The Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management's (EM) mission is the safe cleanup of sites associated with the government-led development of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. While many of these legacy sites have completed cleanup, the largest and most complex sites have not been fully remediated. The cleanup of these sites is proceeding under legally enforceable agreements with timelines for hundreds of milestones. EM is reviewing alternative approaches to increase effectiveness and improve cost efficiencies of its cleanup activities, especially for sites that will have residual contamination when active cleanup is complete. This report is the summary of two workshops convened in October 2013 and January 2014 on best practices for risk-informed remedy selection, closure, and post-closure control of radioactive and chemically contaminated sites that present significant difficulty for remediation to unrestricted release. The workshop series aimed to explore best practices that promote effective, risk-informed decision making and future opportunities to improve remediation approaches and practices.In the Workshop #1 section of Best Practices for Risk-Informed Decision Making Regarding Contaminated Sites, the report examines holistic approaches for remediating sites with multiple contaminant sources and post-closure uses, and approaches for incorporating a sustainability framework into decision making regarding site remediation, closure, and post-closure control. In Workshop #2, the report focuses on post-closure controls, assessment of long-term performance of site remedies, and best practices for risk-based remediation decisions.

The Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management (DOE) is responsible for the safe cleanup of sites used for nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research. Low-level radioactive waste (LLW) is the most volumetrically significant waste stream generated by the DOE cleanup program. LLW is also generated through commercial activities such as nuclear power plant operations and medical treatments. The laws and regulations related to the disposal of LLW in the United States have evolved over time and across agencies and states, resulting in a complex regulatory structure. DOE asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to organize a workshop to discuss approaches for the management and disposition of LLW. Participants explored the key physical, chemical, and radiological characteristics of low-level waste that govern its safe and secure management and disposal in aggregate and in individual waste streams, and how key characteristics of low level waste are incorporated into standards, orders, and regulations that govern the management and disposal of LLW in the United States and in other major waste-producing countries. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Remediation of Legacy Hazardous and Nuclear Industrial Sites provides an overview of the key elements involved in remediating complex waste sites using the Hanford nuclear site as a case study. Hanford is one of the most complex waste sites in the world and has examples of most, if not all, characteristics of the complex waste sites that exist globally. This book is aimed at a non-technical audience and describes the stages of remediation based on general RCRA/CERCLA processes, from establishing a strategy that includes all stakeholders to site assessment, waste treatment and disposal, and long-term monitoring. Features: Informs a non-technical audience of the important elements involved in complex waste site remediation Employs the Hanford Site as a case study throughout to explain real-world applications of remediation steps Connects the “human” element to the technical aspects through interviews with key current and retired individuals at the Hanford Site Includes discussion of stakeholders and the engagement process in remediation Demonstrates how all elements of complex waste site remediation from demolition of buildings to groundwater management are interrelated Focuses on broader technical and sociopolitical challenges for remediation of a contaminated site Aimed at a broad audience, this book offers approachable guidance to technical and non-technical readers through a series of real-world examples that cover each important step in the complex waste cleanup process.

The book bridges the gap between existing health physics textbooks and reference material needed by a practicing health physicist as the 21st century progresses. This material necessarily encompasses emerging radiation-generating technologies, advances in existing technology, and applications of existing technology to new areas. The book is written for advanced undergraduate and graduate science and engineering courses. It is also be a useful reference for scientists and engineers.

This book is a comprehensive and detailed guide to turning a farmhouse into a charming and successful country hotel. With its 250 practical tips, it addresses every aspect of the process, from the initial idea to the day-to-day operation. Readers will discover how to conduct effective market research, design renovations with rustic charm, and apply novel marketing strategies to attract a diverse clientele. The book highlights the importance of sustainability and how to create unique guest experiences while maintaining a balance between rural authenticity and modern comfort. It is a must-have tool for any entrepreneur looking to explore the potential of rural tourism, combining a passion for the countryside with business skills to develop a profitable and rewarding project in the hospitality sector.

Fundamentals of Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation examines all aspects of environmental site assessment and remediation and outlines the interdisciplinary skills needed to work in the field. It provides a comprehensive overview for students, environmental professionals, and real estate developers, and includes the latest environmental regulations, environmental site assessment and remediation practices, and industry standards. It examines pollution sources and the related impacts on drinking water supplies, the associated health risks, and how to protect water resources. The monitoring of surface water, groundwater, and soil is explained, as well as vapor intrusion. It will include several practical case studies throughout. Features Includes the latest and best practices for environmental site assessment and remediation procedures. Presents a multidisciplinary approach, including environmental forensics, nanotechnology, microbiology (DNA technology) and isotopes, etc. Examines various pollutants and their related impacts on drinking water supplies, the associated health risks, and how to protect water resources. Presents the best practices for the monitoring of surface water, groundwater, and soil. Covers the latest environmental regulations and industry standards.