@BOOK{NAP10900, author = "National Research Council", title = "Improving the Characterization Program for Contact-Handled Transuranic Waste Bound for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant", isbn = "978-0-309-09090-2", doi = "10.17226/10900", abstract = "As operational experience is gained in the disposal of transuranic waste from nuclear\nweapons facilities at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in New Mexico, the Department\nof Energy (DOE) has opportunities to change how it \u201ccharacterizes\u201d waste to confirm\nthat it is appropriate for shipment to and disposal at the underground repository.\nThe waste shipped to the facility includes gloves, rags, tools, and other debris or\ndried sludge that has been contaminated by radioactive elements, including plutonium,\nduring production or cleanup activities in the DOE weapons complex. However,\nbefore the DOE seeks regulatory approval for changes to its characterization program,\nthe agency should conduct and publish a systematic and quantitative assessment\nto show that the proposed changes would not affect the protection of workers,\nthe public, or the environment, according to the committee. The assessment\nshould take into account technical factors, societal and regulatory impacts, and the\ntime and effort required to make the changes.\n", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/10900/improving-the-characterization-program-for-contact-handled-transuranic-waste-bound-for-the-waste-isolation-pilot-plant", year = 2004, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" }