Overview

The Florida State University (FSU) Low-Level Radiation Waste Disposal Site in Tallahassee (Tallahassee Site) is located within a utility corridor near the College of Engineering. Low-level radiological waste generated from laboratory research projects was disposed in the permitted disposal site more than 50 to 60 years ago. FSU is planning the voluntary removal of the wastes from the Site for disposal at a modern regulated disposal facility out of state.

Site History

In the 1950s, the University was approached by the United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to research the effects of low-level radionuclides for a better understanding of possible short- and long-term biological consequences from the use of atomic energy. The AEC issued multiple research contracts to FSU as part of a larger research program consisting of approximately 225 institutions that included universities, non-profit research institutions, and government agencies. While conducting this sponsored research, the University disposed of the low-level radiation wastes at the Site (which was approved by the AEC) from 1958 to 1964 under its license for byproduct materials (AEC License # 9-367) and radiological waste (Florida State Board of Health License #32-10), and under the direction of the AEC. The Site was selected at the remote edge of FSU’s Southwest campus on what was formerly a dairy farm. Low-level radiological wastes, as well as containerized liquids and associated laboratory wastes, were placed into four excavated cells at the Site consistent with the permit and applicable state and federal requirements at the time.

Wastes were disposed at the site until 1964, and the Site was closed. The Site is small, measuring 25 feet by 25 feet, and 8 feet deep. The materials that were disposed at the Site were placed in cells excavated in soil at a depth between 4 and 8 feet below ground surface, covered with clean soil from ground surface to 4 feet, and capped with a concrete slab at the surface. No other activities have been conducted at the Site, except for radiation surveys and site assessment activities.

Environmental Investigations

Environmental Site Investigations have not detected any impacts to soils or groundwater at the Site. An investigation performed on behalf of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in 2003 did not detect impacts to soils beyond the disposal unit, though detectable concentrations are present within the disposal unit between 4 and 8 feet below ground surface. Groundwater was not encountered above the layers of silts and clays which extend to at least 50 feet below ground surface. FDEP subsequently determined that no further action was necessary in relation to the Site.

Waste Removal

In an abundance of caution and to eliminate any future concerns, FSU has voluntarily removed the waste and disposed of it at a modern regulated disposal facility out of state. Please email questions or comments to Environmental Remediation.