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Richard J. Abitz <br />Conducted a rerun of the chemical compatibility analysis of TRU waste forms and <br />container materials for Appendix Cl of the WIPP RCRA Part B permit. The <br />chemical compatibility analysis was carried out with all defense generated, <br />contact - handled (CH) and remote - handled (RH) transuranic -mixed waste streams <br />reported in the 1995 WIPP Transuranic Waste Baseline Inventory Report <br />(WTWBIR). Chemicals reported by the generator sites were classified into <br />reaction groups as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) <br />document "A Method for Determining the Compatibility of Hazardous Wastes." <br />The list of potential chemical incompatibilities reported by the program was hand <br />checked using the EPA document as a reference to assure proper functioning of <br />the program. All potential chemical incompatibilities were then evaluated on a <br />case -by -case basis to identify which of the reactions could occur, given the nature <br />of the waste, its chemical constituents, and final waste form. <br />Assisted in evaluating the geochemical performance of backfill configurations <br />proposed in the WIPP Compliance Certification Application. Modeled the <br />interaction of Salado Formation brine with MgO placed in the backfill to estimate <br />the quantity of MgO required to buffer the pH of the indigenous brine between 8 <br />and 9. This pH range is desirable for minimizing the solubility of plutonium and <br />neptunium contained within the waste forms, and lowers the solubility of uranium <br />and americium relative to lower pH values found in Salado Formation brine. <br />Project scientist responsible for developing the background groundwater report for <br />Norton AFB This report established background radionuclide concentrations in <br />local and regional groundwater and provided a robust scientific model to explain the <br />presence of elevated levels of naturally - occurring uranium. The task required <br />coordination of scientific and support staff to produce a principal milestone <br />document that was delivered to the client one week ahead of schedule. <br />Project manager and scientist on the FEMP OU5 FS task to evaluate aqueous <br />reactions of metal and radionuclide complexes in proposed injection zones of the <br />Great Miami Aquifer. Responsible for oversight of technical tasks, budget, <br />schedule, and final technical report. <br />Project scientist tasked with supporting the Navajo EPA on the evaluation of <br />groundwater contamination from the mill tailings at the UNC Church Rock, New <br />Mexico site. Radionuclide, sulfate and nitrate concentrations were evaluated to <br />discriminate between contamination originating from the mill tailings and natural <br />salts present in the valley alluvium. <br />Project manager and scientist on the FEMP OU3 RI /FS task to evaluate the release <br />of radionuclides and metals from the proposed on -site disposal facility. Responsible <br />for oversight of technical tasks, budget, schedule, and final technical report. <br />