Search Results

PHMSA's Quarterly Hazmat Newsletter Are you getting the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA's) quarterly newsletter for hazardous materials safety called “Hazardous Matters” from the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS)? Are you getting the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA's) quarterly newsletter for hazardous materials safety called “Hazardous Matters” from the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS)? Every quarter, this publication consolidates timely information on PHMSA’s latest hazardous material transportation rulemaking activities, upcoming workshops and webinars, newest publications, and other highlights from PHMSA's current safety initiatives. It is easy to subscribe and you can find past issues at: www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/phmsas-quarterly-hazmat-newsletter In the April - June 2024 newsletter edition, PHMSA spotlights the importance of Hazardous Materials Registration as required in 49 CFR 107 Subpart G with a newly published brochure explaining the entire process of who must register, when and how to register, the cost of registration, and other important registration information. Missing the annual registration is a commonly cited violation by the PHMSA found in their Annual Civil Penalty Reports and 49 CFR 107 Subpart D Appendix A. “These articles are presented for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed represent the professional opinion of WMG, Inc. and its employees and have not been evaluated or approved by regulators. Readers are responsible for performing an independent evaluation and interpretation of any rules or regulations discussed herein.” Previous Next

< Back TVA Watts Bar To Begin Using WMG Shipping Command Center May 28, 2024 TVA Watts Bar is the 10th plant to implement the SCC! Spring City, TN "We are pleased to announce that TVA Watts Bar has chosen to use the WMG Shipping Command Center." Says Mike Reeves, WMG's Radwaste General Manager. This collaboration will provide TVA Watts Bar with full access and support for all their shipping requirements. We are proud to integrate TVA into our Shipping Command Center (SCC) network, ensuring they receive comprehensive radwaste support for all their shipping needs." Previous Next

< Back RADMAN™ Suite 9.5.3 Release Oct 15, 2021 The newest release of RADMAN™ Suite is now available. The RADMAN™ Software Suite has evolved over the years focusing on maintaining compliance with ever-changing regulatory requirements and expanding the functionality of the software. User submitted requests, although secondary to regulatory requirements, are equally important to the evolution of RADMAN™. As every site utilizes the software differently, the feedback provided to us from the end users is paramount to the continuous improvement that we strive for. WMG is pleased to announce the release of RADMAN™ 9.5.3 on October 15, 2021. This release incorporates a total of twenty-six (26) updates. These software modifications are based on regulatory changes, user submitted requests, WMG enhancements and error corrections. Major enhancements include updating eTrans™ output to be compliant with the latest EnergySolutions electronic Waste Manifest revision, several modifications to all waste manifests for NUREG/BR-0204 Rev 3 compliance, a new user setting which determines whether Appendix G LLD nuclides contribute to NRC Waste Class, and a new US Ecology Waste Manifest. RADMAN™ 9.5.3 also incorporates numerous reporting corrections, the most significant of which is the discontinuation of Letter size (8.5” x 11”) manifests and the return of Legal size (8.5” x 14”) manifests. This update corrects concerns with details on the manifest being truncated and/or wrapping due to space limitations on both printed output and Excel exports. REGULATORY/CRITICAL UPDATES (6) Waste Manifests and Shipping Papers revision date has been updated to 10-2021 per the final update of NUREG/BR-0204 Revision 3 Replacement of Letter-sized manifests with Legal-sized page Addition of a user setting that, when enabled, has LLD activity for Appendix G nuclides (H-3, C-14, Tc-99, I-129) contributing to NRC waste class calculations Update to eTrans output to be compliant with EnergySolutions revised file layout, dated May 17, 2021 Addition of US Ecology waste manifest template Addition of US Ecology Sum of Fractions report MINOR FEATURE CHANGES (2) Increased Sample Name limit to 255 characters Increased Waste Stream Description limit to 255 characters LABEL/LAYOUT UPDATES (10) Changed “Created By” label when producing reports from WMG support accounts Corrected formatting errors on Combined Package Concentration Averaging report Corrected issue with SourceTrax Leak Test fields overlapping when form is resized Updates to correct typos and wording on Barnwell, Clive, WCS and Uniform LLRW manifests Modified warning message when adding an NRC Class N (GTCC) package to a waste or material shipment Changed WCS manifest block 5 label to “ELITE Shipment Request #” Updated Item reports (Misc Item, Instruments & Articles and Sources) to show weights and volume in scientific format when the entered value is less than 0.01 Added footnote to Part 61 reports to provide explanation for N/A percentages Added Electronic Submittal Checkbox to all Manifests Updated eTrans version number to 6.2 on Record 1 BUG FIXES (8) Corrected an error where the NRC/DOT report would report incorrect concentration for Empty Packages with a waste weight of zero (divide by zero error) Corrected an error where certain warnings/notifications would not be visible if other warnings/notifications are displayed Corrected error on Emergency Response Guide pages where descriptor text is truncated Corrected error that displays out-of-date classification/characterization information in Combine Filter report when the 3-meter dose override is changed Corrected issue that displayed “All Nuclides” in Add/Edit Sample when the “Show Only Custom Nuclides” setting is enabled Remove “Mixed” from Nuclide Library Remove “Mixed” from Sample Add/Edit screen Corrected error in Sample selection popup screen on Add/Edit filter, which did not register the selection correctly As with recent RADMAN™ releases, a full installation package, including software and Q/A related documentation is available, as well as a V&V release which allows multiple versions of RADMAN™ to be installed on the same workstation. This V&V release does not include software documentation and is intended to be used for testing and validation of RADMAN™ releases. Download Previous Next

File has successfully been submitted Secure File Upload Success!! Your File(s) have been uploaded. If you have any questions, please contact us.

< Back 2004 Awarded Patents – Completed Projects WMG Packages and transports the Farley Unit 1 and Surry Unit 2 retired reactor pressure vessel heads intact for disposal using our patented transportation system, marking the first time in history a reactor vessel head is shipped intact.

Explore WMG, Inc.'s Privacy Policy page, where we outline our commitment to protecting your data and maintaining confidentiality. Learn about our stringent privacy practices, compliance with regulatory requirements, and how we safeguard your information. Trust WMG for transparent and secure handling of your data.

< Back Characterization Services Brochure WMG: Defining Excellence in Radioactive Waste Management through Precision Characterization and Classification. Download Previous Next

< Back Closing in on the Product Release of the REACh™ Detector System Dec 2, 2021 A new innovation the represents a step change in how low-level waste is characterized and classified. After over 2 years of research and development the anticipated release of the REACh™ Detector System is nearing. We have driven the idea of performing waste characterization and classification in the field with a handheld detector into a reality. It all started with an idea and has led us to an innovation that will shortly become the industry standard. What makes REACh™ a System: A system is defined as a set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network. We started with our expertise in radioactive waste characterization, classification and software development that has spanned over 40 years. Using that as a basis, we added a state-of-the-art handheld device designed to perform in-field spectroscopic radiation measurements and integrated it with the RADMAN™ Platform. The result is the RADMAN™ Enhanced Accurate Characterization Detector System - The REACh™ Detector System, or just plain REACh™. The REACh™ Detector is a handheld device that utilizes a 2”x2” Thallium doped Sodium Iodide crystal [NaI(Tl)]. This is a commonly used crystal in the nuclear industry. It provides some of the best light output among scintillators, which allows for easy scintillation (i.e., more flashes of light are produced from photons). NaI(Tl) crystals can be produced relatively inexpensively, provide good efficiency, and are able to measure the intensity and energies of incident radiation. Although HPGe and CZT detectors can provide some of the best energy resolutions for gamma spectroscopy, NaI(Tl) detector efficiencies are about a factor of 8 to 10 times better than that of HPGe and the CZT detectors have one of the lowest detector efficiencies due to the CZT limited detector size. Because of the complexity, costs, and detector efficiencies associated with HPGe and CZT detectors, they are not well suited for in-field-measurements of typical nuclear waste. Typical nuclear waste is comprised of well-defined, well-known, gamma emitting radionuclides. A scintillator, such as an NaI(Tl) detector which has been integrated into a hand-held instrument, is the most appropriate tool for the application of in-field waste characterizations. It is all about quick, reliable, and reproduceable measurements.The software integration rounds out the system on the backbone of the RADMAN™ Platform which is the most trusted radwaste management software for characterization and classification of radioactive waste and material in the industry. How was REACh™ put through its paces? We identified the critical characteristics associated with field characterization scenarios, defined the acceptance criteria, executed the test plan, and validated the results by way of independent reviews & comparison to current methods of characterization. Testing at the Processor The first round of field testing was performed at a LLRW processing facility in May of 2021 where a variety of packaged waste containers from several generators was available. Twenty-nine (29) waste packages had spectral acquisitions during the first round of field testing. This included twenty-one (21) 55-gallon drums, Six (6) B-25 boxes and two (2) 20’ long intermodal containers. Detailed radiation surveys were performed on the packages prior to each spectral acquisition. Historical characterization information was available for each package for validation purposes. Based upon the results obtained from the field testing of the REACh™ Detector System, it was shown that REACh™ can effectively detect the gamma emitting radionuclides present in the packaged radioactive waste. The results were in good agreement with those found with an HPGe detector-based system and the total gamma emitters found were within 10%. The REACh™ results for the 55-Gallon Drums on the aggregate were about 6% lower than the HPGe results. The REACh™ characterization results were over 20% lower on the average than the waste generator results. Testing at the Generators Thirteen containers had spectral acquisitions taken during the field testing at three nuclear sites. This included three (3) 20-foot intermodal containers, one (1) long handled tooling container, two (2) B-25 boxes and seven (7) liners consisting of six (6) ASC-200 steel liners and one (1) 14-195 steel liner. A total of over sixty (60) gamma scans were acquired on the thirteen containers. The Green Is Clean (GIC) material is very-low-level-radioactive-waste in that it has measured dose rates that are near equivalent to the background radiation in the area. Although this container is hardly radioactive, REACh™ was able to identify and quantify the prominent gamma emitters for this container. The contaminated tooling container was very low dose material, like the GIC above. REACh™ was effective at identifying and quantifying the prominent gamma emitting radionuclides associated with this container. The REACh™ system exceeded our expectations with very low-level material and proved to be a powerful tool to aide in free release surveys. The REACh™ system includes a remote survey stand and collimator to allow remote gamma scans on higher activity liners of ion exchange resin and filters. The remote operation provides gamma scans of high activity materials in an ALARA fashion. There were six (6) resin liners and one (1) partially full sludge liner analyzed during field testing. Results were in good agreement with the plant’s characterization results and the gamma emitting activities were within a few percent. By using REACh™ to directly measure the gamma emitting activity in the liners, the in-house sampling and analysis can be eliminated. We performed measurements of various sources thrown into a carboard box, as well as direct measurements of the sources to determine acquisition times and radionuclide identification capabilities for these very low activity sources. These are the types of sources most plants are using to test the response of current tool monitoring alarms. REACh™ was able to effectively detect all the gamma emitting sources. All radioactive check sources which were measured were easily identified with all but one (1) source being identified in seconds. An approximately 50 nCi 100cm2 Cs-137 source took a few minutes for identification, but REACh™ was able to easily identify this extremely low-level source at each measurement distance. Summary REACh™ is poised to change the current status quo by providing the ability to characterize radioactive packages in the field with fast, accurate In-Situ Characterization. The goal of the REACh™ design was to save time with instantaneous readings, thus minimizing dose with an ALARA conscious solution, and minimize potential human errors with the integration of both software and hardware… AND WE HAVE SUCCEEDED!!! Previous Next

Radioactive Material & Waste Shipping RADMAN™ Refresher Course Length: 3 Days Course Code: WMG-RC-153 Prerequisites: RC-102 RADMAN™, RC-150 or equivalent Satisfies: 49CFR172 Subpart H, 10CFR71.5 & NRC IE 79-19 Audience Profile: Professionals involved in radioactive shipping support, including HP, RP Tech, Supervisors, Managers, and Radioactive Shippers. < Back Course Description: The WMG, Inc. Radioactive Material & Waste Shipping RADMAN™ Refresher (RC-153) course is a fundamental and recurrent advanced level course designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding hazardous material transportation and RADMAN™ practical applications of WMG Computer Programs and their regulatory interfaces in managing radioactive materials and waste. This regulation training will focus on the Department of Transportation (DOT), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and guidelines. Participants will delve into the intricacies of compliance and safety protocols for shipping radioactive materials in the U.S.A., emphasizing key regulations outlined in 10, 40, and 49 CFR. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, participants will gain the skills needed to navigate the regulatory framework confidently satisfying 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H, 10 CFR 71.5, and NRC IE 79-19. Skills Gained: • Demonstrate effective understanding and application of DOT, NRC & EPA regulations governing hazmat offeror pre-transportation and shipper functions for radioactive class 7 materials and waste by highway • Adherence to regulatory requirements • Identify and adhere to regulatory requirements for safe and secure transport of radioactive material and waste for processing or disposal • Effective use of the WMG, Inc. RADMAN™ Suite • Navigate complexities related to radioactive materials, waste, and compliance protocols

Air Transportation of Radioactive Materials Course Length: 1 Day Course Code: WMG-RC-300 Prerequisites: RC-150, RC-153 or equivalent Satisfies: 49CFR172 Subpart H & IATA DGR Section 1.5 Audience Profile: Radioactive shippers and shipping support involved in the air transportation (domestic or international) of radioactive material using the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for initial & recurrent training. < Back Course Description: The RC-300 course is a comprehensive and introductory program tailored for individuals engaged in the transportation of radioactive materials by air. This course is designed to empower hazmat employees, with no prior exposure or recurrent training to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, to certify radioactive Class 7 material air and/or international shipments in full compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations and the IATA dangerous goods air transportation regulations. Skills Gained: • Identify regulators who control the safe and secure transport of radioactive class 7 materials • Determine when cargo is a hazardous material/dangerous good and which type • Describe the air shipping quantity for a radioactive material • Identify the primary hazard class, and any subsidiaries when more than one hazard is present • Given a description of radioactive material, determine the proper shipping name • Determine the class 7 radiation and contamination controls and limitations • Identify the radioactive material communications required for an air shipment • Describe any additional air transport requirements