This paper is about the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ``Environmental Standards for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel, High-Level and Transuranic Wastes,`` 40 CFR 191. These standards regulate the disposal of radioactive wastes in geologic repositories. Currently, two repository sites are under investigation: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) site, located near Carlsbad, New Mexico, may become the repository for defense-generated transuranic waste (TRU); and the Yucca Mountain site, located near Las Vegas, Nevada, may become the repository for spent reactor fuel and a small amount of reprocessing waste (hereinafter called high-level radioactive waste or HLW). The paper was written for readers who have an interest in 40 CFR 191 but do not have the time or inclination to ponder the technical details.

The testing of candidate fuel elements at prototypic operating conditions with respect to temperature, power density, hydrogen coolant flow rate, etc., a crucial component in the development and qualification of nuclear rocket engines based on the Particle Bed Reactor (PBR), NERVA-derivative, and other concepts. Such testing may be performed at existing reactors, or at new facilities. A scoping study has been performed to assess the feasibility of testing PBR based fuel elements at the TREAT reactor. initial results suggest that full-scale PBR, elements could be tested at an average energy deposition of {approximately}60--80 MW-s/L in the current TREAT reactor. If the TREAT reactor was upgraded to include fuel elements with a higher temperature limit, average energy deposition of {approximately}100 MW/L may be achievable.

The Consolidated Incineration Facility at the Savannah River Site is designed without emergency flue gas vents. The main components of this 18 million btu/hr facility are a rotary kiln and secondary combustion chamber, each with a code allowable internal pressure of 15 psig. The facility is designed to treat mixed waste. During the early stages of design it was judged on a qualitative basis that potential eventsthat might produce damaging overpressures were not credible. When these findings were questioned during subsequent design reviews, a probabilistic risk assessment was undertaken to provide a quantitative basis for decision making. The result was identification of design conditions leading to relatively high frequencies for a few event sequences in which the allowable pressure might be exceeded. Risk assessment assumptions and results were reviewed with design engineers and relatively simple improvements were identified that collectively reduced the frequency of overpressure to an acceptable level. This experience showed that the use of formalized risk assessment techniques can provide valuable insight leading to timely and cost-effective improvements in facility design and operating procedures. In this case, the program of analysis and follow-on improvements provided justification for incinerator operation without thermal relief devices.

The Consolidated Incineration Facility at the Savannah River Site is designed without emergency flue gas vents. The main components of this 18 million btu/hr facility are a rotary kiln and secondary combustion chamber, each with a code allowable internal pressure of 15 psig. The facility is designed to treat mixed waste. During the early stages of design it was judged on a qualitative basis that potential eventsthat might produce damaging overpressures were not credible. When these findings were questioned during subsequent design reviews, a probabilistic risk assessment was undertaken to provide a quantitative basis for decision making. The result was identification of design conditions leading to relatively high frequencies for a few event sequences in which the allowable pressure might be exceeded. Risk assessment assumptions and results were reviewed with design engineers and relatively simple improvements were identified that collectively reduced the frequency of overpressure to an acceptable level. This experience showed that the use of formalized risk assessment techniques can provide valuable insight leading to timely and cost-effective improvements in facility design and operating procedures. In this case, the program of analysis and follow-on improvements provided justification for incinerator operation without thermal relief devices.

The pressures in baked an unbaked experimental beam-pipes are calculated as a function of time. These results exclude gas impact desorption effects stemming from, for example, species created by the colliding beams. Three general cases have been calculated: Case {number_sign}1: an unbaked system cryopumped by the 4.2{degree}K apertures of the DO magnets; Case {number_sign}4: an unbaked system pumped by the 4.2{degree}K apertures of the DO magnets, and with a 10,000 L/sec LHe cryopump located proximate to the DX magnets in the DX to D0 beam pipes; Case {number_sign}6: baked beam pipes pumped by the 4.2{degree}K apertures of the D0 magnets and sputter-ion pumps (i.e., SIPs), with non-evaporable getters (i.e., NEGs), bracketing the experimental beam-pipes. The infinite combinations of non-simultaneous system pumpdowns have been excluded as they are impossible to enforce or predict in the heat of operation.

The pressures in baked an unbaked experimental beam-pipes are calculated as a function of time. These results exclude gas impact desorption effects stemming from, for example, species created by the colliding beams. Three general cases have been calculated: Case [number sign]1: an unbaked system cryopumped by the 4.2[degree]K apertures of the DO magnets; Case [number sign]4: an unbaked system pumped by the 4.2[degree]K apertures of the DO magnets, and with a 10,000 L/sec LHe cryopump located proximate to the DX magnets in the DX to D0 beam pipes; Case [number sign]6: baked beam pipes pumped by the 4.2[degree]K apertures of the D0 magnets and sputter-ion pumps (i.e., SIPs), with non-evaporable getters (i.e., NEGs), bracketing the experimental beam-pipes. The infinite combinations of non-simultaneous system pumpdowns have been excluded as they are impossible to enforce or predict in the heat of operation.

The challenge of tuning an induction accelerator in real time has been addressed with the new TUNE GUIDE code. The code initializes a beam at a particular position using a tracer particle representation of the phase space. The particles are transported, using a matrix formulation, element by element along the beamline assuming that the field of a solenoid, or steering element is constant over its length. The other allowed elements are gaps and drift sections. A great deal of effort has been spent programming TUNE GUIDE to operate under the IBMPC Windows 3.1 system. This system features an intuitive, menu driven interface, which provides an ability to rapidly change beamline component parameter values. Consequently various accelerator setups can be explored and new values determined in real time while the accelerator is operating. In addition the code has the capability of varying a capability value over a range and then plotting the resulting beam properties, such as radius or centroid position, at a down stream position. Element parameter editing is also included along with an on-line hyper text oriented help package.

Approximately 60 million gallons of high-level radioactive waste--caustic liquids, slurries, saltcakes, and sludges--are stored in underground tanks at the Department of Energy`s Hanford Site. At least one-third of the tanks are known to have leaked waste into the enviroranent, and there are many unresolved tank safety issues. In order to resolve the environmental and safety concerns, the Department plans to retrieve the waste, immobilize it, and dispose of it in a permanent geologic repository. Processing all of the tank waste in this manner could cost $40 billion, including $1.2 billion to construct the Hanford Waste Vitrification Plant. The purpose of our audit was to examine the reasons for cost estimate increases and schedule delays on the Hanford vitrification program. We also wanted to report on outstanding technical, safety, and environmental issues that could make the project even more costly and further delay its completion. We found that the Department managed the Hanford remediation system as a number of separate projects not fully integrated into one major system acquisition. Total costs have, therefore, been obscured, and the Department has not yet clearly defined system requirements or developed overall cost and schedule baselines. This lack of visibility could result in additional cost …

The overall focus of this work was an attempt to better understand the nature of self attenuating particles of SNM for the purpose of developing procedures for correcting for particle self attenuation relative to improving the quantitative non-destructive assay of these materials. This report is a summary of the various schemes, calculations, data and data analysis performed relative to this subject.

A literature survey was conducted to review the safety issues involved in handling hydrogen peroxide solutions. Most of the information found in the literature is not directly applicable to conditions at the Rocky Flats Plant, but one report describes experimental work conducted previously at Rocky Flats to determine decomposition reaction-rate constants for hydrogen peroxide solutions. Data from this report were used to calculate decomposition half-life times for hydrogen peroxide in solutions containing several decomposition catalysts. The information developed from this survey indicates that hydrogen peroxide will undergo both homogeneous and heterogeneous decomposition. The rate of decomposition is affected by temperature and the presence of catalytic agents. Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed by alkalies, strong acids, platinum group and transition metals, and dissolved salts of transition metals. Depending upon conditions, the consequence of a hydrogen peroxide decomposition can range from slow evolution of oxygen gas to a vapor, phase detonation of hydrogen peroxide vapors.

The operating principles of an Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (IFTS) are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of such instruments with respect to alternative imaging spectrometers are discussed. The primary advantages of the IFTS are the capacity to acquire more than an order of magnitude more spectral channels than alternative systems with more than an order of magnitude greater etendue than for alternative systems. The primary disadvantage of IFTS, or FTS in general, is the sensitivity to temporal fluctuations, either random or periodic. Data from the IRIFTS (ir IFTS) prototype instrument, sensitive in the infrared, are presented having a spectral sensitivity of 0.01 absorbance units, a spectral resolution of 6 cm{sup {minus}1} over the range 0 to 7899 cm{sup {minus}1}, and a spatial resolution of 2.5 mr.

We have developed a system that allows compensation of higher order phase terms that limit chirped pulse amplification systems. Results indicate phase can be compensated by a properly adjusted air-spaced doublet within the stretcher.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a US Department of Energy (DOE)` research and development (R&D) facility operated by the University of California. The R&D activities conducted at LLNL require the use of a wide variety of chemicals which are purchased in sufficient quantities to ensure that the necessary supply is on-hand to meet programmatic schedules and commitments. Purchasing control measures minimize excess inventories of unused chemicals, but small quantities of opened and unopened surplus chemicals still remain at the conclusion of research activities. Drum quantities of surplus chemicals also can be generated if a programmatic activity is abruptly terminated because of loss of funding. A real-time system was needed to route unused surplus chemicals to new experiments and programs instead of to waste treatment and disposal facilities. Representatives from four LLNL organizations (Lasers, Defense Systems/Nuclear Design, Chemistry, and Business Services) combined their skills and ideas to develop and implement an on-Ii ne surplus chemical exchange system for use at LLNL. An electronic surplus chemical bulletin board, referred to. as the ``LLNL Chemical Exchange Data Base,`` is the product of the group`s efforts.

We report on amplification of 100 fsec laser pulses to 250 mJ using flashlamp-pumped, dye converted Ti:Sapphire. The resulting 5 Hz beam is focused to irradiances in excess of 5 {times} 10{sup 18} W/cm{sup 2}.

A detailed technical plan for research on higher-alcohol synthesis in a slurry reactor was prepared and approved internally, as part of the University's requirements for the doctoral degree. The focus of this plan is the high-pressure methanol synthesis catalyst, and modifications thereof. A major challenge of the research will be to identify a slurry medium that is stable at the typical operating temperature ofthis catalyst, i.e., about 400[degrees]C. Two shakedown runs were made in the stirred autoclave without catalyst in order to check the mechanical operation of the system and to test some of the analytical equipment. Further preparation, characterization and screening of higher-oxygenate synthesis catalysts based on rhodium were carried out. The catalyst compositions tested during the period were: Rh/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3], Rh/Nb/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3], Mo/Rh/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] and W/Rh/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3]. All catalysts contained a nominal 1 wt. % Rh. Rh/Nb/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] and Rh/Mo/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] were about twice as active for COconversion as the other catalysts. However, oxygenate yields were disappointing for all of the compositions tested. The Rh/Mo/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3] catalyst had the highest carbon efficiency to oxygenates, 33%.

A detailed technical plan for research on higher-alcohol synthesis in a slurry reactor was prepared and approved internally, as part of the University`s requirements for the doctoral degree. The focus of this plan is the high-pressure methanol synthesis catalyst, and modifications thereof. A major challenge of the research will be to identify a slurry medium that is stable at the typical operating temperature ofthis catalyst, i.e., about 400{degrees}C. Two shakedown runs were made in the stirred autoclave without catalyst in order to check the mechanical operation of the system and to test some of the analytical equipment. Further preparation, characterization and screening of higher-oxygenate synthesis catalysts based on rhodium were carried out. The catalyst compositions tested during the period were: Rh/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Rh/Nb/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Mo/Rh/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and W/Rh/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. All catalysts contained a nominal 1 wt. % Rh. Rh/Nb/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Rh/Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were about twice as active for COconversion as the other catalysts. However, oxygenate yields were disappointing for all of the compositions tested. The Rh/Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst had the highest carbon efficiency to oxygenates, 33%.

The Status of Glueballs is presented considering that most popular candidates from among the isoscalars in the J{sup PC} = 0{sup ++}, 0{sup {minus}+} and 2{sup ++} channels. It is shown that in the 0{sup ++} channel the f{sub 0}(1720) which was discovered earlier (the S*{prime}(1720)) at BNL is highly likely the same state as the SLAC {theta}(1720) now that its spin has been found to be 0 instead of the 2 claimed for a long period. In the {sup ++} channel there is likely a complex of 2-3 states {zeta}/{eta}(1280), {lambda}/{eta}(1420) and {iota}/{eta}(1520) involving at least one extra isosclar. In the 2{sup ++}, the g{sub T}(2010), g{sub T}{prime}(2300) and g{sub T}{double_prime}(2340) {phi}{phi} states found in {pi}{sup {minus}} p {yields} {phi}{phi}n (OZI forbidden glueball filter channel) strikingly, approximately, completely break the OZI suppression and comprise within the errors all the {phi}{phi} cross-section. The only viable explanation of these states in the context of QCD is that they are produced by 1-3 primary 2{sup ++} glueballs. All alternate explanations in the past 15 years have failed.

The CSMP proposal to NSF contained a description of a project to examine variability of the climate system on decadal-to-contennial time scales, with an emphasis on eventually understanding the processes which led to climate variability over the past one to two centuries as a basis for validating models of potential future changes. The project thus focused first, on understanding, and second on understanding as a basis for the development of validation procedures for models intended for use in climate change applications. The principal activity of the first year of the project was a workshop on one of the major sources of interdecadal variability-the thermohaline circulation (THC) of the oceans. This workshop was focused on review of the cutting edge science of the THC, and on identification of opportunities for future research. The workshop report is attached.

The Part B Permit for F&H Seepage Basins calls for analysis of several constituents of concern in groundwater monitoring wells. Four of these analytes are the radionuclides Ni{sup 63}, Pu{sup 241}, Pu{sup 242}, and Am{sup 243}. These are currently not being analyzed due to their very difficult, tedious analytical schemes coupled with their relatively low activity values. This report demonstrates how the activity value for Ni{sup 63}, a week beta emitter, can be estimated from that of Co{sup 60}, an easily detectable, high-energy gamma emitter. Similarly, estimates of Pu{sup 241}, a beta emitter, and the alpha-emitting Pu{sup 242} can be made from the activity value of the more easily detected Pu{sup 239}. Am{sup 243} can be estimated from the activity of Cm{sup 244}, which is easier to detect because of a shorter half-life (higher specific activity) and the emission of higher energy alpha particles. These correlations are made under very specific parameters in order to ensure the validity of this approach. Therefore, assumptions must be established setting ground rules for establishing these activity relationships. Bases for these assumptions are explained and/or referenced. Their degree of uncertainty limits the accuracy of the data so that the term ``estimate`` is used. Such …

The Alternating Gradient Synchrotron Booster at Brookhaven National Laboratory uses an ionization profile monitor to generate profiles of proton and heavy-ion beams. The profile monitor can acquire hundreds of profiles during an acceleration cycle, and then display and store them for analysis. Profiles appear in real time on an oscilloscope-type display, but other visualizations are available as well, namely mountain range and emittance displays. File storage of profile data is simple, as is the storage of moments and emittances.

Representatives of nearly one-half of the 114 member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the United States, have participated in the development of an international nuclear safety conventions proposed multilateral treaty to improve civil nuclear power reactor safety. A preliminary draft of the convention has been developed (referred to as the draft convention for this report), but discussions are continuing, and when the final convention text will be completed and presented to IAEA member states for signature is uncertain. This report responds to the former and current Chairman`s request that we provide information on the development of the nuclear safety convention, including a discussion of (1) the draft convention`s scope and objectives, (2) how the convention will be implemented and monitored, (3) the views of selected country representatives on what provisions should be included in the draft convention, and (4) the convention`s potential benefits and limitations.

Letter opinion issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas in Austin, Texas, providing an interpretation of Texas law. It provides the opinion of the Texas Attorney General, Dan Morales, regarding a legal question submitted for clarification;Eligibility for participation in a poster contest sponsored by the Texas Dietetic Association and Associated Milk Producers,Inc(ID# 19069).

Weekly newsletter discussing natural resources, parks, hunting and fishing, and other information related to the outdoors in Texas.

A weekly publication, the Texas Register serves as the journal of state agency rulemaking for Texas. Information published in the Texas Register includes proposed, adopted, withdrawn and emergency rule actions, notices of state agency review of agency rules, governor's appointments, attorney general opinions, and miscellaneous documents such as requests for proposals. After adoption, these rulemaking actions are codified into the Texas Administrative Code.