The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) is a major disposal site for low-level radioactive waste (LLW) from DOE and DOD sites across the country. To address public concerns about potential exposure from trucks transporting the waste, DRI designed an array of gamma radiation detectors through which trucks passed before coming onto the NNSS. External gamma readings from over 1000 trucks were made. Although potential exposure varied by a factor of 10³, nearly 70% of the trucks were not distinguishable from background and the highest readings were well below regulatory standards. The results of the study, the largest of its kind conducted, were well received by stakeholders at public presentations and was featured in the journal Health Physics.

 Radioactive Waste Truck Transportation Risk Assessment Study

Shallow land disposal of low level radioactive waste (LLW) containers at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSA). The waste is transported to the NNSA by truck. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada Site Office.