Waste Disposal Aspects of a Nuclear-weapon Accident

Résumé du livre

Procedures for decontamination, collection, packaging, transportation and ultimate disposal of the large quantities of radioactive waste generated as a result of a nuclear-weapon accident are presented. Plutonium hazard and dispersion, previous research on nuclear-weapon accident hazards, as well as acceptable levels of contamination are reviewed and discussed. From Test Group 57 and Roller Coaster data, the extent of the significantly contaminated area was estimated to be between 0.1 and 0.5 mi]2. Types of waste generated and methods of collecting, packaging, and transporting are presented for rural, industrial, suburban, and airfield areas. Only first approximations of economic costs are made for reclamation of each type of area. Social and legal costs are not estimated. The equipment for cleanup available to the Army through organic units and through Government agencies is reviewed.