Greater-Than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste EIS Information Center

Brief Overview of the Final GTCC EIS:

• The Final EIS evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing and operating a new facility or facilities, or using an existing facility, for the disposal of GTCC LLRW and GTCC-like waste.
• Disposal methods evaluated include geologic repository, intermediate depth borehole, enhanced near surface trench, and above grade vault. Disposal locations evaluated include the Hanford Site in Washington; the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho; the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), and the WIPP vicinity in New Mexico; the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada Test Site) in Nevada; and the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. The Final EIS also evaluates generic commercial disposal sites and the No Action Alternative.
• The preferred alternative for the disposal of GTCC and GTCC-like waste is the WIPP geologic repository and/or generic commercial facilities. Due to the uncertainty regarding the need for legislative changes and/or licensing or permitting changes, further analysis will be needed before a Record of Decision is announced. DOE has determined the preferred alternative would satisfy its needs for the disposal of GTCC and GTCC-like waste.
• Pursuant to Section 631 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, before DOE makes a final decision on the disposal alternative, DOE will submit a report to Congress that includes a description of the disposal alternatives under consideration and all of the information required in the comprehensive report on ensuring the safe disposal of GTCC LLRW that was submitted by the Secretary to Congress in February 1987. Section 631 also requires DOE to await Congressional action on the submitted report.