gel project and the hybrid
melter project. Opportunities for future collaborative projects were discussed, including
potential projects that could be accomplished under contract.
Contact: Dave Geiser, EM-53, (301) 903-7640
Spectral Tables
KRI and the Russian Gamma Ray Spectrometry community have proposed a relationship with DOE
and the International Committee on Radiation Measurements for evaluation of nuclear
structure and decay data.
Contact: Russ Heath, INEL, (208) 526-4447
Transuranic Stabilization
A workshop was held to establish Transuranic Stabilization as a new area. The stated goal
of this workshop was to initiate the exchange of information regarding plutonium
stabilization successes and problems in the U.S. and in Russia, and to identify
opportunities for cooperative plutonium stabilization research and technology
demonstrations. It was noted that the production of plutonium was stopped in 1986, and
another year was taken to finish the processing of plutonium that was already in process.
Contact: Bill Scott, DOE-ID, (208) 526-8189
OTHER PROJECTS WITH RUSSIA
DOE, in cooperation with Russian scientists, is exploring the use of electrokinetic
technology to remediate soil and groundwater contaminated with heavy metals. Russian
scientists are applying this technology to uranium contaminated sites, driving the
contamination deeper into the soil where interaction (adsorption) takes place in the
subsurface clay layers. Teams of Russian electrokinetics experts travel periodically to
the K-25 Site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to work with their U.S. counterparts on samples of
uranium contaminated soil.
Contact: Skip Chamberlain, EM-53, (301) 903-7248
Internet Home Pages
JCCEM Internet Home Pages are under development to improve Russian scientists' access to
information about the agreement. KRI will serve as the Russian coordinator for development
of the Web site, including text, photographs, and other graphic data about the JCCEM.
MINATOM retains authority to approve content for the site.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
An Environmental Management Project Office has been established in Moscow and is staffed
by one full-time support person and a part-time administrative support person. The purpose
of the EM Project Office is to coordinate work conducted at Russian institutes on behalf
of EM. The Russian EM program manager is responsible for the coordination of proposal
solicitations, general program management, workshop logistics, communication interface
with Russian institutes and ministries, and the management of an EM technical literature
repository. EM Project Office personnel coordinate activities through direct interaction
with EM headquarters program managers.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
CHINA
An investigation of Chinese environmental needs and expertise is being conducted by the Office
of Science and Technology (OST) to coordinate opportunities in the Chinese
environmental industry with EM Focus Area needs and expertise. This FY 1997 activity
includes the development and implementation of strategies for cooperation between EM and
Chinese research institutes; activation of relationships between EM and potential Chinese
partners; identification of opportunities for technical exchange; research into China's
technologies and environmental conditions; and communication of EM industry partner
experience in China.
Contact: George Economides, EM-54, (301) 903-7249
JAPAN
Bilateral meetings were held in October and November 1996, to further negotiations between
DOE and the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC) of Japan
for the reinstatement of the Agreement for Cooperation in the Area of Radioactive Waste
Management. The objective of this cooperation is to study topics associated with, and
to develop technology and techniques necessary for, the safe management of high-level
waste (including spent fuel) and transuranic waste. Renewal of the agreement extends for
five years from the date signed.
Contact: Judd Lilly, EM-42, (301) 903-7218
Under DOE's Agreement with PNC and the Work For Others Program, Pacific Northwest
National Laboratories and PNC have been collaborating on a research program to acquire
thermodynamic, kinetic, and adsorption data for performance assessment of geological
disposal systems. The objective of the joint research is to develop fundamental
thermodynamic and adsorption data on radionuclides that will be used to reliably estimate
both radionuclide releases through multi-barrier systems and their impacts on the
environment.
Contact: Dhanpat Rai, PNNL, (509) 372-6410, or Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202)
586-0175
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is engaged in collaborative activity
with PNC to study theories and models most applicable for characterizing and predicting
flow and mass transport in fractured and/or highly heterogeneous media. OST is overseeing
this project under the Work For Others Program, which is aimed at improving the
understanding of fundamental physics and chemistry that govern the processes in
radioactive waste isolation/disposal in geologic systems, and developing characterization
and predictive technologies of radionuclide release and transport in heterogeneous
geologic media.
Contact: Chin-Fu Tsang, LBNL, (510) 486-5782, or Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202)
586-0175
ARGENTINA
Activities with Argentina are conducted under the auspices of the "Implementing
Arrangement between the Department of Energy of the United States of America (DOE) and the
National Atomic Energy Commission of the Argentine Republic (CNEA) for Technical Exchange
and Cooperation in the Area of Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management," signed on
May 29, 1996. A Joint Coordinating Committee for Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management
(JCCRM) was established as the managing body for the arrangement, and is responsible for
selecting specific joint project activities. The JCCRM has outlined 4 specific technical
areas of cooperation: Characterization and Retrieval (of spent resins), Separation Methods
(e.g., crystalline silicotitinate), Decontamination and Decommissioning, and Vitrification
Processes. The long term objective of the arrangement is to open new markets and
opportunities for U.S. and Argentine environmental technology companies.
A Solidification Workshop was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November of 1996. The
Record of Meeting (ROM) from the workshop was signed by both parties, and work has begun
on the activities identified in the ROM. These activities include:
- A scientist exchange between DOE and CNEA in the areas of pretreatment, treatment,
transportation, storage and disposal of radioactive and mixed waste
- Tests which will be performed in Bariloche, Argentina, and at Clemson University, to
establish the applicability of vitrification of Argentine IX materials
- A visit by an Argentine scientist to observe the demonstration of relevant D&D
technologies in the U.S.
- DOE and CNEA will jointly establish performance specifications for the characterization
and decontamination of the plutonium-contaminated glove boxes in the Alpha Laboratory in
Argentina
- Demonstrations of one or more technologies to characterize and then decontaminate a
glove box in the Alpha Laboratory in Argentina
- A scientist from CNEA visited Argonne National Laboratory and Florida International
University's Hemispheric Environmental Technology Center in January, 1997. The objective
of this trip was to exchange information on D&D technologies
- A Uranium Mill Tailings meeting will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in June, 1997.
Attendees from Argentina, Germany, and the U.S. will discuss all aspects of the DOE
uranium mill tailings project, which is near completion.
The 2nd JCCRM meeting will be held in the U.S., in September, 1997.
Contact: Elizabeth O'Malley, EM-54, (202) 586-0175
CANADA
ORNL, in cooperation with the American Petroleum Institute/BP America and a
research consortium organized by the University of Waterloo, Canada, is testing and
evaluating in situ remediation technologies for source control and mass removal of DNAPLs
compounds in low permeability media. Controlled contaminant releases and pilot-scale
testing will be conducted in Sarnia, Ontario. Subsequent testing and evaluation is planned
for contaminated sites such as Portsmouth, Ohio.
Contact: Skip Chamberlain, EM-53, (301) 903-7248
The Tanks Focus Area, is managing a multi-laboratory and industry effort to complete the
development and transfer to the user four Light-Duty Utility Arm (LDUA) Systems for
remediation of large underground storage tanks at Hanford, Idaho Falls, and Oak Ridge. The
first two LDUAs were delivered by Spar Aerospace Limited of Canada in FY 1996 to
the Hanford Site. One of those arms was used to support the characterization of Hanford
tank T-106 amd will be used for characterization of Hanford tank Ax-104 in support of the
Hanford Tanks Initiative. The third LDUA was modified for retrieval purposes, delivered to
Oak Ridge, and is scheduled to operate in Gunite Tanks W-3 and W-4 in March 1997. The
fourth arm is scheduled for delivery to Idaho in 2nd quarter FY97. The LDUA deploys
end-effectors that perform safety, characterization, and retrieval activities inside
radioactive waste tanks.
Contact: Dave Geiser, EM-53, (301) 903-7640
MEXICO
Collaboration has been initiated between ORNL and El Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo,
Mexico City, under the U.S./Mexico North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to share
in development of new technologies and modification of existing technologies for
remediation of hazardous waste sites. This project is specifically addressing dense
non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). The soils used in this study were near-surface soils
(30-50 cm) collected from the south of Mexico (Minatitlan/Veracruz, Mexico) with a
contaminant level of 10-60% weathered hydrocarbons. Laboratory experiments are designed to
determine the potential for biologically degrading the weathered crude oil found in
contaminated soil. This initial joint venture establishes a foundation for future
cooperation and technology transfer.
Contact: Skip Chamberlain, EM-53, (301) 903-7248
Scientists from Mexico are adapting an EM technology being developed at Los Alamos
National Laboratory to treat thousands of barrels of hazardous waste containing
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), highly toxic organic materials used in high-voltage
insulating oil. Discussions are underway on cost-sharing a full-scale joint demonstration
of a truck-mounted version of the Packed-Bed/Silent Discharge Plasma System in Mexico in
1996. This system could bring relief to the burgeoning pollution problem associated with
industrialization along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Contact: George Economides, EM-54, (301) 903-7249
EM is working to enhance the interaction between the U.S.-Mexico Border Environment
Cooperation Commission, U.S. industry, DOE laboratories, border region governments and
other U.S. and Mexican organizations, and to facilitate the formation of partnerships
focused on joint development and implementation of technology that can be applied at sites
along the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout the DOE complex.
Contact: George Economides, EM-54, (301) 903-7249
EM-50 is currently working to establish mutually-beneficial technology exchanges with
Mexico to advance technology systems for improved environmental management in the United
States and Mexico. Initial areas of joint cooperation reflect mutual priorities for the
detection and characterization of contaminants, treatment and disposal of hazardous/solid
waste, remediation of storage tanks, bioremediation, and information management.
Implementation of this proposed program will be conducted through information and staff
exchanges, collaborative R&D, joint technology demonstrations, and technology
deployment to DOE and Mexican sites.
Contact: George Economides, EM-54, (301) 903-7249
EM provides U.S. representatives to the International Waste Advisory Committee of
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). EM also provides approximately 15 technical
consultants per year in support of IAEA activities regarding radioactive waste management
and transportation.
The IAEA provides a forum for the discussion of waste management policy and priorities by
participating countries including the U.S., Russia, Great Britain, France, Germany, the
Nordic countries, Japan, and South Korea. Among the benefits to EM is the promotion of
environmental technologies. EM has made an award to the IAEA to support the activities of
the Contact Experts Group, focusing on review of radioactive waste management in
the Former Soviet Union. Russia is being given priority attention.
Contact: David Huizenga, EM-60, (202) 586-5151
The second meeting of the Steering Group and the first meeting of Project Experts of the
trilateral Russia, Norway, and U.S. Arctic Military Environmental Cooperation (AMEC)
Program took place in Moscow, November 18-22, 1996. Sixty delegates from the three
countries met to develop the technical details for six initial projects approved as part
of the AMEC Declaration signed on September 26, 1996, by the Secretaries of Defense of the
three countries. The U.S. Team included the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of
Energy, and Environmental Protection Agency personnel.
A draft Terms of Reference for organizing and managing the work of the AMEC Program and
project management plans for the six current AMEC projects was prepared. Project and
program financing issues were explored and will be addressed in the near future. AMEC
projects include developing a dual-purpose cask for interim storage and transport of spent
nuclear fuel, evaluation and implementation of liquid radioactive waste processing using
sorbent technologies, identifying innovative technologies for an interim storage facility
for solid radioactive waste, designing and constructing treatment systems for radioactive
wastes from the decommissioning of Russian nuclear submarines, studying remediation
methods for non-radioactive released materials at Arctic Military Sites, and designing and
building a vessel for collecting and processing waste at sea.
Contact: David Huizenga, EM-60, (202) 586-5151
EM has requested participation as a full member of the IAEA Coordinated Research Program
on "Safety Assessment of Near-Surface Radioactive Waste Disposal Facilities."
The purpose of this effort is to improve understanding and confidence in performance
assessments through comparative analysis of low-level waste disposal facility long-term
performance assessment modeling methodologies. EM has participated as an observer in the
first three Research Coordination Meetings.
Contact: Greg Duggan, EM-332, (301) 903-7140
The Office of Environmental Restoration (EM-40) continues to participate in the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Nuclear Energy Agency Task Group on
Decommissioning Costs. The Task Group is working on a project to compare D&D costs
on an international basis. Current efforts are underway to develop a common language for
D&D costs; developing a standardized hierarchy and list of cost categories along with
definitions for each one. This work has gained even greater significance with the
development of the IAEA and the European Union. Most of the utility companies in
Europe and Japan are now working to adopt or harmonize with this cost structure. Next
steps include completion of a cost data collection questionnaire and compilation of the
cost information for selected projects. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in
Germany in the spring of 1997.
Contact: Bryan Skokan, EM-42, (301) 903-7612
EM participated in the 6th Steering Committee of the Nuclear Science Committee in
June 1995. EM's involvement includes the preparation of a report summarizing U.S. work in
the area of actinide separation chemistry.
Contact: Kurt Gerdes, EM-53, (301) 903-7289
Under a grant from EM, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
is cooperating with MINATOM and its laboratory facilities to address the topic of
nuclear waste contamination in the Ural region. The contamination is a legacy of the cold
war, resulting from Soviet nuclear weapons production. Project leadership interacts with
Russian ministry officials and local laboratory expertise to assess impacts of radioactive
contamination and to jointly develop recommendations to prevent and mitigate contamination
impact. In cooperation with Russian researchers, project activities under IIASA include
the collection, analysis, and validation of contamination data; describing source, type,
and extent of contamination; and potential impacts on ground, air, and water resources,
and on surrounding populations. EM hopes to promote technology demonstrations leading to
environmental stability and to open potential commercial opportunities for U.S.
environmental firms.
Contact: David Huizenga, EM-60, (202) 586-5151
| AEA Atomic Energy Agency CEE Central and Eastern Europe
CNEA National Atomic Energy Commission of the Argentine Republic
D&D decontamination and decommissioning
DNAPLs dense non-aqueous phase liquids
DOE Department of Energy
EM Environmental Management
FSU Florida State University
FY fiscal year
HLW high-level waste
IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency
IETU (Polish) Institute for the Ecology of Industrial Sites
IIASA International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
INEL Idaho National Engineering Laboratory
ITSA International Technology Systems Application
JCCEM Joint Coordinating Committee for Environmental Management |
JCCES Joint Coordinating Committee for Environmental Systems
JCCRM Joing Coordinating Committee for Radioactive and Mixed Waste Management
KRI Khlopin Radium Institute
LBNL Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
LLW low-level waste
MINATOM Ministry of Atomic Energy for the Russian Federation
ORNL Oak Ridge National Laboratory
OST Office of Science and Technology
PAN polyacrylonitrile
PNC Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation
RACE Risk Abatement Center for East and Central Europe
R&D research and development
ROM Record of Meeting
SNF spent nuclear fuel
SRS Savannah River Site |
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