Three-Dimensional Plume Dynamics in the Vadose Zone: PORFLO-3 Modeling of a Defense Waste Leak at Hanford

by J. L. Smoot, Pacific Northwest Lab, United States,
B. Sagar, Pacific Northwest Lab, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: High Level Radioactive Waste Management 1990

Abstract:

In 1973, approximately 450 m³ of liquid containing radioactive and chemical wastes leaked from the 241-T-106 single-shell tank into the vadose zone at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in south-central Washington State. The extent of the ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁴⁴Ce, and ¹⁰⁶Ru contaminant plumes in the vadose zone was estimated in 1973 and 1978 by gamma spectrometry in monitoring wells. Using site data and the PORFLO-3 computer model, a three-dimensional, transient plume migration model was developed for ¹⁰⁶Ru and ¹³⁷Cs. The model was calibrated to the 1973 measured plumes of ¹⁰⁶Ru and ¹³⁷Cs. The calibrated model was then used to study plume migration up to 1990. The simulated ¹⁰⁶Ru distribution for 1978 extended deeper than reported values. The simulated distribution of ¹³⁷Cs for 1978 approximated the measured distribution; the 1973 and 1978 ¹³⁷Cs distributions are similar because of the long half-life and high sorption coefficient of ¹³⁷Cs.

Subject Headings: Three-dimensional models | Plumes | Chemical wastes | Vadose zone | Radioactive wastes | Fuels | Computer models | Washington | United States

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