Argonne National Laboratory

Experience and Perspectives on

Environmental Remediation

Karen P. SmithEnvironmental Science DivisionArgonne National Laboratory

IAEA Technical MeetingVienna, Austria23-27 November, 2009

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Argonne was Established in 1946Operated by the University of Chicago for the U.S. Department of Energy

Research programs in five broad areas: basic science, research facilities, energy resources, environmental management, and national security.

Located on 1,500 acres about 25 mi southwest of Chicago.

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Argonne Expertise Spans the Array of Environmental Remediation Challenges

EnvironmentalRemediation

Monitoring

Closure

RemediationSystems

RiskAssessment

Characterization

Plus:Environmental data managementTechnology transfer

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Environmental Remediation Efforts Have Driven Tool Development at Argonne

Site characterization Data management Decision support Dose and risk assessment Technology evaluation and selection Stakeholder involvement Site closure

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Streamlining Site Characterization and Reducing Data Uncertainty Streamlined Approaches

– Systematic planning– Real-time decision making– Dynamic work strategies

Adaptive Sampling and Analysis Programs (ASAPs)

Expedited Site Characterization (ESC)– Groundwater focus– Cone penetrometer technology

New tools to quantify uncertainty (“Plume” and BAASS)

USEPA Technology Innovation Program developed its Triad Program with a basis in ASAP and ESC principles

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Argonne Developed the RESRAD (RESidual RADioactivity) Code to Assess Radiological Risk

The RESRAD computer code was developed by Argonne with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

It is used to develop site-specific guidelines for managing residual radioactive materials. Specifically, it is used to:

– estimate radiation doses and cancer risks for future site users,– evaluate the effectiveness of various remediation actions in terms of limiting future

radiation exposures,

– evaluate uncertainty associated with key site and/or waste parameters, and

– establish appropriate cleanup criteria from a risk-based perspective.

Includes a family of codes addressing different aspects of radiological contamination.

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Argonne Supports the Selection and Evaluation of Remediation Systems

Innovative remediation technologies– Phytoremediation– Engineered wetlands– Argonne’s SUPERGEL

Technology evaluations and selection– Policy/regulatory analyses– Feasibility studies and pilot-scale tests– Interactive technology selection tools– TechCon

• Identification and assessment of innovative technologies

• Integration of technologies• Internet based data repository • Enhanced results and cost savings

IAEA Technical Meeting, 23-27 November 2009

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Challenges, Gaps, and Needs in Environmental Remediation Better decision making tools and methods Streamlined, cost-effective approaches and methods for:

– Site characterization– Data management– Reducing data uncertainty– More precise in situ segregation of contaminated versus clean materials

Reliable risk assessment tools (detailed and screening level) Technical expertise (capacity development) Effective stakeholder involvement and risk communication Risk-based regulations Consensus building on valid approaches and methodologies International perspectives