Difficult Waste - Repository Science (EES-12)

EES-12 addresses technical challenges encountered at Department of Energy (DOE) transuranic (TRU) waste sites during waste packaging, characterization, and transportation. The characterization process ensures waste characteristics are in compliance with Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) regulatory requirements. EES-12 also develops complex-wide recommendations on issues such as the fissile gram equivalent limit for TRU waste transportation and supports efficiencies, such as waste container optimization.

EES-12 also develops TRU waste work-off (removal) plans, which include a detailed analysis of a site's TRU waste inventory, waste streams, and waste shippability, as well as strategies for addressing technical issues related to the waste. These plans allow for long-range planning for waste characterization and complex-wide prioritization of waste streams. For example, EES-12 developed plans to de-inventory eight small-quantity sites of legacy waste (a high-priority American Recovery & Reinvestment Act goal) and served as a technical advisor to ensure completion by the Recovery Act target date.

Additionally, EES-12 manages the DOE National TRU Waste Corporate Board, including providing technical direction, strategic analysis, facilitation, and logistical support. The board consists of senior DOE and contractor representatives from DOE TRU waste sites actively shipping waste to WIPP and integrates the sites into one corporate entity to optimize resources and expedite waste disposition.

EES-12 also provides technical and associated document preparation support to the National TRU Program and conducts interactive reviews of site program documents and procedures.