GOAL:
Protect public health and the environment by assuring proper handling and storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste.

OBJECTIVE:
Ensure that low-level radioactive waste storage and disposal procedures are followed and provide for proper disposal.

STATUS & TRENDS:
Low-level radioactive waste is generated by nuclear power generating facilities and by industrial facilities, hospitals, colleges and universities and are grouped into three classifications depending on radioactivity. Low-level radioactive waste is bein g disposed of at three shallow land disposal facilities outside of Connecticut. The three states in which the facilities are situated have the right by federal law to refuse to accept the low-level nuclear waste from other states. These three states hav e stated their intention to refuse the waste as of January 1, 1993. Also, as a requirement of federal law, Connecticut is required to provide for disposal capacity for all low-level radioactive waste generated within the state which could include an out of state solution. South Carolina will allow states making progress towards siting a low-level waste disposal facility to use its site beyond 1993. Siting a disposal facility is extremely difficult because of natural resource site constraints and the public's apprehension about disposal facility safety. Without proper storage and disposal, the risk of exposure to low-level radiation will increase.

STRATEGIES:

1. Continue to seek an out of state solution to the disposal problem while preparing a regulatory program to manage the storage and disposal of low-level radioactive material.
2. Encourage the reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper handling of low-level radioactive material.
3. Encourage research into substitutions for use of low-level radioactive materials.
4. Request, through appropriate channels, that the federal Department of Energy accept commercial mixed waste at federal facilities.
5. Support amending the 1985 Low-level Radioactive Waste Policy Amendments Act to redefine Class B and Class C waste as high-level waste thus making it the responsibility of the federal government.