Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste [electronic resource]: Review of Developments in the Last Decade /
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Nuclear Energy Agency.
Paris : OECD Publishing,
1999.
The concept of removing long-lived radioactive wastes from the human environment by disposal in deep geological repositories was developed several decades ago. In the intervening years, research efforts world-wide have increased our knowledge and understanding of how underground disposal systems will function over very long periods of time. Significant progress has also been made towards implementation of such facilities. There have, however, been delays in the disposal programmes of several countries. This report is a review of developments in the past decade. The primary sources of information are the answers to a questionnaire provided by waste management organisations represented in the NEA Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC). The latter is an international forum of senior specialists from safety authorities, waste management agencies, R&D institutions and policy-making bodies.
Description based upon print version of record.
Foreword; CONTENTS; Executive Summary; 1. Introduction; The study - key questions, aim and scope; Input and structure for the review; 2. Confidence in the concept of geologic disposal; 3. Progress in geologic disposal; Technical progress; Progress in legislation and regulation; Progress and delays in implementation; 4. Lessons to be learnt - Conclusions drawn; Actions required of the waste management community; The international contribution; Overall conclusions of the review; Appendix 1: The NEA Questionnaire
Appendix 2: Overview of responses: structural and organisational,legal and regulatory developmentsA 2.1 Development of programmes, strategies; A 2.2 Legislation/Regulation; A 2.3 Organisation of implementing and regulatory bodies; A 2.4 Costs and financing; Appendix 3: Overview of responses: scientific and technical basis; A 3.1 Waste conditioning, repository engineering and design; A 3.2 Site characterisation; A 3.3 Use of underground rock laboratories; A 3.4 Use of natural analogues; Appendix 4: Overview of responses: performance and safety assessment
A 4.1 Progress in performance and safety assessmentA 4.2 Understanding of system components; A 4.3 Treatment of uncertainty; A 4.4 Presentation of assessment findings; A 4.5 Feedback to site selection, characterisation and repository design; Appendix 5: References for Appendices 2-4; Appendix 6: Overview of responses: communication and perceptions; A 6.1 Communication; A 6.2 Perceptions; Appendix 7: Key texts of published Collective Opinions of the NEA; Appendix 8: List of acronyms
Includes bibliographical references (pages 77-83).
The concept of removing long-lived radioactive wastes from the human environment by disposal in deep geological repositories was developed several decades ago. In the intervening years, research efforts world-wide have increased our knowledge and understanding of how underground disposal systems will function over very long periods of time. Significant progress has also been made towards implementation of such facilities. There have, however, been delays in the disposal programmes of several countries. This report is a review of developments in the past decade. The primary sources of information are the answers to a questionnaire provided by waste management organisations represented in the NEA Radioactive Waste Management Committee (RWMC). The latter is an international forum of senior specialists from safety authorities, waste management agencies, R&D institutions and policy-making bodies.
Radioactive waste disposal in the ground.
Radioactive waste management