ANSTO has initiated a series of measures to further upgrade its waste management systems. Costing in excess of $225,000, these measures will allow for a comprehensive and accurate analysis of all solid wastes designated for removal from the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre.
A focal point of the upgrade is a purpose-designated waste handling centre established specifically to "clear", in radioactive terms, any waste prior to it being dispatched off-site. The centre is specially located at ANSTO in a low background radiation area to ensure the sensitivity (ie accuracy) of measurements, as well as a high level of quality assurance.
In addition, ANSTO is purchasing a vehicle monitoring system to scan all consignments of hard waste (metallic and non-metallic items) as a final and quantitative check prior to dispatch off-site. The equipment, which will be installed by July 2001, will have the capability to scan all vehicles leaving the site to ensure all waste material is comprehensively checked and monitored for radioactivity prior to its dispatch from the site.
Through this forward-looking approach, ANSTO continues to be at the leading edge of international best practice.
The above measures also assist in ensuring that ANSTO is able to minimise the quantities of non-radioactive waste or scrap metal held on its Lucas Heights site. This is viewed as part of ANSTO’s commitment to ecologically sustainable development and the desire to maximise the use of recyclable material.
The stringent approach ANSTO is implementing will ensure that there is no detectable radioactivity associated with any material sent for recycling.
In one instance late last year, slight levels of residual radioactivity were detected on some aluminium items contained in two drums of metal sent for recycling. The total level of radioactivity on the items was less than is contained in two 50kg bags of fertiliser (superphosphate) or a half metre block of granite (equivalent to the amount used in fitting out benchtops in a household kitchen).
Nevertheless, in accordance with standard procedures, ARPANSA was promptly informed and ANSTO acted quickly to have the material returned to Lucas Heights.
Published: 10/05/2001