Conceptual Framework for Residual Hazards Management. K. M. Kostelnik, J. H. Clarke, and J. L. Harbour, Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, and Vanderbilt University
Throughout the world, hazardous and radioactive substances have been generated, managed, and subsequently disposed of in the near-field subsurface. These practices have resulted in damage to our ecosystem by contaminating considerable volumes of soil and groundwater. The magnitude of the environmental problems associated with this type of contamination is enormous and affects international, national, state, and local organizations.
Various waste management and environmental remediation techniques implemented throughout the world over the past few decades have attempted to mitigate these environmental insults. The results of these remedial actions, however, have varied in their degree of success and/or failure. Many of the management techniques do not eliminate the problem but rather attempt to concentrate or contain the contaminants of concern. This is partly due part to the long-lived nature of these contaminants, as well as to technical, economic, social and political limitations. As such, society cannot return many of the world’s environmentally contaminated sites back to pristine conditions.
Residual hazards are hazardous and/or contaminated materials that remain on-site following the completion of remedial actions. These residual hazards pose continued risk to humans and the environment and represent a significant and chronic problem.
The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and Vanderbilt University are investigating various challenges associated with residual hazards management and a conceptual framework of the institutional management components is being developed. This framework includes natural, engineered, social and institutional systems and considers the potential for change and failures. Highlighted by this framework is the importance of sustained institutional management, to ensure that societal knowledge is maintained over successive generations such that the hazards remain isolated and the necessary controls are maintained to control the risks over time. As part of this effort, a series of historic case studies are being evaluated to gain insights for future efforts. This presentation will provide key lessons learned from this case study analysis and will identify various capabilities required to maintain long-term protection of residual hazards.
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