The Commission's 1998 Annual Waste Survey, the sixth such survey conducted, had a response rate of 45%. The survey was sent to 93 previous generators with export authorization from the Commission or generators who had responded to previous surveys. There were 42 responses.
Of the 42 responses received, 34 indicated that they continued to generate low-level radioactive waste during the period covered by the survey. The quantity generated ranged from as little as one-half cubic foot to approximately 11,787 cubic feet. The quantities disposed of ranged from less than a cubic foot to approximately 31,125 cubic feet
Responders included medical facilities, higher education facilities, industrial facilities, nuclear powered utilities, and government facilities. The responders by state included: Arkansas, 5; Kansas, 9; Louisiana, 6; Nebraska, 13; Oklahoma, 8.
The responses indicate that 33% ship their LLRW for disposal and 36% store their LLRW on site and wait for it to decay to acceptable levels. Several respondents use multiple methods. Of those shipping for disposal, several medical facilities return their LLRW to the manufacturer or a centralized radiopharmacy. Incineration and sewer disposal are also methods of management mentioned by the respondents.
Those storing waste on site indicated they could continue to do so for a period ranging from 60 days to an indefinite period of time. The majority of the respondents indicated they would not incur increased costs in the management of their LLRW. However, those that indicated additional costs would be incurred, estimated an increase of $15,000 to $160,000. Existing annual budget cycle costs for LLRW generators ranged from $100 to as much as $1.6 million, with approximate projected costs for next year ranged from $100 to as much as $1.7 million. One responder indicated their decommissioning activities should be completed this year.
Each year responders are invited to offer any additional comments or ask questions they may have about the Commission's development of a disposal facility. These comments and all other data obtained from the survey are available for review in the Commission office.