WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.290 [This tape was transfered from a 16mm film original by Colorlab 00:00:03.290 --> 00:00:06.130 for the National Library of Medicine, April 2006, 00:00:06.130 --> 00:00:11.230 NLM call number HF 1245] 00:00:11.230 --> 00:00:12.310 [Music] 00:00:12.310 --> 00:00:20.410 [The U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Presents] 00:00:20.410 --> 00:00:28.560 [Radioactive Waste Disposal] 00:00:28.560 --> 00:00:45.000 [Produced by the Communicable Disease Center for National Institutes of Health, Plant Safety Branch] 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:48.330 [Narrator:] As the use of radioactive materials increases, 00:00:48.330 --> 00:00:50.400 the problems associated with the disposal 00:00:50.400 --> 00:00:53.720 of the waste become ever more important. 00:00:53.720 --> 00:00:55.880 Of all known toxic materials, 00:00:55.880 --> 00:00:59.420 radioactive nuclides alone cannot be detoxified 00:00:59.420 --> 00:01:04.910 or rendered harmless by any known chemical or physical processing. 00:01:04.910 --> 00:01:09.180 Safe disposal of these materials requires that they be so segregated 00:01:09.180 --> 00:01:12.230 that any return to man is in such a low concentration 00:01:12.230 --> 00:01:14.780 as to be certainly harmless. 00:01:14.780 --> 00:01:17.610 All manner of possible return paths must be considered 00:01:17.610 --> 00:01:33.090 in choosing a processing and disposal method. 00:01:33.090 --> 00:01:36.260 Disposal by burial on land requires the utmost care 00:01:36.260 --> 00:01:38.810 to ensure that there is a negligible contact between 00:01:38.810 --> 00:01:41.480 the waste product and water sources 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:43.630 through which the isotopes might return to man, 00:01:43.630 --> 00:01:50.000 either directly or through food chains. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:52.640 When intermediate products such as edible plants, animals, 00:01:52.640 --> 00:01:54.600 and fish are involved, 00:01:54.600 --> 00:01:57.740 the effects of biological concentrations of particular nuclides 00:01:57.740 --> 00:02:06.380 in these intermediates must be carefully appraised. 00:02:06.380 --> 00:02:08.530 [Intermediate Waste] 00:02:08.530 --> 00:02:11.780 The most common radioactive waste problems concern the relatively 00:02:11.780 --> 00:02:17.130 small user of isotopes obtained primarily from nuclear reactors. 00:02:17.130 --> 00:02:18.500 [High Level Waste] 00:02:18.500 --> 00:02:20.790 The high level waste originating from reactor operation itself, 00:02:20.790 --> 00:02:23.130 and the associated chemical processing, 00:02:23.130 --> 00:02:33.200 require special handling at the installations where the wastes originate. 00:02:33.200 --> 00:02:35.380 The National Institutes of Health is an organization 00:02:35.380 --> 00:02:38.100 devoted to research in clinical medicine 00:02:38.100 --> 00:02:40.800 and the associated basic sciences. 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:44.980 Some 500 members of the scientific staff use about 100 curies 00:02:44.980 --> 00:02:48.180 of radioactive isotopes each year. 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:51.730 Because of the biological emphasis of the research program, 00:02:51.730 --> 00:02:54.730 carbon-14 and hydrogen-3, or tritium, 00:02:54.730 --> 00:02:57.470 are the most commonly used nuclides. 00:02:57.470 --> 00:02:59.680 Waste disposal methods must take into account 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:05.830 the particular properties of these isotopes. 00:03:05.830 --> 00:03:07.470 At the National Institutes of Health, 00:03:07.470 --> 00:03:09.660 the Radiation Safety Office is the organization 00:03:09.660 --> 00:03:13.560 responsible for all radiation safety operations. 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:15.340 These operations include the processing 00:03:15.340 --> 00:03:18.520 and disposal of radioactive wastes. 00:03:18.520 --> 00:03:22.390 Safety office functions center around the isotope laboratory, 00:03:22.390 --> 00:03:30.480 located apart from other laboratories and service buildings. 00:03:30.480 --> 00:03:32.760 The disposal methods to be shown are the result 00:03:32.760 --> 00:03:34.870 of over ten years of development 00:03:34.870 --> 00:03:38.470 in cooperation with the United States Coast Guard. 00:03:38.470 --> 00:03:46.500 The deep sea was chosen as the most desirable ultimate depository. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:49.510 Burial at sea must be carried out so there will be no interference 00:03:49.510 --> 00:03:52.610 with either commercial or sport fishing. 00:03:52.610 --> 00:03:55.890 No significant concentrations of any isotope deposited must appear 00:03:55.890 --> 00:03:59.630 at the surface of the sea or on any beach. 00:03:59.630 --> 00:04:03.870 The waste disposal area, approximately 90 miles due east of Norfolk, 00:04:03.870 --> 00:04:05.850 is over 1,000 fathoms in depth. 00:04:05.850 --> 00:04:10.310 [Waste Disposal Area, Atlantic Ocean, 90 Miles, Depth Over 1,000 Fathoms] 00:04:10.310 --> 00:04:12.980 Radioactive waste processing and packaging is carried out 00:04:12.980 --> 00:04:16.390 in a restricted area near the isotope laboratory. 00:04:16.390 --> 00:04:19.840 This area is surrounded by a custodial fence to separate it 00:04:19.840 --> 00:04:24.600 from the activities and traffic of the Institutes. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:29.050 Radioactive wastes must be classified into several different types, 00:04:29.050 --> 00:04:32.610 and the disposal governed accordingly. 00:04:32.610 --> 00:05:01.610 Here a chemical experiment is originating wastes of varying levels of activity. 00:05:01.610 --> 00:05:07.590 Samples are being pipetted out for measuring preparatory to initiating the proper disposal procedures. 00:05:07.590 --> 00:05:09.580 These liquid wastes will be assorted 00:05:09.580 --> 00:05:11.220 depending upon the level of activity 00:05:11.220 --> 00:05:17.430 as measured with the portable survey meter. 00:05:17.430 --> 00:05:19.240 Carefully measured samples are placed in the counting 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:21.960 planchets to obtain the standardized volume 00:05:21.960 --> 00:05:24.480 for checking with the scintillation counter. 00:05:24.480 --> 00:05:27.240 All of these manipulations take place inside a hood 00:05:27.240 --> 00:05:30.220 with absorbing paper underneath materials 00:05:30.220 --> 00:05:40.420 so that spills can be readily discarded. 00:05:40.420 --> 00:05:42.880 The waste of low activity will be disposed of directly 00:05:42.880 --> 00:05:44.590 into the regular sewer system, 00:05:44.590 --> 00:06:00.940 with water flushing the sample down the drain at the disposal time. 00:06:00.940 --> 00:06:04.920 This other waste, which was found to contain somewhat greater activity, 00:06:04.920 --> 00:06:07.470 will be put into a special sewer system. 00:06:07.470 --> 00:06:10.220 This leads to a large underground retention tank 00:06:10.220 --> 00:06:12.990 where the waste will be held for an appreciable length of time 00:06:12.990 --> 00:06:16.550 before being released to the municipal sewer system. 00:06:16.550 --> 00:06:19.270 Both of these wastes are short half-life, 00:06:19.270 --> 00:06:37.080 or else disposal by either of these means would not be allowable. 00:06:37.080 --> 00:06:40.610 Waste containing carbon-14 or tritium cannot be classified 00:06:40.610 --> 00:06:43.920 by the crude assay method previously shown. 00:06:43.920 --> 00:06:49.300 With these weak beta emitters, carefully prepared samples are counted in a liquid scintillator. 00:06:49.300 --> 00:06:50.750 The scintillating solution, 00:06:50.750 --> 00:06:54.560 and the photo multiplier tubes picking up the tiny flashes of light, 00:06:54.560 --> 00:06:56.590 are kept at a very low temperature 00:06:56.590 --> 00:06:59.740 in a deep freeze to reduce the effect of extraneous disturbances 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:01.950 on the electric circuits. 00:07:01.950 --> 00:07:04.430 Carbon-14 and tritium wastes that are too concentrated 00:07:04.430 --> 00:07:08.610 for direct disposal will be kept for burial at sea. 00:07:08.610 --> 00:07:11.500 Each of these nuclides have a half-life that is too long 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:19.660 for appreciable decay to occur during any practical storage period. 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:21.740 Patient treatment areas generate large quantities 00:07:21.740 --> 00:07:26.860 of contaminated articles, with bed linens an outstanding example. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:29.630 Wherever possible, patients receiving radioisotopes 00:07:29.630 --> 00:07:32.980 handle their own urine collections in the treatment areas. 00:07:32.980 --> 00:07:35.000 Urines containing gamma emitters are kept 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:42.840 in heavily shielded containers and are collected at frequent intervals. 00:07:42.840 --> 00:07:44.720 Another source of active waste material 00:07:44.720 --> 00:07:46.950 comes from animal experiments. 00:07:46.950 --> 00:07:48.160 This animal has been injected 00:07:48.160 --> 00:07:51.210 with a long-lived radioactive material. 00:07:51.210 --> 00:07:53.680 Note that the experimenters are wearing rubber gloves 00:07:53.680 --> 00:08:00.060 to avoid contamination of hands. 00:08:00.060 --> 00:08:01.800 Blood samples are withdrawn, 00:08:01.800 --> 00:08:03.310 placed into counting planchets 00:08:03.310 --> 00:08:07.540 for drying and subsequent assay. 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:08.760 Marking tape is used 00:08:08.760 --> 00:08:11.540 whenever radioactive material is involved. 00:08:11.540 --> 00:08:14.780 It is most important that all packages be so marked, 00:08:14.780 --> 00:08:16.900 and an approximate value given of the amount 00:08:16.900 --> 00:08:28.550 of the isotope present, and the isotope identified. 00:08:28.550 --> 00:08:31.050 Animal carcasses are stored at low temperature 00:08:31.050 --> 00:08:34.460 until ready for disposal by approved methods. 00:08:34.460 --> 00:08:36.770 Since licenses for radioactive materials are given 00:08:36.770 --> 00:08:38.760 by possession limits, 00:08:38.760 --> 00:08:43.130 it is necessary to keep a careful account of the isotopes that are thrown away. 00:08:43.130 --> 00:08:50.580 Each package must be marked with the amount of the isotope which it contains. 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:53.940 Throughout all waste disposal operations and processing, 00:08:53.940 --> 00:08:56.220 accurate records are kept of radiation exposure 00:08:56.220 --> 00:08:58.750 of all personnel involved. 00:08:58.750 --> 00:09:00.800 Film badge monitoring devices are loaded 00:09:00.800 --> 00:09:13.890 and prepared for issue throughout the institutes. 00:09:13.890 --> 00:09:18.310 A most important part of the monitoring consists of keeping records. 00:09:18.310 --> 00:09:19.970 Most of these records will be needed perhaps 00:09:19.970 --> 00:09:23.010 five to ten years after they have been entered, 00:09:23.010 --> 00:09:25.650 so neatness, accuracy and legibility 00:09:25.650 --> 00:09:28.570 are most important items in the record keeping. 00:09:28.570 --> 00:09:31.460 Records must be kept of all radioactive waste materials 00:09:31.460 --> 00:09:38.380 that are disposed of by whatever means. 00:09:38.380 --> 00:09:40.850 This represents about one-half of a day's collection 00:09:40.850 --> 00:09:45.060 from the laboratories and clinical areas at the Institutes. 00:09:45.060 --> 00:09:48.510 Delivery of radioactive materials to the radiation safety office 00:09:48.510 --> 00:09:52.480 is made so easy that there will be little or no temptation 00:09:52.480 --> 00:09:55.830 to dispose of these materials by other methods. 00:09:55.830 --> 00:10:00.460 Otherwise, these radioactive materials might be found in the regular trash containers, 00:10:00.460 --> 00:10:14.540 or dumped indiscriminately into the municipal sewer system. 00:10:14.540 --> 00:10:17.420 The polyethylene bags are the liners of the waste containers 00:10:17.420 --> 00:10:22.110 which are handed out to all users of active materials. 00:10:22.110 --> 00:10:25.100 Wastes are classified and records kept of each package, 00:10:25.100 --> 00:10:28.850 its location, and the method of final disposal. 00:10:28.850 --> 00:10:32.680 Here, materials of short half-life are being kept for decay 00:10:32.680 --> 00:10:38.790 and for later incineration. 00:10:38.790 --> 00:10:42.200 Materials which have too long a half-life to allow decay to take place 00:10:42.200 --> 00:10:46.060 will be put into children-sized concrete burial vaults 00:10:46.060 --> 00:10:52.060 for ultimate disposal at sea. 00:10:52.060 --> 00:10:55.420 Liquids, solids, and activities of many different levels 00:10:55.420 --> 00:11:00.610 are some of the diverse materials which are collected. 00:11:00.610 --> 00:11:04.850 Vaults are standard commercially available containers of convenient size. 00:11:04.850 --> 00:11:10.050 They are made of steel-reinforced concrete and have lifting eyes cast into the bottom. 00:11:10.050 --> 00:11:19.470 Short lengths of steel cable are attached to these eyes for handling. 00:11:19.470 --> 00:11:20.550 The vaults are packed as carefully as possible 00:11:20.550 --> 00:11:22.910 to include a maximum amount of material. 00:11:22.910 --> 00:11:25.600 This cuts down the number of containers required and aids 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:34.620 in obtaining the density required to ensure sinking in the ocean. 00:11:34.620 --> 00:11:38.310 Special waste products require special methods of handling. 00:11:38.310 --> 00:11:43.120 Here are the steps that lead to the ultimate disposal of some cobalt pellets. 00:11:43.120 --> 00:11:47.590 They have already been packaged in lead and welded into a steel pipe. 00:11:47.590 --> 00:11:50.220 Spacing rings encircle the cobalt container so that the pipe 00:11:50.220 --> 00:11:53.610 will be centered into the steel disposal drum. 00:11:53.610 --> 00:11:56.460 The drum will then be filled with concrete. 00:11:56.460 --> 00:11:58.670 Although there is some gamma ray activity 00:11:58.670 --> 00:12:00.820 at the surface of the steel container, 00:12:00.820 --> 00:12:09.380 the handling is done without intervening shields because of the relatively short time involved. 00:12:09.380 --> 00:12:17.550 Observe how the centering devices help as the pipe is lowered into the drum. 00:12:17.550 --> 00:12:22.560 Note the marking of the drum to indicate that it now contains radioactive materials, 00:12:22.560 --> 00:12:30.350 the amount and isotope being marked on the label. 00:12:30.350 --> 00:12:32.220 A wet concrete mortar is now poured 00:12:32.220 --> 00:12:35.670 around the steel container containing the cobalt pellets. 00:12:35.670 --> 00:12:38.290 The concrete in this particular case fills the drum readily 00:12:38.290 --> 00:12:39.870 without any tamping, 00:12:39.870 --> 00:12:46.150 and a solid mass will result without any agitation. 00:12:46.150 --> 00:12:53.600 The concrete can be mixed to any desired consistency. 00:12:53.600 --> 00:12:56.340 The steel pipe is suspended from the top of the drum 00:12:56.340 --> 00:13:11.800 to prevent it sinking through the soft mass before the concrete hardens. 00:13:11.800 --> 00:13:15.770 An immediate check is made of the surface gamma activity of the container. 00:13:15.770 --> 00:13:17.380 This is to make sure that it will comply 00:13:17.380 --> 00:13:19.720 with all of the interstate commerce regulations 00:13:19.720 --> 00:13:38.590 governing the shipment of radioactive materials over state highways. 00:13:38.590 --> 00:13:43.670 The markings on the drums are made in accordance with requirements of AEC licensing. 00:13:43.670 --> 00:13:47.360 They cover the amount and the isotope contained therein, 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:51.330 also identifying marks, so that if there is any future recovery, 00:13:51.330 --> 00:13:56.720 the origin of the drum can be identified. 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:59.410 Waste materials are packed in the concrete burial vaults 00:13:59.410 --> 00:14:02.570 and mixed intimately with a thin concrete mortar. 00:14:02.570 --> 00:14:04.750 All of the polyethylene containers are broken 00:14:04.750 --> 00:14:07.360 to ensure an intimate mix with the concrete 00:14:07.360 --> 00:14:09.460 and also to obtain a maximum density 00:14:09.460 --> 00:14:12.020 to ensure sinking in the ocean. 00:14:12.020 --> 00:14:13.350 The vaults are shallow enough to permit 00:14:13.350 --> 00:14:23.330 good mixing of the contents with thin concrete. 00:14:23.330 --> 00:14:25.310 The safety office personnel working directly 00:14:25.310 --> 00:14:28.070 over the vaults wear respirators to prevent the inhalation 00:14:28.070 --> 00:14:30.960 of airborne radioactive materials. 00:14:30.960 --> 00:14:33.770 This is not considered necessary for the cement workers 00:14:33.770 --> 00:14:37.260 who have a casual contact and are not working directly over the vault 00:14:37.260 --> 00:14:41.120 during the active breaking of the polyethylene containers. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.660 The vaults are actively agitated 00:14:42.660 --> 00:14:45.550 during the entire filling operation to eliminate voids 00:14:45.550 --> 00:14:48.830 and obtain as intimate mixing as possible. 00:14:48.830 --> 00:14:52.020 Actual tests show that the finished containers remain intact 00:14:52.020 --> 00:15:04.090 under the hydrostatic pressures at depths of at least 6,000 feet. 00:15:04.090 --> 00:15:07.050 Vacuum pumps used on a radon plant are contaminated 00:15:07.050 --> 00:15:11.690 to an extent where decontamination would be more expensive than replacement, 00:15:11.690 --> 00:15:15.120 so they are disposed of along with other types of waste. 00:15:15.120 --> 00:15:18.570 This is a sample of the wastes collected at an institution 00:15:18.570 --> 00:15:30.270 such as the National Institutes of Health. 00:15:30.270 --> 00:15:33.410 The vaults are finally sealed with a few inches of richer cement mix 00:15:33.410 --> 00:15:36.060 than is used in the body of the filling. 00:15:36.060 --> 00:15:39.580 These vaults shown here represent about one day's processing 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:44.220 and contain approximately six months' waste supply from the Institutes. 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:46.780 Upon completion they are checked for gross gamma activity 00:15:46.780 --> 00:16:00.950 with the gamma-sensitive meter. 00:16:00.950 --> 00:16:03.900 Each vault must be marked with identifying symbols 00:16:03.900 --> 00:16:07.750 to show the isotope contained therein, the approximate amount, 00:16:07.750 --> 00:16:10.890 the authorization permits under which shipment is made, 00:16:10.890 --> 00:16:15.910 and marks and dates for NIH identification purposes. 00:16:15.910 --> 00:16:18.320 The radioactive materials contained in these vaults 00:16:18.320 --> 00:16:20.820 are considered to be class D poisons. 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:22.280 And therefore require the use of 00:16:22.280 --> 00:16:24.490 Interstate Commerce Commission labels, 00:16:24.490 --> 00:16:31.230 as well as direct identification as radioactive materials. 00:16:31.230 --> 00:16:34.360 The new concrete surfaces are painted to reduce moisture absorption 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:41.360 while awaiting final disposition. 00:16:41.360 --> 00:16:45.820 The finished vaults are now checked to be sure there is no surface contamination. 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:47.690 This is done by making a series of wipes 00:16:47.690 --> 00:17:01.290 across the surface of the finished concrete. 00:17:01.290 --> 00:17:04.430 These wipes are then counted in a gas-flow counter. 00:17:04.430 --> 00:17:06.550 This is required because of the possible presence 00:17:06.550 --> 00:17:18.530 of either carbon-14 or tritium, both of which are beta emitters. 00:17:18.530 --> 00:17:21.410 An automatic counter is used, each wipe being counted 00:17:21.410 --> 00:17:23.430 for a preset number of counts, 00:17:23.430 --> 00:17:33.270 with the time required being recorded on a paper tape. 00:17:33.270 --> 00:17:37.070 If the counts are within prescribed limits, essentially zero, 00:17:37.070 --> 00:17:40.660 the vaults can then be handled without gloves from here on. 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:43.120 If positive contamination is found on the surface, 00:17:43.120 --> 00:17:45.110 it will be removed by scrubbing 00:17:45.110 --> 00:17:48.020 or by covering the contaminant with a heavy coat of paint 00:17:48.020 --> 00:17:57.820 or some other covering material. 00:17:57.820 --> 00:18:00.880 Upon completion of the counts, the counting rate is carefully noted 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:09.430 and becomes a part of the record of each finished container. 00:18:09.430 --> 00:18:11.690 As the vaults are made ready for loading into trucks 00:18:11.690 --> 00:18:14.460 for transportation to the port of embarkation, 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:17.450 a final gamma check is made on each individual vault 00:18:17.450 --> 00:18:25.550 to be sure that it fulfills the requirements for transportation over public roads. 00:18:25.550 --> 00:18:28.740 Each truck is loaded so that very low activity vaults, 00:18:28.740 --> 00:18:31.980 or those containing only nonpenetrating beta emitters, 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:34.090 are placed next to the driver. 00:18:34.090 --> 00:18:36.950 This provides additional shielding between him and any vaults 00:18:36.950 --> 00:18:40.650 which show an appreciable gamma activity at the surface. 00:18:40.650 --> 00:18:43.480 This precaution is perhaps unnecessary but is carried out simply 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:52.410 because any radioactive exposure should be avoided whenever possible. 00:18:52.410 --> 00:18:56.220 Each convoy is accompanied by a trained monitor in a separate vehicle 00:18:56.220 --> 00:18:58.840 carrying monitoring instruments capable of making measurements 00:18:58.840 --> 00:19:03.250 at any radioactive emergency which may arise during the shipment. 00:19:03.250 --> 00:19:05.590 A truck convoy leaving for the port of embarkation 00:19:05.590 --> 00:19:14.120 must comply with a variety of regulations. 00:19:14.120 --> 00:19:18.250 Weight and vehicle spacings while underway are prescribed by state law. 00:19:18.250 --> 00:19:21.640 The trucks, pulling into an official state weighing station, 00:19:21.640 --> 00:19:25.900 have red lights flashing, merely to indicate a turn off the main highway. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:28.170 The lights are not a part of the procedures associated 00:19:28.170 --> 00:19:33.710 with the shipment of the radioactive materials. 00:19:33.710 --> 00:19:38.690 Truck loadings are made with due regard for the loads allowed by state regulations. 00:19:38.690 --> 00:19:42.650 Each finished vault weighs about 1,500 pounds in air. 00:19:42.650 --> 00:19:46.660 Each shipment will have a total weight of 20 to 30 tons. 00:19:46.660 --> 00:19:49.500 After weights are checked the convoy proceeds, 00:19:49.500 --> 00:19:56.520 at all times following the regulations required for convoys. 00:19:56.520 --> 00:19:58.890 Proper spacing between vehicles is maintained 00:19:58.890 --> 00:20:03.200 so that overtaking vehicles need not pass the convoy as a unit, 00:20:03.200 --> 00:20:06.250 but can pull in between the trucks if necessary. 00:20:06.250 --> 00:20:09.780 In general, the convoying sedan follows behind the last truck 00:20:09.780 --> 00:20:16.690 to take care of any stragglers who may have mechanical difficulties. 00:20:16.690 --> 00:20:20.290 The convoy ends at the Coast Guard base at Norfolk, Virginia 00:20:20.290 --> 00:20:21.590 where the waste containers are loaded 00:20:21.590 --> 00:20:24.840 onto the fantail of the Coast Guard cutter. 00:20:24.840 --> 00:20:27.510 This vessel is equipped with steel trays which prevent 00:20:27.510 --> 00:20:30.710 contact of the waste container with the wooden deck, 00:20:30.710 --> 00:20:33.070 and in addition raise the shipment to a level 00:20:33.070 --> 00:20:34.640 that will clear the rail of the ship 00:20:34.640 --> 00:20:37.150 during the dumping procedure. 00:20:37.150 --> 00:20:39.510 One of the larger trays shown here 00:20:39.510 --> 00:20:42.180 is equipped with sections of roller conveyors to facilitate 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:44.610 the off-loading of the concrete vaults 00:20:44.610 --> 00:20:46.990 at the designated dumping site. 00:20:46.990 --> 00:20:55.020 The steel platform is for handling the steel drums. 00:20:55.020 --> 00:20:57.500 Each set of concrete vaults is locked in position 00:20:57.500 --> 00:21:00.700 by a special locking device which can be tripped at sea 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:08.170 for the safe release of the containers. 00:21:08.170 --> 00:21:10.070 As in the case of loading the trucks, 00:21:10.070 --> 00:21:11.610 preference is given to those vaults 00:21:11.610 --> 00:21:13.930 showing some gamma activity at the surface 00:21:13.930 --> 00:21:16.430 by placing them outboard and away from the positions 00:21:16.430 --> 00:21:18.370 which will be occupied by the crew 00:21:18.370 --> 00:21:23.980 during the normal working of the vessel. 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:25.720 It will be noted that here the crew members 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:28.470 are handling the vaults without protective gloves, 00:21:28.470 --> 00:21:30.990 because of the previous checks which have shown the surfaces 00:21:30.990 --> 00:21:41.700 to be completely free of radioactive contamination. 00:21:41.700 --> 00:21:44.970 Before the trucks are released to return to the Institutes, 00:21:44.970 --> 00:21:47.870 a final check is made with a thin window counter to be sure 00:21:47.870 --> 00:21:51.570 that no contamination has been left in the truck bodies. 00:21:51.570 --> 00:21:54.690 When this has been so demonstrated, the signs are removed, 00:21:54.690 --> 00:22:04.010 and the trucks are available for regular duties without restrictions. 00:22:04.010 --> 00:22:07.520 Aboard ship, steel drums are lashed down to prevent movement 00:22:07.520 --> 00:22:13.810 during the voyage out to the dumping ground. 00:22:13.810 --> 00:22:15.780 The hands and feet of the crew members are checked 00:22:15.780 --> 00:22:18.300 to be sure that no contamination has been received 00:22:18.300 --> 00:22:21.640 by any of them in loading the vaults and drums. 00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:23.770 These surveys are conducted with a Geiger counter 00:22:23.770 --> 00:22:27.790 which will respond to carbon-14 and more energetic emitters, 00:22:27.790 --> 00:22:30.290 but which will not detect tritium. 00:22:30.290 --> 00:22:31.850 With a thorough mixing of the wastes, 00:22:31.850 --> 00:22:35.550 it is hard to imagine a contamination of tritium alone. 00:22:35.550 --> 00:22:55.030 And so an absence of activity is assumed to indicate an absence of tritium also. 00:22:55.030 --> 00:22:57.330 Tripping a dog releases four vaults 00:22:57.330 --> 00:23:00.180 which go overside almost simultaneously 00:23:00.180 --> 00:23:02.210 but without any damaging collisions. 00:23:02.210 --> 00:23:03.690 This is done at the dumping ground 00:23:03.690 --> 00:23:06.220 prescribed in the waste disposal license 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:21.160 granted by the Atomic Energy Commission. 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:25.610 Experiments conducted at depths of 1,000 fathoms or 6,000 feet 00:23:25.610 --> 00:23:28.340 suggest that about 15 to 20 minutes is required 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:30.940 for containers to reach the bottom. 00:23:30.940 --> 00:23:35.420 All materials are disposed of at a depth of not less than 1,000 fathoms, 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:40.730 which in the Norfolk area means approximately 80 to 90 miles due east, 00:23:40.730 --> 00:23:42.620 to carry the ship beyond the continental shelf. 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:48.470 [80 miles, 90 miles, 1000 fathoms] 00:23:48.470 --> 00:23:52.260 Here the fathometer reading for one particular trip indicates 00:23:52.260 --> 00:23:57.290 that disposal is made at a depth of 1,000 fathoms. 00:23:57.290 --> 00:24:00.170 [Music] 00:24:00.170 --> 00:24:07.750 [Directed by...Wilmer H. Kimberly, Technical Advisor...Dr. Howard L. Andrews] 00:24:07.750 --> 00:26:59.558 [The End, CDC M-443]