ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the factors that should be considered in developing a technically valid program for the disposal of radium-containing waste solids by soil blending that is protective of public health and the environment. Soil blending has been proposed as a method for disposal of radium-containing waste solids. Particular attention is given to potential problems of surface and groundwater contamination with radium-226 that could arise from the disposal of radium-containing waste solids by blending with soil. One possible way to try to avoid contamination of groundwater in a waste/soil blending operation is to follow the approach that is being followed for solid and hazardous waste disposal sites, of capping the site with a layer of low-permeability clay. Any radium-226 waste/soil blending operation should include a long-term commitment to monitor the surface water, groundwater, and terrestrial vegetation in the vicinity of the disposal site. The disposal of radium-226-contaminated waste solids by soil blending appears to have limited utility.
