RWMC TECHNICAL REPORTRWMC-TRE-03001

Record Preservation Study on Geological Disposal- Significance and Technical Feasibility -Kazutoshi Sugiyama, Hajime Takao, Jin Ohuchi, and Takao Tsuboya

2003 MarchRadioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center (RWMC)

This report is to summarize the results of a study which was conducted from 2000 to 2001 by theRadioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center (RWMC) under the contract with the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

Record Preservation Study on Geological Disposal- Significance and Technical Feasibility –Summary
The geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is based on thepassive safe system concept and its long-term safety should not rely on institutional
control. On the other hand, institutional control has been discussed since the 1980s andaccepted to be effective from the viewpoint of confidence-building in implementing
geological disposal.
The record preservation system is regarded as an institutional control, and has
already been implemented or formulated as concrete measures in some countries. For
example, in the U.S. WIPP case, the implementing entity of repository is required toplace markers and also preserve documentary records to reduce the possibility that
future generations might come in contact with the repository (the US EPA Regulation
40CFR 194, 1998). In addition, from the ethical point of view that the future
generations should be given the freedom to make their own decisions with regard toutilization of resources for safety and long-term protection (SKN, 1988), an approachhas been conceived that records preservation should play a role towards making andpreserving records for decision-making (Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project
KAN-1.3, 1993, etc.).
In Japan, The Specified Radioactive Waste Disposal Act (2000) requires that the
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry should preserve permanently all records ofgeological disposal. The Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan had reported in “The
Basic Policy of Safety Regulations for the Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Waste(The First-Stage Report, 2000)” that institutional controls, such as record preservation,
will be effective in reducing the possibility of future generations’ unpredictable contact
with the repository.
Purpose of the Study
This study aims to provide information for the government, related bodies, andother organizations to utilize in formulating programs for building public confidence ingeological disposal, by reviewing and investigating on the record preservation issues as(i)

a component of institutional control concerning geological disposal.
Basic Significance and Objectives of Record Preservation
In order to build public confidence in geological disposal, it is considered that
implementing measures designed from social and ethical points of view is vital, whileproviding scientific and technological theories and data concerning the safety of thedisposal system. Preserving records regarding geological disposal would be of greatsignificance in terms of intergenerational equity. In this study, we have formulated two
objectives for record preservation: 1) preventing future generations from unintentional
access to the repository, and 2) providing future generations with information necessary
for decision making on the repository.
Future Time Frame to be Considered in Record Preservation
With regard to future time frame to be considered in examining the record
preservation system for geological disposal, the following matters have been given
consideration:
・ Radioactivity of HLW deteriorates over time; for example, it deteriorates by several
digits in the first one thousand years.
・ Some of the uncertainties, which occur in site characterization and the safetyassessment of geological disposal system, increase over time.
・ Durability of media on which records will be stored varies according to the types of
media to be used. Preservation technology should be examined according to therequirements for preservation period.
By studying the relationship between the above elements as well as theobjectives of record preservation, this study has concluded that records to be preserved
for future generations’ decision-making would be most important during the first
several hundreds to about one thousand years during which radioactivity concentrationof the waste remains high. On the other hand, as the radioactivity of the waste will
linger even after the first one thousand years, it has been concluded that a proper
objective would be to communicate information required to prevent human intrusion of
repositories by future generations as long as possible, by implementing methods which
are expected to be more durable.

(ii)

Design of a Record Preservation System to Provide information for
Unpredictable Future Societies
Anticipating a wide range of technological and institutional issues concerning
record preservation, this study examined several methods to communicate messages for
future generations that are quite different from our own in terms of social systems,
culture, values, languages, level of knowledge, etc. as well as for the future in which
national systems for record preservation is maintained.
As the first step, we theorized five society models with different cultures,
languages and level of knowledge. Next, methods of record preservation andcommunication of information, which could be effective in each model of society, were
formulated into an appropriate combination, and then an examination was undertaken to
determine the "robust" record preservation system.
A Case Study on a Record Preservation System
In considering requirements and issues concerning record preservation, a trial
record preservation system was formulated. First, an examination was made on thecontents of information to be preserved and methods of objectives based on the
purposes of record preservation to ensure restriction of human intrusion and theprovision of information for decision-making by future generations.
Next, an examination was made on the requirements for the record preservation
system. As the basic requirements, records should be preserved for a long time periodwith uncertainties of future societies taken into consideration and robustness andflexibility being musts. The subordinate requirements ensure that record preservation
would be entrusted both to the social relay system, and to a permanent media which
would not require any human control.
Based on the results of these examinations, a record preservation system in theform of documentary records and markers/monuments are presented as examples.
Development of Durable Recording Media
Research on recording media has shown that progress has been made in thetechnological development of durable paper that ensures long-term preservation of
documents. However, a quantitative assessment of the long-term durability of ink(iii)materials has not been made, leaving room for future examination with regard to theassessment method.
In order to develop a long-term record preservation technology and engraving
experiment on the selected artificial materials, such as metal and ceramics, was carriedout by using laser technology. The results of the test show that lines, characters, patterns,
and shading can be engraved to a certain level of quality, thereby showing the technicalpossibilities of those materials as the media for long-term record preservation. Amongother things, silicon carbide, which was proposed by members of the committee scince
Japan is a leader in the global market, is expected to be a promising material for
long-term record preservation.

(iv)

Record Preservation Study on Geological Disposal- Significance and Technical Feasibility -Kazutoshi Sugiyama, Hajime Takao, Jin Ohuchi, and Takao Tsuboya
Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center (RWMC)
No.15, Mori Bldg, 2-8-10, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
TEL +81-3-3504-1081 FAX +81-3-3504-1297 http://www.rwmc.or.jp/

2003 March

We would like to thank the members of the Committee on the Geological Disposal Record
Preservation System whose names are provided in Appendix-B. As the Committee consists ofspecialists from various fields, it look advantage of their up-to-date knowledge in each field and theiruseful advice.
Furthermore, we would like to thank the working group members listed in Appendix-C. They
participated in some areas of this study and provided valuable advice and opinions in the course of
discussions for drawing up this report.

CONTENTS
Introduction ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
1

2

Purpose and Background --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
1.1

Purpose of This Study-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

1.2

Background of Record Preservation for Geological Disposal---------------------------------- 2

Basic Significance and Objectives of Record Preservation ------------------------------------------ 4
2.1

Basic Significance of Record Preservation ------------------------------------------------------- 4

2.2

Objectives of Record Preservation ----------------------------------------------------------------- 4

3

The period, target group, purpose, record type and methodology----------------------------------- 6

4

Design of a Record Preservation System to Provide for Future Societies ------------------------- 85

4.1

Record Preservation Intended for Societies Different from Us -------------------------------- 8

4.2

Approach----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8

4.3

Future Society Models ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

4.4

Record Preservation Methods According to the Five Models ----------------------------------12

A Case Study on a Record Preservation System ------------------------------------------------------15
5.1

Contents of Information to be Preserved and Preservation Methods --------------------------15

5.1.1

Information for Prevention of Unintentional Access to Repository (Levels I to III)---15

5.1.2

Information for future Generations’ Decision-making (Levels IV to V) ----------------16

5.2

Requirements for a Record Preservation System-------------------------------------------------18

5.3

Scenario for Future Generations’Retrieval of Geological Disposal Information
and Their Access to the Repository ---------------------------------------------------------------20

5.3.1

Relay System ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

5.3.2

Permanent System-------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

5.4
6Development of Durable Recording Media ------------------------------------------------------------25
6.1

Overall Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25

6.2

Results of Engraving Experiment ------------------------------------------------------------------25

6.2.1

Selection of Materials and Machining Methods --------------------------------------------26

6.2.2

Trench Engraving -------------------------------------------------------------------------------26

6.2.3

Dot Engraving -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------27

6.3
7

Trial Design of Permanent Record Preservation System----------------------------------------21

Discussion ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------38

Conclusions-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32

References-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34
Appendix-A ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A-（i）Appendix-B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- B-（i）Appendix-C ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- C-（i）iCONTENTS OF FIGURES
Fig. 2-1

Basic Significance of Record Preservation for Geological Disposal ----------------------- 5

Fig. 3-1

Time Frame for Future and Record Preservation---------------------------------------------- 7

Fig. 4-1

Concepts of Modeled Societies ------------------------------------------------------------------10

Fig. 4-2

Communication of Geological Disposal Records and Social/Cultural Backgrounds-----12

Fig. 5-1

Hierarchical Construction of Requirements for Record Preservation ----------------------19

Fig. 5-2

A Scenario for Future Generations’ Information Retrieval and Decision-making--------23

Fig. 5-3

Arrangement of Markers, Monuments, and Permanent Storehouse ------------------------24

Fig. 6-1

Laser/Water Jet Hybrid Machining --------------------------------------------------------------27

Fig. 6-2

Example of Results of Trench Engraving Test (Hastelloy) ----------------------------------30

Fig. 6-3

Images of High-Accuracy Engraving Test of Records----------------------------------------30

Fig. 6-4

Results of Dot Engraving Test (Sintered Silicon Carbide) -----------------------------------30

Fig. 6-5

Comparison of the Results of the Dot Engraving Test----------------------------------------31

Fig. 6-6

Figures and Scaled Down Sentences Engraved on Silicon Carbide (Sintered Compact) 31

Fig. 6-7

Sentences Engraved in 2-point (right-side picture of Figure 6-6 enlarged)----------------31

ii

CONTENTS OF TABLES
Table 4-1

Characteristics of Modeled Societies----------------------------------------------------------11

Table 4-2

Adaptabilities of Elemental Methods for Five Society Models----------------------------14

Table 5.1

Classified Level, Contents and Preservation Methods of Information--------------------17

Table 6-1

List of Materials Used for Experiments-------------------------------------------------------26

iii

APPENDIX
Appendix-A

Examples of Record Preservation and Communication, and Related Technologies -A.1

Historical and Archaeological Examples

A.2

Current Record Preservation System

A.3

Related Technologies

References
Table A-1

Research and Analysis on Preservation of Document Record Found in History andArchaeology

Table A-2

Research and Analysis on Physical Media and Constructions Found in History andArchaeology

Table A-3

Research and Analysis on Record Preservation of Radioactive Waste Disposal in
Other Countries

Table A-4

Research and Analysis on Record Preservation Seen in Domestic and Overseas Social
Systems

Table A-5

Research and Analysis on Related Technologies

Appendix-B

Members of The Committee on the Geological Disposal Record Preservation System

Appendix-C

Members of Working Group (except RWMC)

iv

Introduction
To build public confidence in geological disposal, significant and technical issues on record
preservation(*) were discussed. Preserving records of geological disposal would be of significance interms of intergenerational equity. This study aims to provide information on the record preservation
issue for the related bodies of geological disposal.
The concept of geological disposal is based on the passive system and its long-term safety
should not rely on the institutional control (IAEA, 1995a etc.). On the other hand, from experiences ofwestern countries, the effectiveness of institutional control has been accepted from the viewpoint ofconfidence building in long-term safety, and issues have been discussed in international organizations
since the 1980s (OECD/NEA, 1982 etc.). Moreover, recent discussions include the importance of aflexible development of a repository, such as the step-by-step approach, and the effectiveness ofinstitutional control has been appreciated.
Record preservation, an item of institutional control, has an important meaning in that it would
prevent the inadvertent intrusion by future generations into a repository. In addition, in considering therecent discussions on the ethical issues, it is thought that information of geological disposal should becommunicated for the basis of future generation’s decision-making in the area of the repository(KAN-1.3, 1993).
The Radioactive Waste Management Funding and Research Center (RWMC) has been
studying on the issue of record preservation of HLW geologic disposal since 2000. The concepts, plans
and conditions of record preservation in overseas countries and international organizations werestudied and the basic information required for the record preservation system in Japan was arranged.
This report has been drawn up through discussions at a committee-level consisting ofspecialists from various fields related to this research theme (The Committee on Geological Disposal
Record Preservation System: Appendix-B). This report was issued with the aim of asking for a review
by experts in the field of geological disposal as well as other related fields.
(*)

In this paper the term “record preservation” has the broad sense encompassing the keeping and retrieval of documents
to communication by markers and monuments.

1

1.

Purpose and Background1.1

Purpose of This Study
This study aims to provide information for the government, related bodies, and otherorganizations to utilize in formulating programs for building public confidence in geological disposal,
by reviewing and investigating the record preservation issues as a component of institutional control
concerning geological disposal.

1.2

Background of Record Preservation for Geological Disposal
There is international consensus that the geological disposal system for high-level radioactive

waste, which is under consideration both in Japan and in other countries, presents the most feasible
method of safely isolating the waste safely from the human living environment for a long time period
without relying on any human institutional control (OECD/NEA, 1995).
However, although institutional control is not an essential measure for securing safety, it isuseful in terms of promoting the safety of geological disposal such as minimizing the possibilities of
inadvertent human intrusion into the repository, and from an ethical viewpoint that future generations
should be given room for their own decision-making.
Therefore, in recent years, more experts in this field have adopted the idea that incorporating
institutional control to a certain extent would be effective in building public confidence in, andunderstanding of, the geological disposal program (e.g., IAEA, 1999).
Some of the discussions about the institutional control relating to geological disposal after the
closure of repository by international organizations or other countries are given below:
Institutional Control. Control of a waste site (for example, disposal site) by an authority or institution
designated under the laws of a country or state. This control may be active (monitoring, surveillance,
remedial work) or passive (land use control) and may be a factor in the design of a nuclear facility (forexample, near surface disposal facility).
・・・IAEA (1995)

During the institutional control phase, active and passive controls may be used.
Active measures include controls such as exclusion of intruders by fences or other physical barriers,
the maintenance of accessible barriers against migration of the radioactive inventory, and monitoring
to verify that the continued and acceptable performance of the site are maintained after closure.
Passive measures are those designed to maintain knowledge of the facility location within theinstitutions of society or are designed to limit land use for certain types of activities. Passive controls
may be intended to survive beyond the institutional control period.
・・・IAEA (1999)

2

Passive Institutional Control Means: (1) Permanent markers placed at a disposal site, (2) publicrecords and archives, (3) government ownership and regulations regarding land or resource use, and(4) other methods of preserving knowledge about the location, design, and contents of a disposal
system.
・・・The US EPA Regulation 40 CFR Part 191.12(e)According to these discussions, institutional control to be implemented after the closure of therepository is classified into the following two categories:Active Institutional Control
Activities intended to provide certain concrete controls such as having security staff, construction
and maintenance of fences, and various kinds of monitoring activities.
Passive Institutional Control
Preservation of documentary records as well as placement of permanent markers designed tomaintain the knowledge of the location of a disposal system, whose effectiveness would continue
without any permanent control activities.
The record preservation system, listed as one of the Passive Institutional Controls, is underconsideration or examination in several countries and at some international organizations. For example,
in the U.S., those who handle radioactive waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) are obligatedto preserve the knowledge of their operation by way of markers and documentary records, with theaim of lowering the possibility of human intrusion into the repository in the future (the US EPA
Regulation 40CFR 194, 1998).
On the other hand, future generations might intend to repair the repository or to retrieve HLW
for some reason. Based on the concept that the present generation should not hinder any decisions that
future generations might make, the approach that records should be preserved with the aim offacilitating such decision-making by future generations has been conceived in recent years. This isintended to give active roles to record preservation (e.g. Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project KAN
1.3, 1993).
In Japan, the Economic, Trade and Industry Minister (METI) had ordered, in The Specified
Radioactive Waste Disposal Act (2000), that all records on geological disposal should be kept
permanently. Also, the Nuclear Safety Commission had concluded that institutional controls, includinga record preservation system, will be effective in reducing the possibility of future generations’ accessof the repository (Nuclear Safety Commission, 2000).

3

2.

Basic Significance and Objectives of Record Preservation

2.1

Basic Significance of Record Preservation
As high-level radioactive waste contains long-life nuclides, there have been extensive

discussions about the environmental and ethical grounds for geological disposal. For example, in 1995,
OECD/NEA issued a report summarizing the opinions of experts, and expressed the achievement oninterest focuses of ethical concerns. One of them was “intergenerational equity” by choosing
technologies and strategies which minimize the resource and risk burdens passed to future generations
by current generations which produce the wastes. It was also expressed that our actions and decisions
will be more acceptable if appropriate degrees of equity or justice are respected, and we do not unduly
restrict the freedom of choice of future generations.
Concerning the relation between science, technology and society, there have been argumentsthat science and technology form one part of human activities in a broad sense (KAN-1.3, 1993) andas science increases its presence in people’s everyday life, it cannot remain scientific in its true sense(NRC, 1990).
Based on the above arguments, the basic significance of record preservation is illustrated in Fig.
2-1. It would be important to develop options formulated from social and ethical viewpoints, in orderto build the public confidence in geological disposal, as well as providing scientific and technologicaltheories and data relating to the safety of the disposal. Preservation of records relating to geologicaldisposal would be vital from the viewpoint of the intergenerational ethics.(*)(*)

In the Committee on the Geological Disposal Record Preservation System, it was pointed out that record preservation
is not only an item intended for future generations, but also a “meta signal” that plays an important role in the present
generation’s decision-making concerning the implementation of geological disposal.

2.2

Objectives of Record Preservation
In light of the above-mentioned basic significance, this study proposes the following two

points as the objectives of record preservation;
Preventing future generations from unintentional access to the repository
Record preservation methods and the contents of information to be preserved are examinedfrom the viewpoint of that record preservation would help minimize the possibility of unintentional
access to the repository by future generations.
Providing future generations with information necessary for decision-making on the repository
Geological disposal entails the ethical aspect that future generations should be allowed to maketheir own decisions. If future generations plan the other more appropriate options than geologicaldisposal chosen by our own generation, the burden for future generations accompanying theimplementation of such options could be reduced by the provision of the necessary information. Suchmore appropriate options are, for example, the retrieval of waste due to some reason, the restoration of
repository and the reassessment of the disposal system.
4

Provision of Theories and Data
Concerning the Safety of the Disposal

Record preservation
Hundreds, one thousand, thousands years[Measures intended for future generations]

Scientific and Technological
Point of View

Confidence building on
geological disposal inpresent generation

Social and Ethical Point of View
(Meta Signal intended for Present Generation)

RWMC-TRE-03001
Fig. 2-1 Basic Significance of Record Preservation for Geological Disposal

5

3.

The period, target group, purpose, record type and methodology
In this chapter, the Committee examined the length of the period for preventing future

generations’ access and intrusion into the repository as well as information for facilitating future
decision-making that should be preserved. The following items were given consideration in theCommittee’s discussion. Figure 3-1 conceptualizes the relation between the time-frame and each item.
•

The radioactivity (potential danger) of HLW decreases with time. Records resulting fromgeological disposal are of significance, as the radioactivity of HLW is extremely high at the very
beginning as compared to the natural environment. Therefore, the necessity for preserving records
falls with time. (The radioactivity of high-level radioactive waste deteriorates to approximately
one fifth in thirty years and to approximately one ten-thousandth in one thousand years.)•

Safety assessment, which verifies the long-term safety of a geological disposal system, depends
on the understanding of the facilities of a repository, characteristics of the geological environment
surrounding the site and the waste to be disposed, and actual conditions of events and processes.
At the same time, it is an assessment system in which uncertainties have been taken into
consideration (JNC, 1999). Such uncertainties within the safety assessment of geologicaldisposal system increases over time.

•

The long-term durability of media on which records will be stored varies according to the types of
media and the environment in which the media is stored. For example, durable paper, at thepresent time can serve the purpose for several hundreds of years or one thousand years in an
appropriate storage environment. However, to date, the quantitative assessment concerning thelong-term durability of ink materials has not been confirmed. If a longer storage period of record
is required, other material that are superior in long-term durability should be used.

•

According to the present governmental program (Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan, 1998), thefinal disposal is scheduled to commence between 2030 and the mid-2040s, after the selection of
the site and the construction of the repository. The operation of the repository is expected tocontinue for several decades, and then all the underground facilities will be buried to close therepository. After the closure of the repository, post-closure management at the disposal site may
be implemented, if necessary in view of public requirement, and then finally the entire disposal
program will come to an end. Thus, the geological disposal program will be carried out over a
period with a time frame of more than a hundred years. A greater part of the records will be
produced and record management will be necessary in the period up to the closure of therepository. In the post-closure management phase, records concerning administrative jobs will be
produced.
In light of the above argument concerning the relationship between each of the items as wellas the objectives of record preservation, we have concluded that the records to be preserved for future
generations’ decision-making would be of significance during the first several hundreds to thousand
years in which the radioactivity concentration of waste is rather high. In such a time span, although
documentary records in the form of paper can be preserved, the restriction of preservation
6

environments and the assessment of durable ink materials remain to be discussed.

Therefore,

appropriate media that have satisfactory durability and, at the same time, can accommodate a large
volume of documentary records and other data have to be developed.
However, as the radioactivity of HLW will remain after the first one thousand years or so, it
was concluded that an appropriate target would be that necessary information should be communicatedto prevent future generations’ unintentional access to the geological disposal repository, by way ofmore durable methods such as markers and monuments, as far as possible into the future.

How long, for whom, for what purpose, andwhat kind of records should be preserved?
And how?

Radioactivity of Waste

Documents
Management/Preservation

Preservation(markers/monuments)

Repository
Site
Construction
Selection Operation

Post-closureManagement

Closure10

Uncertainty in safety assessment

100 (Year)

1000

10000

100000Timescale of Japanese historic era
Heisei

Meiji

Heian Jyomon -Glacial RWMC-TRE-03001

Fig. 3-1 Time Frame For future and Record Preservation

7

4.

Design of a Record Preservation System to Provide for Future
Societies
In this chapter, methods for preserving and communicating records or information to future

generations are discussed.

4.1

Record Preservation Intended for Societies Different from Us
The Public Archives Law of Japan was enacted in 1987 in order to facilitate the preservationof public records, valuable historical sources, and others as public heritage. However, even in the caseof public records and historical sources designated as archives, generally, there have not been in-depth
discussions about how long they should be preserved. There has been tacit understanding that as longas the present national system is in effect, they would be preserved eternally.
It is still open to argument whether we should preserve and communicate records to future
generations who might be quite different from us in national systems, cultures, values, languages andlevels of knowledge. Moreover, there are many issues to be discussed whether the future generations
could understand our messages correctly. This study adopts the basic position that a wide range oftechnological and institutional issues concerning record preservation will be addressed, thereby
formulating state-of-the-art practices.
It would be ideal that records on geological disposal be preserved in the form of documentary
records and be communicated to future generations. Assuming that the future society will be stable
and will take over our values, such a preservation system would be the most reliable option. However,various forms of societies quite different from our own could emerge in the future. Regarding thispoint, the Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project KAN-1.3 (1993) discusses as follows:
A technique is to be developed for conservation of information in order to warn future generations
over a long time period about the presence of and risks associated with a deeply buried waste
repository. In this context, information conservation has two seemingly different goals. The first goal
is to communicate to those future generations, that are still culturally similar to our own, the risks of
the repository. The second goal is to communicate this warning to other future generations so
culturally different from our own that no understanding of our language or level of knowledge is likely
to exist. (KAN-1.3, 1993, Chapter 3.1)

4.2

Approach
It is quite difficult to predict culture, language, and knowledge in future societies. Moreover,these factors do not always change in the course of time. For example, in the ethnic and civil wars inEast Europe, especially in the former Yugoslavian territory, the total collapse of the record
preservation system within a very short period of time was reported (Ogawa, 2000) (*). These indicate
the possible sudden and unexpected changes of social systems and losses of current values,
institutional control systems, and record preservation systems in any part of the world in the near8

future.
(*)"Ethnic and civil wars in former Yugoslavia revealed a blind spot in international agreements made for theconservation and preservation of cultural heritages after the World War II. They taught us that the methodology for thepreservation of cultural assets that UNESCO had envisaged was not at all a safe one. The outstanding example is "TheInternational Committee of the Blue Shield Memorandum". This arrangement is based on the idea that cultural
heritages could be protected from being destroyed in warfare by placing light blue, star-shaped marks on buildings
designated as cultural assets such as historical buildings and libraries. However, these marks were used as a target todestroy cultural properties of the rival ethnic group in the ethnic cleansing .... Reports on similar tragedies arecontinuously made."（Ogawa, 2000）

In this context, based on the attitude that the state-of-the-art practices of record preservation
should be attained, the following approach was adopted as a method to communicate information ofgeological disposal to future societies whose level of preservation, communication, and understandingof records can not be predicted precisely. As such, from the viewpoint of the ability to read(understand) records, we theorized five models of societies with different cultures, languages, levels ofknowledge, etc., and then theorized on the preservation and communication methods that can beeffective in each model of society which were then combined into a "robust" record preservation
system.
A record preservation system formulated this way, can accommodate the possibilities of thedestruction of records due to radical changes of social systems and values that can occur in therelatively near future. The models of future societies will be described in the next section.

4.3

Future Society Models
The following five models of future societies were proposed by taking into account thechanges of scientific technologies, knowledge and cultures. Figure 4-1 conceptualizes these models ofsocieties in terms of the level of understanding of these societies and the lapse of time from the present.
These models would be divided into two cases in terms of continuity between civilization, the firstcase being one of a continuous society and the second, a discontinuous society.
In the case of a society continuous from our own• Model A: a society with advanced technology that has succeeded, in spite of a certain degree ofchanges in cultural backgrounds including languages and values of our own.
•

Model B: a society without remarkable advancement of technology that has succeeded, inspite of a certain degree of changes in cultural backgrounds including languages and values ofour own.

•

Model C: a society with retrograded technology that has succeeded, in spite of a certain
degree of changes in cultural backgrounds including languages and values of our own.

In the case of a society discontinuous from our own• Model D: a society discontinuous from our own with respect to civilization, and without
advancement of scientific technology and cultural background.
•

Model E: a society discontinuous from our own with respect to civilization, and withadvancement of scientific technology and cultural background.

9Discontinuous patternContinuous pattern
Level of understandingand Literacy

E: new civilization

A: advanced
B: stagnant

C: retrograde

D: uncivilized

Time

Time
RWMC-TRE-03001

Fig. 4-1 Concepts of Modeled Societies

Table 4-1 illustrates these society models based on the relationship between scientifictechnology, social system, level of knowledge, language and other cultural factors as aspects
influencing the possibilities of preservation, communication and understanding of information.

10

Table 4-1 Characteristics of Modeled Societies

Society
Model

Scientific Technology

Record Preservationin the Form of Social
System・Advanced
management systemfor documentary
records.
・Possible international
management system.

Knowledge Level and
Language

Other Cultural
Characteristics

・Advanced level ofknowledge, andsubstantial capability ofunderstanding ourlanguage in spite of its
transformation.

・Similar level ofscientific technology
and information
network.

・Similar social systems
maintained and publicrecords offices andother organizations incharge of management
and preservation ofrecords in place.

・Similar level ofknowledge.
・In spite of a gradualtransformation of
languages, ourlanguages could beunderstood.

・Lower level ofscientific technology,
and less possibility of
an information network.

・Less possibility ofrecord management
and preservation in theform of a social system.

・Unsatisfactory level ofscientific technology.

・Lack of record
management andpreservation in the formof a social system.
・Quite different social
system.

・Lower level ofknowledge.
・Due to a gradualtransformation of
languages, it is
impossible tounderstand ourlanguages.
・No common language
would exist.
・Our languages would
not be understood.
・Less possibilities ofunderstanding ourlanguage, but it would
be possible tounderstand encoded
messages.

・High level ofawareness toward
record preservation, butsocial metabolism is so
active that possibilitiesof old things being
replaced by new ones
would be high.
・Similar level ofawareness toward
record preservation.
・Social metabolism is
not so high as inSociety A, andupgrading activities are
not so active.
・Lower level ofawareness toward
record preservation.
・Strong religious
influence.

・Advanced scientifictechnology and stable
information network.
A

B

C

D

・Quite different
scientific technology.
E11・Similar to prehistoricsociety.

・Quite different values.

4.4

Record Preservation methods According to the Five Models
In this section, effective methods were examined according to the above five models of futuresocieties in order to preserve and communicate records and also to facilitate future generations’
understanding of the messages.
In model A, with common values prevailing over a rather wide area, there would exist an
advanced and stable information system. A social system for managing and preserving records would
thus be in place. Therefore, it would be effective to preserve detailed information in the form of
documentary records and digital media. In addition, preserving information concerning social andcultural backgrounds along with records of geological disposal would increase the possibilities of
future generations’ correct understanding of the meaning of the records (Fig. 4-2). Moreover, such asociety would have superior cultural quality with some social system for succeeding and upgrading, as
and when necessary, the communicated records through education and other means. In such society,markers and monuments would only serve as auxiliary functions in the system of record preservation.

Social/Cultural Backgroundsof the Present Societies

Records ofGeological
Disposal

Social/Cultural Backgroundsof Future Societies

Records ofGeological
DisposalFig. 4-2 Communication of Geological Disposal Records and Social/Cultural Backgrounds

In model B, there would exist a similar scientific technology, social system, and values as ourown, and it would be effective to preserve the records as documents in the form of paper and others aswell as digital media. Since it cannot be asserted that they would be engaged in record preservation, it
would therefore also be effective to disperse the repositories of records. In such a society, social
metabolism would be weaker than in model A, so that the possibilities of old things being replaced by
new ones would be lower. Therefore, the possibilities that markers and monuments serve their originalfunction would be high.
In model C, record preservation based on the digital media should not be expected, and it
might be necessary to entrust documentary records in the form of paper, etc. to some strong social
system such as religion. In addition, in such a society, our languages might not be understood.
12

Therefore, the importance of markers and monuments would be greater, and symbols and the same
type of objects, which would warn future generations of danger would be effective for facilitating theirunderstanding of the messages.
Model D is similar to prehistoric time, where scientific technology and a record preservation
system in the form of documentary data would not be in place. Therefore, the possible option would
be to communicate messages in the form of symbols which would warn people of danger. Model E is,
as it were, quite a different society with different scientific technologies, languages and values.
Therefore, they would not be able to translate our languages. In such a society, it would be a possible
option to use markers and monuments utilizing nonverbal communication such as semiotics andinformation science in addition to psychological symbols.
Based on the above examination, Table 4-2 shows the possible effective options for record
preservation according to models A through E. Each option is considered based on the results ofresearch and examination of cases concerning existing record preservation, and similar examples, inhistory archaeology and related technologies, with general descriptions given in Appendix-A.

13

Table 4-2 Adaptabilities of Elemental Methods for Five Society Models

-

-

-

-

-

**

**

** *

-

**

-

-

*

*

-

*

-

- Existing symbols-

Physical media as a monument
Physical media as communication media for criticalinformation
Physical media as a warning marker

*

-

-

Dispersion of records

** *

*

-

Advanced information system

-

-

-

Hierarchical classification of records

-

-

-

*

Future concerns

Classification of warning information to exclude human
intrusion-*-

Natural symbol** ** **-

Nonverbal message-

Idiomatic symbol-

Drawing--

Design of** *systemSummarized message

**

-

-

Chart and Diagram

-

-

-

Mathematical expression--** ** **

Futureconcerns

Language presently used*-

Relay System*-

Preservation and improvement during post-closure
management, etc.
Dependent on the robustness of physical media

Markers andmonuments

Education system

Characteristics ofexisting organizations.
Possibilities of neworganizations.

Future concerns

Institutionnal system concerning record preservation-

District Legal Affairs Bureau-

Authorization body**

Future concerns

Geographical Survey Institute**Engineered materials** ** **Natural rocks and stones

Preservation method,- environment, period,
etc.

Film

-

Electronic media/Optical media

Outer space

Miscellaneous

Disposal site

Expression method

Various parts of the world

Relay or permanent system

Documentary** ** **
records

Paper
A

Repository location
Domestic and foreign libraries and records office, andinternational bodies

Recording media

**

-

*

**

-

-

-

Clarification of
information required for
future generations’decision-making

-

-

-

-

*

-

-

-

** ** **

**

**

-

Characteristics ofexisting organizations.
Possibilities of neworganizations.

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

-

**

*

-

-

-

-

-

** **

-

**

- Contents of message

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

*

*

*

-

-

Characteristics ofexisting organizations

-

-

**

-

-

-

*

*

*

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

-

** ** Durability of media

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

-

**

-

**

-

-

-

-

** **

-

**

- Contents of message

-

**

-

-

-

-

**

Classification of
information subject tostandards for disclosing
records

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

** ** Durability of media

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

**

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Preservation method,- environment, period,
etc.

Documentary** ** **
records-

Markers andmonuments---** ** Durability of media

Documentary
records

*

*

-

-

Markers andmonuments

-

-

-

-

-

-

B

Preservation method,- environment, period,etc.

-

Clarification of
information required for
future generations’decision-making
Classification of
information subject tostandards for disclosing
records

C

D

E

Documentary
records
Markers andmonuments
Documentary
records
Markers andmonuments-

Future concerns

-

-

-

-

-

-

** ** Durability of media

-

-

-

-

** ** **

-

-

-

-

-

**

-

-

** ** **--- Universal symbols** **Nonverbal
communication

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

** Marker system

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Classification of
information subject tostandards for disclosing
records--

A: Advanced society continuous from our own B: Stagnant society continuous from our own C: Degraded society continuous from our own･
D: Society discontinuous from our own and without progress ･E: Society discontinuous from our own and with progress(The mark ** means more effective than *)

14

**

-

-

-

5. A Case Study on a Record Preservation System
In this chapter, contents of information to be preserved and preservation methods are
discussed with a viewpoint to restricting future generations’ unintentional access to the repository andto facilitate their own decision-making. The requirements of a record preservation system are also
discussed to preserve records for a long period of time. Based on these discussions, a trial record
preservation system is formulated.

5.1

Contents of Information to be Preserved and Preservation Methods
The classification of information to be preserved and the preservation methods will be a key

elements to keep redundancy of the record preservation system as well as the number and variation of
the recording media. The study in U.S. WIPP (SNL, 1993) proposed the following classification of
information to be preserved:
・ Level I: Primary Level Information “Some artificial object exists”
・ Level II: Warning Information “Some artificial object exists and it represents danger”
・ Level III: Basic Information about the Repository (information about What, Why, When, Where,
Who, and How)・ Level IV: General Information about the Repository (detailed description, figures and charts,
diagrams, etc.)
・ Level V: Further Detailed Information
Among these classified levels, information in Level I to Level III would be preserved in theform of markers and monuments. Furthermore, Information in Level IV would be recorded using somerobust physical media and stored in the “information center” which is constructed above and aroundthe repository. Level V information would be preserved in the form of documentary records at thenational archives and other facilities.
By considering previous studies, it is proposed that information in Level I to Level III bepreserved by way of markers and monuments made of robust physical material. Information in Levels
IV and V would be preserved in the form of documentary records (Table 5-1). At the Level IV
facilities, durable artificial materials would be used as recording media.
5.1.1

Information for Prevention of Unintentional Access to Repository (Level I to III)

Information to be encountered first (Level I and Level II)
According to the level classification of SNL (1933), if a future generation initiates some kindof action at or around a disposal site without knowing the existence of the underground repository,
they would encounter the primary Level I information carried on markers and monuments describingthat “something artificial exists here”. Then, by encountering Level II information, they would learn“it is artificial and, at the same time, dangerous.”
Assuming that future generations would have the same values as we have today, they would
understand our messages in the above order. On the other hand, for example, archaeological andhistorical values might not be of importance or of value to them, and, therefore, they would conclude
15

that the geographical configuration, whether a natural landscape or artificial one, of the site they
discovered is not of much value at that moment. In this case, records of Level I will lose their meaning
and information in Level II or more might be disregarded. Therefore, it is ideal that information of
Levels I and II should be communicated simultaneously.
Necessary Information After Perception of Danger (Level III)
After the danger is vaguely recognized, the future generation would need more practicalinformation describing “what exists and where”. Therefore, Level III information would tell that“high-level radioactive waste exists” and “it is disposed deep within the ground near there”. In thecase that the future generation has lost background knowledge of atomic energy, it might be difficult tounderstand the information based on simple messages. Therefore, information concerning “what isradioactive waste”, “why does it exist”, “when was it disposed of”, “who disposed it” and “how andwhere other additional information is preserved” should be added. For the purpose of preventing
unintended intrusion into the repository by future generations, basically, it would be enough if
information up to Level III has been correctly communicated. Level III information should describe
existence of more detailed information for the purpose of information retrieval by future generations.
5.1.2

Information for Future Generations’ Decision-making (Levels IV to V)
The future generations’ decision-making efforts, such as in the retrieval of waste, therestoration of disposal sites and the review and reassessment of disposal programs, are projected inprevious studies (e.g. KAN-1.3, 1993). In order to facilitate these decisions, detailed information about
the repository would be required. Therefore, Level IV information should be preserved in the form of
documentary records. More detailed records (Level V) concerning geological disposal would bepreserved at national and/or international archives.
The Committee discussed the contents of future generations’ decision-making and required
information, and agreed that the information to be preserved are as follows:-

Geology of disposal site-

Location and the depth of the repository-

Specifications of the facilities of the repository-

Characteristics of the HLW-

Safety assessment carried out by our generation-

Original data of the safety assessment carried out by our generation

Table 5-1 summarizes the level classification, contents and preservation methods of information.

16

Table 5-1 Classified Level, Contents and Preservation Methods of Information
Level Classification and Contents(*)

Preservation
MethodContents

I/II

1. Information to be encountered first"Something artificial exists around here and it represents danger."III

2. Information necessary after the danger is perceived"High-level radioactive waste exists"
・What is high-level radioactive waste?
・Why does it exist?
・When was it disposed of?
・Who disposed of the waste?
・How is the information preserved?
"It exits deep under the ground nearby."
・Horizontal position and depth of underground facility"More detailed information exits"
・Structure of marker system, domestic and overseas archives.
3. Detailed information
・Geological information
・Geological location
・Geological environment conditions
・Location and the depth of repository
・Specifications of repository
・Characteristics of the waste
・Safety assessment carried out by our generation
・Original data of the safety assessment
4. Further detailed information(*)
Referred to SNL, 1993 etc.

Future Generations'
Decision-making

IV

V

Documentary record

Level

Marker and monument

Prevention of Unintensional Accessto Repository

Objective ofRecordPreservation

RWMC-TRE-03001

17

5.2 Requirements for a Record Preservation System
In the previous sections, it was suggested that both documentary records andmarkers/monuments should be adopted as record preservation methods. Furthermore, in Chapter 4, inorder to communicate information to future societies, it was suggested that a combination of methods
to preserve and communicate records would be the most appropriate in the sense of doing the best we
could. Based on these, in this study, “basic requirements” for a record preservation system forgeological disposal are defined as below:“Integration of several different methods would impart redundancy to the communication
function of a record preservation system for geological disposal, and, at the same time, enable thesystem to retain robustness where the overall function would not be influenced by partial damage, thus
resulting in a flexible system that can adapt to the changes of background conditions in the future.”
The committee considered two categories of record preservation system. One is a “relay
system”, by which the records is kept, renewed and communicated through generations within a social
system. Another is a “permanent system”, by which the records and information are kept andcommunicated without human control by using durable recording media or methods such as markers
and monuments.
In this study, further subordinate requirements were examined and the results are shown in
Figure 5-1.

18

Basic Requirements
Integration of several different methods would impart redundancy to the communication function of a record preservation
system for geological disposal, and, at the same time, enable the system to retain robustness so that the overall function
would not be influenced by partial damage, thus resulting in a flexible system that can adapt to the changes ofbackground conditions in the future.

Relay System

Permanent System

I. Maintaining system for preservation, updating andcommunication in the context of the overall society

II. Establishment of permanent storehouse, recording
media
and
markers/monumentsthatareindependent of human control and communication.

I-1
Daily records should be registered asoriginal data for overall records at the time of theoccurrence of an event.
II-1 Physically and chemically durable materials
should be used for storehouse and recording
media.

I-2
Positive utilization of appropriatetechnologies in the preservation, management
and operation of records.

I-3
Records should be created appropriately
according to target future generations andobjectives of preservation.

I-3-1 Records should be handed downalong with background information required
for the understanding of the records. (Thecontext of information should be shared bydifferent generations.)

II-2 Storehouse and recording media should be
dispersively arranged in terms of dimension andspace.

I-3-2
Records should be updated, as
necessary, according to the changes of thetimes.
II-3
Records should have simplicity andredundancy.

I-3-3 It should be ensured that originalrecords are preserved and, as necessary,
they should be compared with updated
records.

II-3-1 Records should be classified andcreated according to the hierarchy based on
the contents and specificity.

I-3-4 Hierarchical classification of records
according to target future generations andobjectives of preservation should beformulated.

II-3-2 Versatile styles of expression should
be used for the records.

I-4 Records should be dispersed and stored inexisting as well as new facilities andorganizations.
II-4
Separately from a marker system,
information (Meta information) to notify of theexistence of such a system should be preserved.

I-5
Separately from a record preservation
system, information (Meta information) to notifyof the existence of such a system should bepreserved.

RWMC-TRE-03001
Fig. 5-1 Hierarchical Construction of Requirements for Record Preservation

19

5.3
Scenario for Future Generations’ Retrieval of Geological Disposal Information
and Their Access to the Repository
Figure 5-2 illustrates the examples of the scenario for future generations’ retrieval of
information and their access to the repository.

5.3.1

Relay system
The upper part of Figure 5-2 illustrates the flows of events in the case that a relay system ismaintained in society. This Figure shows not only the scenario for human actions but also the flow of
information.
Organizations involved in record preservation as shown in this figure are those currently inplace and are expected to continue to be in charge of record preservation as well as those organization
yet unrealized but expected to be established in the future. More specifically, they are implementers ofgeological disposal, related administrative bodies, the Geographical Survey Institute, domestic record
preservation organizations (libraries, archives, etc.), foreign and international organizations related torecord preservation (foreign and international archives, IAEA, etc.) and newly established record
preservation bodies.
Events that would lead to information retrieval concerning geological disposal by future
generations are the acquisition of knowledge from the educational system, programs concerning
resource investigation and development, actions relating to the ownership of disposal sites, as well as
encounters with markers and monuments when entering a disposal site without knowing the existenceof the repository. These events might lead to the retrieval activities of information by organizations asmentioned above. Through such retrieval activities, future generations would obtain detailed
information about geological disposal, resulting in the cancellation of development activities overrepositories or in decision-making on matters such as the retrieval of the waste.
It is impossible to project how long the relay system would be in place. However, it would be auseful approach to obtain supporting evidence, from record preservation examples seen in history, forthe possibility of the systems’ being successful in the future.

5.3.2

Permanent System
The lower part of Figure 5-2 illustrates the flow of human actions in the case that the relay

system is lost but a permanent system survives. The Figure illustrates the flows of actions beginningfrom future generations’ learning of the existence of the repository by encountering the information of
Levels I to IV to the discontinuity of their access to the repository. Furthermore, the Figure also
illustrates unfavorable scenarios (that should be eliminated) where markers and other facilities werelost or future generations would not understand the meaning of the messages, thereby resulting in an
unintentional access to the repository. In order to avoid these unfavorable cases to the greatest extent
possible, it was pointed out that further examination should be made on the arrangement ofmarkers/monuments and storehouse of permanent records, as well as their durability and information
20

communication

technologies

such

as

languages,

semiotic

expressions

andpsychologicalcommunication means.

5.4

Trial Design of Permanent Record Preservation system
An examination was made on the materials and locations of markers/monuments andstorehouse of documentary records to be constructed at or around a repository.
(Materials)
Natural rocks and engineered materials, such as metals and inorganic materials, are possible
materials for markers, monuments and storehouse. From the point of view of long-term durability,
materials should be selected by taking into consideration Japan’s climate (humidity, rainfall, etc.) andthe natural environment (geological and geographical features, etc.). It would be effective to makeextensive reference to knowledge on history, archaeology, geography, geology as well as materialscience in selecting materials for markers, monuments and storehouse.
It would be ideal that media bearing Level I information describing the existence of artificial
objects are as large as possible and, at the same time, hard enough not to be destroyed artificially. As
an example, pyramids of ancient Egypt were made from limestone which is essentially not a robustmaterial, but pyramids are large structures of simple shape which could be preserved for a long time
period.
Level II information describing that the artificial object is dangerous would be expressed by
way of languages or some kind of semiotic expressions. Monoliths bearing Level II information,
which are made from natural rock and other materials could be erected near or on the structure bearing
Level I information. Such Level II media would be much smaller than that of Level I, and it would benecessary that the material has superior durability in order to engrave messages on its surface.
A study on the WIPP suggests the idea of a message kiosk (SNL, 1993). The idea is to have amessage board made from granitic rocks on the ground, and surrounded by protective walls made fromconcrete or other materials. The recording media entrusted with Level III information would be madefrom hard natural rock like Level II media. Also, it would be possible to embed a tablet made fromdurable engineered material on a mount made from natural rock.
As for Level IV information, which would of detailed documentary records, it should behoused within some artificially-closed space, i.e. a storehouse. For example, a room surrounded byrobust walls and a ceiling could be constructed to store documentary records. As for Level IV
information, the recording media could be engineered material that resists various environmental
changes and can preserve documentary records for a long time period. The results of this study showthat ceramic material having superior strength, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance would be a
promising material(Chapter 6). As the documentary records preserved in the storehouse are the mostimportant information in the permanent system, it would be advisable that various preservation
methods are tried. For example, other types of recording media (e.g., paper, microfilm, etc.) could bepreserved simultaneously, and their durability could be tested.
21

(Arrangement)
In light of the above examination, the Committee discussed a trial design of markers,
monuments and storehouse, erected on the grounds of the disposal site. The results are shown in
Figure 5-3. In the Figure, Marker I communicating Level I information is a continuous structure with a
trapezoidal section, and aisles are so arranged both around the repository and in radial directions thatthey connect to the center. This is one example of structures that would spontaneously lead future
generations visiting the site to the next information. Markers II is arranged around Marker I, and theymight be installed in shallow underground areas.
Markers III placed at the intersections of aisles extending to the center. From these markers,
future generations would learn of the existence of further information and go farther into the center tofind Level IV. As Markers III and the storehouse might be destroyed artificially, it is ideal that they
have a dual structure that has aboveground and underground parts. Therefore, in the selection of thelocation of these facilities, consideration should be paid to the aboveground and undergroundtemperatures, humidity of the environment, and other aspects.

22Foreign and international record preservation
organizations (foreign libraries, internationalarchives, IAEA, etc.)

Implementing body ofdisposal program

Updating of records

Incidents that would
cause information
searching
Acquisition ofknowledge fromeducational systems

Prospecting activities
for natural resourses

Future generationinterested in geologicaldisposal

Related administrative
departments (Ministry of
Economy, Trade andIndustry)

Updating of records

Existence of large
volume of metal and/or
radioactivity detected

Plan for development
some activities

Domestic record
preservation organizations(libraries, public records
offices, etc.)

Development activity
suspended
Restriction on use of land, etc.

Transfer of title to site

Related administrative
department (registries)

Updating of records

Waste recovered
Reassessment of disposal system

Literature search

Restoration of repository
Lift of restriction on use of land
Updating of records

Patrimony

Updating of records
Arrangement, durabilityof material, etc.

Visit to disposal site

Recordmanagement andpreservation in
the time frame of
the active
management
periodFuture generation obtains
information required for
decision-making

Geographical Survey
Institute

Future generationplans investigation
into site

Markers,
Monuments,
Storehouses

HLI or the existenceof such records(PLI, ILI),
HLI

HLI

Recordmanagement
andpreservation ina much longer
time frame

Agency specialized inrecord preservation - 1

Updating of records
General knowledge about adisposal program (technologicaland social backgrounds
concerning disposal, location of
repository, related laws andregulations, etc.)

Agency specialized inrecord preservation - 2

LegendNo encounter with Marker II

No recognition as artificial object

No encounter with Marker I

Durability ofmaterial/shape

Encounter with Marker I

Arrangement, durability, etc.

No encounter with Marker III

Arrangement, durabilityof material, etc.

Information communication technologies

No understanding of Level-3
information

Information
communication
technologies

Recognition as artificial object

Encounter with Marker III

Encounter with Marker II

Understanding of Level-2
information
No understanding of Level-2
information

Intrusive
activity
continues

No encounter with storehouse
No understanding of Level-4
information

Information communication technologies

Further information
searchRecordpreservation
organization, etc

Recordpreservation
organization, etc.
Recordpreservation
organization, etc.

Intrusive activity halted
Decision making

Intentional intrusion with result of decision making

Understanding of Level-3
information

Action or event

Encounter with storehouse

Understanding of Level-4
information

PLI：Primary Level Information ILI：Intermediate Level Information HLI：High Level Information (IAEA 1999)

Fig. 5-2 A Scenario for Future Generations’ Information Retrieval and decision-making

23

Action to beprevented

scenario

scenario(information search)flow of information(records placed under
the control of anotherorganization)
flow of information(updating of records)
scenario
issuesscenario to be prevented

Marker III (example)
Kiosk (message board)

Marker IV (example)
Storehouse
Permanent storehouseMarker II (example)
Monolith
Marker I (example)
Breakwater-shapestructure

Fig. 5-3 Arrangement of Markers, Monuments, and Permanent store house24

6. Development of Durable Recording Media
Paper, film and digital media are usually used as recording media for preserving documents
in record management institutions such as the national and regional archives. Paper, most common for
documents, could remain more than several hundreds years in an appropriate storage environment.
However, a quantitative assessment concerning the long-term durability of written ink has not been
made.
However, though the current technology is trying to strengthen the long-term durability ofthese media, human control would be needed for keeping a suitable environment such as temperatureand humidity controls to preserve these documents. To preserve documents without human control fora thousand years or more, a physically durable recording media is desirable.
Engraving experiments on selected artificial materials such as metals and ceramics werecarried out by laser technology to develop a long-term recording media.

6.1

Overall Plan
Selection of Materials
Possible materials as recording media were selected from the viewpoint of long-term

durability. The fineness of materials, surface finish specification, molding, etc., were considered in theselection process.
Examination of machining technology
Lines, characters and graphics could be proposed as the targets to be engraved. In the case ofcharacters, examination was made with regard to how complicated characters could be reproduced.
Shading or gradation of graphics, possibility of reproducing photographs by means of engraving, andreproducibility of colors were also examined. As engraving methods, elimination machining, oxide
film treatment, etching, physical deposition and chemical deposition are possible choices.
Engraving Experiments
Engraving experiments were performed on the selected materials by using laser technologies.
Discussion
Discussions were conducted on the following items: appropriate materials as recording media,
types of records that can be engraved, precision, etc. Machining effectiveness (cost, time, etc.) was
also considered.

6.2

Results of Engraving Experiment
From the overall plan mentioned above, the results of the engraving test of lines, charactersand graphics on selected materials are given below.
25

6.2.1

Selection of Materials and Machining Methods
The selected materials were metals and inorganic materials. As for metallic materials,

hastelloy was selected, and as inorganic materials, sintered compacts of alumina, zirconia and siliconcarbide as well as CVD(Chemical Vapor Deposition) of silicon carbide were chosen. Table 6-1
presents a list of these materials. By considering the ease of procurement of specimens andimplementation of experiments, plate materials of 100×100×5 mm were used in the case of hastelloy
and ceramic sintered compacts, and, in the case of silicon carbide CVD, disc-shaped specimens of
12.5 cm diameter×1 mm thickness were used. Lines, characters and graphics were engraved on thesematerials. In addition, shading and gradation were also examined. The machining methods used weretrench engraving and dot engraving by laser. The selected language characters to be engraved wereJapanese characters, including Chinese characters, because of the great number of strokes and because
they are ideographic characters superior in communicating information.

Table 6-1 List of Materials Used for Experiments
Material
Density(g/cm3)
Hastelloy C22 (Ni-base alloy)
8.7

6.2.2

Hardness(MPa)
0.6

Alumina sintered compact (Al2O3 99.9%)

4.0

19

Zirconia sintered compact (ZrO2 94.7%)

5.5-6.1

12-14

Silicon carbide sintered compact ( α-SiC 98%)

3.2

25-31

Silicon carbide-CVD

3.2

34

Trench engraving
On hastelloy and sintered ceramics, simple graphics were trench-engraved by use of laser.

The resulting groove depth and minimum intervals between grooved portions were examined. Simple
characters were also engraved to check the stability of the projecting portions, so that the size of the
font to be used in the trench engraving could be determined. Figure 6-1 shows the image ofLaser/Water-Jet Hybrid Machining adopted in the present experiment. In this machining method, laser
is enclosed within a water column, and condensed into a microscopic spot. The cutting sections arecooled off by water to eliminate effects and distortion due to heat, and chips are washed away by water
jet to facilitate the engraving operation.

26

Fig. 6-1 Laser/Water Jet Hybrid Machining

The results of the preliminary experiment show that a promising accuracy can be obtained in
the case of hastelloy and silicon carbide, and no major alteration of machined portions was detected.
Lines were successfully engraved with promising accuracy at intervals of 0.3 mm and at a depth of
0.15 mm in the case of silicon carbide to 0.8 mm in the case of hastelloy.
As for alumina and zirconia, successful results have not been obtained with the method, and,
therefore, the common laser (YAG fundamental wave) machining was used. After groove machining,
the grooved portions were washed by water jet. No promising results could be obtained on thesematerials.
Based on the above results, sentences were engraved on hastelloy and silicon carbide (Fig.
6-2). Laser/Water Jet Hybrid Machining was adopted as the operation.
The results of the engraving shows that at parts where two lines overlap, the minimum
interval is less than 0.3 mm and the groove widths are wider. However, these widened grooves occur
only at small parts of the overall configuration, and, therefore, the influence on the machinability ofcharacters is minor.

6.2.3

Dot Engraving
High-accuracy engraving using the Dot Matrix Method was performed on hastelloy, alumina,

zirconia and silicon carbide (sintered compact) as well as on high-fineness silicon carbide
manufactured by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), in order to examine the accuracy of characters,
the shading of graphics and the accuracy of gradation. Figure 6-3 shows the images of the dot
engraving of Chinese characters and alphabets with sizes of 1 point to 12 points as well as the27machining to achieve gradation to express graphics. Figure 6-4 shows the results of dot engraving on
sintered silicon carbide. The sizes of characters was gradually decreased from 12 points to 1 point.
With all materials, characters of sizes down to 2 points (≒0.7mm) were readable by the naked eye orusing a magnifying glass. With hastelloy, sintered silicon carbide, and silicon carbide CVD, charactersof 1 point were especially readable. As shown in the picture(right-side) in Figure 6-4, patterns andgraduation were also discernable.
Figure 6-5 shows 11-point characters engraved on different materials. As for alumina andzirconia, slight inconsistency of color and blurred profiles of marking portions were observed. By
examining the machined portions on alumina and zirconia materials using a magnifying glass, it was
confirmed that fine dots were not formed as with hastelloy and silicon carbide.
Figure 6-6 shows the results of dot engraving on sintered silicon carbide. The picture is a
reproduction of Figure 3-1 in this report. The right-side shows the reproduction of 6 pages ofsentences on A4 size page on a 10 cm×10 cm plate. In this case, the size of the characters is
2-point(≒0.7mm), and sentences were readable with the naked eye or using a magnifying glass (Fig.
6-7).

6.3

Discussion
Engraving experiments on durable artificial materials were carried out by applying laser

technologies. By selecting appropriate materials and engraving methods, characters and patterns canbe expressed along with shading and gradation. These technologies can be applied to not only
documentary records but also to markers and monuments. Among the materials, silicon carbide, which
has strong resistance against heat wear and chemical impacts, corrosion resistance and wear resistance,
showed satisfactory results in terms of accuracy. Thus, it is expected to be a promising material for the
long-term record preservation.

With respect to the density of characters in written records in the case of dot printing, it wasestimated that, with 2-point characters, information totaling 6 to 8 pages of A-4 size can be engraved
on a 10 cm×10 cm plate. When the a document that has 500 pages of A4 size paper is engraved on
sintered silicon carbide plates, the total volume of recording media is evaluated as follows;- Size of plate: 10cm × 10cm
- Size of character to be engraved: 2-points (≒ 0.7mm; of readable size by naked eye orusing a magnifying glass)- Number of pages of original document to be engraved on a plate: 8- Number of pages of original document to be engraved on both sides of a plate: 1628

- Number of plates needed for a series of document package: 500 / 16 = 32
- The thickness of a plate: 1mm- The total thickness of recording media: 32mm
- Bulk of recording media preserving 500 pages of document: 10cm × 10cm × 32cm
The examination has shown the possibility of long-term preservation of documentation
records as a permanent system.

A further examination is suggested concerning the assessment of the durability of the sinteredsilicon carbide plate against wear and chemical impacts. Preserving color pictures and photographs fora long-term duration is also proposed.

29

8mm
10cm

Engraved sentences are extracts fromliterature by JNC (1999)

Fig. 6-2. Example of Results of Trench Engraving Test (Hastelloy)

放射性廃棄物の地層処分
Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分
Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分
Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分
Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分
Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

放射性廃棄物の地層処分

放射性廃棄物の地層処分 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste
放射性廃棄物の地層処分 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

放射性廃棄物の地層処分

放射性廃棄物の地層処分 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

放射性廃棄物の地層処分 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

放射性 廃棄 物の地 層処分 Geolo gical Dispo sal of Radioactive Wast e

Fig. 6-3. Images of High-Accuracy Engraving Test of Records

The characters are at two andone point size. The division of
the scale is 1 mm.

10cm

10cm

Fig. 6-4 Results of Dot Engraving Test (Sintered Silicon Carbide)

30

9cm
From above to bottom, hastelloy, alumina, zirconia, silicon carbide sintered compact, and silicon carbide (CVD).
The size of character is 11 point
Fig. 6-5. Comparison of the Results of the Dot Engraving Test

10cm

10cm

Fig. 6-6. Figures and Scaled Down Sentences Engraved on Silicon Carbide (Sintered Compact)

The division of the scale is 1 mm.
Fig. 6-7. Sentences Engraved in 2-point (right-side picture of Figure 6-6 enlarged)31

7. Conclusions
Significance•

From social and ethical viewpoints, record preservation is important as a item for confidencebuilding on geological disposal of HLW in a repository.

Purposes•

The purposes of record preservation is to prevent future generations from their unintentional access to arepository and also providing information necessary for future generations’ own decision-making on therepository.

Methods•

Proposed concept of a record preservation system is the combination of several different methods
in order to impart redundancy to the communication function. The system should be so robustthat its overall function would not be influenced by partial damage, and also be flexible enough toadapt to the changes of background conditions in the future.

•

Records and information should be preserved by way of both Relay System and Permanent
System. The former would maintain record preservation and communication functions in theframework of social systems whereas the latter would consist of durable storehouse facilities,
recording media and markers/monuments and be independent of any social systems and humancontrol.

Technological Possibility•

As an appropriate approach to the survival of a record preservation system in the future, it is
proposed that supporting evidence should be found for a long-term record preservation within
historical and archaeological issues.

•

High-quality paper has been developed with the durability of several hundreds to one thousand
years under appropriate conditions. On the other hand, a durability assessment of ink material has
not been investigated.

•

Silicon carbide is expected to be the promising material for long-term recording media with its
superior characteristics of resistance against heat, wear and chemical impacts, and of engraving
accuracy.
The preceding research projects suggests that a major issue is the lack of a technicalfoundation such as recording media. However, our present study has shown the existence of promising
recording media.
Our future task is to hold discussions on concrete issues to be dealt with for formulating a32

record preservation system, including preparation of actual long-term record preservation prototypes
using these materials, preservation place and method, markers and monuments, etc., that are best
suited for the Japanese situations. Furthermore, it is important to assess the cost and effectiveness ofthe proposed record preservation system.

33

References
Nuclear Safety Commission of Japan (2000): The Basic Policy of Safety Regulations for the Disposalof High-Level Radioactive Waste – The First Stage Report – (in Japanese)
IAEA (1995): The Principles of Radioactive Waste Management, IAEA Safety Series No. 111-F
IAEA (1999): Maintenance of records for radioactive waste disposal, IAEA-TECDOC- 1097
JNC (1999): H12: Project to Establish the Scientific and Technical Basis for HLW Disposal in Japan,
Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute.
Laws Relating to Final Disposal of Specific Radioactive Waste, Sept. 29, 2000, Cabinet Decision(2000) (in Japanese)
National Research Council (NRC) (1990): Rethinking High Level Radioactive Waste Disposal – A
Position Statement of the Board on Radioactive Waste Management –.
Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project KAN-1.3 (1993): Conservation and Retrieval of Information– Elements of a Strategy to Inform Future Societies about Nuclear Waste Repositories.
OECD/NEA (1995): The Environmental and Ethical Basis of Geological Disposal of Long-Lived
Radioactive Wastes, A Collective Opinion of the Radioactive Waste Management Committee of theOECD Nuclear Energy Agency.
Ogawa Chiyoko (2000): Libraries in the world, Iwatashoin, Tokyo (in Japanese)Radioactive Waste Management Funding And Research Center (RWMC) (2001): Research Report on
the 2001 Research on High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Program (Third Series) - Research on
the Improvement of Monitoring Apparatus and Technology – (2/2 Development of a Record
Preservation System for Geological Disposal) (in Japanese)Radioactive Waste Management Funding And Research Center (RWMC) (2002): Research Report on
the 2001 Research on High-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Program (Third Series) - Research on
the Improvement of Monitoring Apparatus and Technology – (Series No. 3) Development of a Record
Preservation System for Geological Disposal) (in Japanese)
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) (1993): Expert Judgment on Markers to Deter Inadvertent Human
Intrusion into the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, SAND92-1382.
SKN (1987): Ethical Aspects of Nuclear Waste. Some Salient Points Discussed at a Seminar on
Ethical Action in the Face of Uncertainty in Stockholm, Sweden; September 8-9, 1987, SKN Report
29.
The Specified Radioactive Waste Disposal Act (2000) (in Japanese)
The US EPA Regulation 40CFR 194 (1998)

34

Appendix-A
Examples of Record Preservation and Communication, and Related Technologies
In order to abstract useful information for the examination of long-term record preservation,
research and analysis were made from various angles, on historical and archaeological examples,
current record preservation system in society, and related technologies.

A.1

Historical and Archaeological Examples
The results of research and examination on historical and archaeological examples areorganized according to documentary records (Table A-1) and physical media (Table A-2).
Documentary Records
For the purpose of research on documentary records, religious scriptures such as the Old
Testament (Matsuoka, 1997; Arai, 1992; Old/New Testaments Great Dictionary Editorial Committee,
1989, etc.), which are the oldest documents in which a collection of information with clear messages ispreserved, ancient literature (Fujinawa, 1996; Satoru, 1985, etc.) which have been handed down fromthe far past to the present generation while keeping the form of documents, and legends(Jiyukokuminsha, 1998, etc.) were researched. In addition, examples of historical manuscripts, which
are abundantly available in Japan (Aida, 1959; Sato, 1997, etc.) and old records of the Korean Dynasty(Sangmin, 1997), which were prepared with a clear intention to convey the history of the dynasty tofuture generations were chosen.
As a result of the research and analysis on the reasons why the records were prepared andpreserved, it wasconcluded that, in general, recording media and preservation environments play more
important roles; that records have been handed down from one generation to another by way ofmanuscripts; that records have been preserved at several separate places; and, that the records
themselves have been recognized to have value. At the same time, the change of social or national
systems, or war damages, could be pointed out as reasons why some records were not preserved.
Physical Media and Constructions
Symbols and monuments (or historic remains), temples and shrines, castles and cities, andother ancient remains were taken up as items for research.
According to these examples, it was found that the recording media themselves are made fromrobust materials such as rock and brick, and they can be preserved in the environment where they werebuilt without any human control. On the other hand, the reasons why these historic remains have notbeen preserved are due to destruction and robbery as a result of racial and religious confrontations anddifference of values, reuse as resources, and the transfer of historic remains due to the construction ofmodern engineering works such as dams. Concerning the messages engraved on those physical media,
the fact that they were written in ideograms (including Chinese characters) and that they were written
in more than one language (as seen in the Rosetta stone) are pointed out as factors that contributed toA-（i）future generations’ understanding of the messages.

A.2

Current Record Preservation System
Overseas record preservation research projects concerning radioactive waste disposal (TableA-3) and domestic and overseas social systems concerning general record preservation (Table A-4)
were reviewed as items of research.
Overseas Record Preservation Research Projects Concerning Radioactive Waste Disposal
In other countries, there can be found several precedents concerning arguments and researchon long-term record preservation of radioactive waste disposal. Among these precedents, as publisheddocuments, such as IAEA technical documents (IAEA, 1999), the WIPP marker system study by
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL, 1993), and the Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project (KAN-1.3,
1993) were reviewed.
The results of the review show that prevention and restriction of human intrusion as well as
provision of information that would facilitate future generations’ decision-making are the major
objectives of record preservation, and that examination is being made on the contents of records to bepreserved and preservation methods. As for documentary records, it is proposed that they be preserved
at several domestic and overseas archives, and KAN-1.3 (1993) even proposes the establishment of aninternational archives.
The concept common among these studies is that information should be managed andpreserved according to the level of importance. IAEA (1999) has presented the information strategy
that information should be classified, based on the level of importance, into Primary-Level
Information (PLI), Intermediate-Level Information (ILI), and High-Level Information (HLI). Also in
WIPP, a marker monument system with a hierarchical structure is proposed, and even message
communication methods from linguistic, semiotic and psychological viewpoints are discussed (SNL,1993).
Record preservation in Social Systems
As for examples seen in domestic and overseas social systems, the Japanese census registry
and other registration systems, cultural properties protection systems implemented in Japan and othercountries, and record preservation systems at the level of public records offices were reviewed.
In the current census registry and other registration systems, in addition to paper andmicrofilm, electronic media are being used for purposes of preservation and management.
Furthermore, decentralized preservation of records such as a duplicate copy system has been
implemented (Tochiku, 1991, Tokyo Hokei Gakuin, 1993). In the field of cultural heritage protectionin which originals should be preserved, succession programs of preservation and restoration
techniques as well as educational programs through teachings at schools are being implemented (theAgency for Cultural Affairs, 1988).
To ensure record preservation at the level of national archives and other organizations, theA-（ii）

Public Archives Law of Japan was enacted in 1987, thereby developing the environment for
preserving official documents as a national records heritage and historical records with historic value.
In the U.S., the roles of administrative bodies with overall authority over records management as wellas those of specialists (archivists) have been defined (Ando, 1998, Ogawa, 2000, etc.).

A.3 Related Technologies
For the purpose of research on current technologies, paper and microfilm, electronic
information systems, metal and inorganic materials, and information communication methods(including psychological analyses) were reviewed(Table A-5).
Paper and Microfilm
Paper is the most fundamental media for preserving records. In this study, high-quality paper
is generally used as recording paper. The use ofJapanese paper as an example of paper that has beenpreserved through its long history, and papyruses as an example of the oldest writing paper was
reviewed, and their characteristics and preservation technologies were examined among other aspects.
Concerning paper, progress has been made in technological development in order to enhance
durability for the purpose of long-term preservation. In Japan, paper with durability of up to one
thousand years according to the ASTM (Oji Paper Co., Ltd., 2001) has been developed. However, aquantitative assessment concerning the long-term durability of written ink has not been made.
Research was also undertaken on microfilm that is commonly used, at present, as a recording
media from the viewpoint of preservation. Currently, microfilm is used in various fields such as in thenational archives, museums, libraries, governmental agencies, corporations, and universities. Whilemeans of preserving information have been diversified, the advantages of microfilm as a recording
media such as long durability and the possibility as legal evidence have been highlighted, giving riseto new applications such as preservation of large volumes of valuable cultural heritage and databasesof image information.
Electronic Information System
Electronic information systems have become indispensable in many fields, in terms ofmanagement of records. However, innovation of electronic apparatus and software is moving so fastthat it is uncertain whether future generations will be able to read the information, and the durability of
the recording media cannot be expected to last. Therefore, for the purpose of long-term record
preservation, many issues remain to be studied.
Metal and Inorganic Materials
Taking into consideration the development of recording media utilizing metal and inorganic
materials, research was undertaken to find materials that are superior in corrosion resistance and stable
under various environmental changes. The results show that among metal materials, titanium alloy andnickel alloy are superior in corrosion resistance. Among ceramic materials, silicon nitride and silicon
A-（iii）

carbide are especially superior in durability even under conditions of high temperature and highly
corrosive atmosphere.
Information Communication and Psychological Consideration
One of the issues to be solved concerning record preservation is the formulation of measures
for future generations to understand recorded messages correctly. Research was therefore conducted
into examples of linguistic and nonlinguistic technologies.
More particularly, hieroglyphic characters and nonverbal communication methods used in the
SETI Program (*) by NASA (Gakken, 1993) as well as psychological knowledge (Takuma, 1989) werereviewed. The results of the research show that for the purpose of communication of linguistic
information, ideographic characters, such as Chinese characters, are expected to be effective, and that
there already exist many research findings on communication methods using logical expressions andfigures. Research was also undertaken on basic facts about human instinct and depth psychology.
The committee believes that these element technologies could be presented as one
methodology on record preservation for geological disposal of HLW. However, systematization ofthese technologies into information communication technology intended for future generations is atask that needs to be addressed in further research.

(*)

SETI Program: “Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence” Program by NASA, the U.S. space agency

A-（iv）

Table A-1 Research and Analysis on Preservation of Document Record Found in History and Archaeology
Factors to be considered
Purpose of records (Why, forwhat purpose, and for whom)

Old Testament
Code of conducts governing people’slife, and at the same time based on theclear intention that social pride should
be inherited through generations.

RelicsFor the purpose of relating stories andtragedies of their heroes to future
generations. The target include otherraces.

Legends
Many theories such as traditional oral
communication of historical facts,
lessons for future generations, and an
ideal nation. Targets are not limited toits own race.

Japanese ancient writing
In close interpretation, products ofexpression of intention to communicate
information to specified targets.

Collection of data (who andhow)• Oral tradition of the Judaic people• Drafted, amended or altered by many
writers consisting mainly of Jewish
priests (P document, J document, E
document and D document)• Oral and documentary tradition ofSumer, Hittite, Akkad, Assyria, etc. (G)• Oral tradition from the Mycenae
Civilization (H).
• Dictation by admirers of poets (H).
• Written by scholars of Alexandria
Egypt (H).

• Patrimony from Sais flamines in
Egypt to Sorong in Greece. (A)• Written by Plato in his work “Critias”(A).

• Correspondence between the Imperial
Court or feudal governments and theirretainers.
• Construction of census registers andbooks according to laws.

• Parchment/lithography• Paper• Cave (Dead Sea Manuscript)• Ancient library• Church/abbey• Succession from one generation toanother through traditional oral
communication, manuscripts, etc.
• Research by biblical scholar• Clay plate (G)• Paper• Royal archive (G)• Ancient library (H)• Abbey (H)• Succession from one generation toanother through recitation (H)• Competitions at the time of
ceremonies• Decentralized preservation (G)• Protection by other races (H)• Racial pride• Paper• Japanese paper• Paper• Ancient library (A)• Abbey (A)• Log house repository (Shosoin
Storehouse)• Old samurai residence/shrine• Succession from one generation toanother• Repository built in mountainous terrain• Manifold aspects of information (A)• Protection by other races (A)• Succession due to essential value• Succession due to ancillary value• Assertion of right to land and otherassets• Important historical records for therace• Racial pride• Paradise legend (A)• Possibilities as ancient historical facts(A)• Manifold aspects of information (A)• Academic value as historical data
• Artistic value as bokuseki (scrolls ofcalligraphy by Zen priests)• Academic value as historical data

Change of legal system and social
systemChange of national system
War
Fire and theft• Essential value and ancillary value
according to laws and regulations• Relay system• Recording media – Japanese paper
and Japanese ink

Change of national systemWar

1. Factors that enabled record
be preserved(1) Recording media(2) Preservation environment(3) Preservation system(4) Other factors(4) -2 Self-assertion• Religious devotion• Racial pride(4) -3 Inherent value• Historical and literary value• Description by more than one
language (G)

2. Factors that enabled
information to becommunicated.
3. Factors that prevented
record or information frombeing communicated.

4. Conclusions to be applied
to the future study on a record
preservation system

G: Gilgamesh• Historical and literary value• Preservation environment --- closed
space, library• Preservation system --- relay system

H: Relics by Homer• Preservation environment --- library• Preservation system --- relay system,
association for preservation• Others --- decentralized preservation,use of more than one language• Succession from one generation toanother through manuscripts, etc. (A)• Preservation environment --- library• Preservation system --- relay system,
association for preservation• Others --- decentralized preservation,use of more than one language

A: Atlantis legend

A-（v）old records of the Korean Dynasty
Drawn up by emperors and royalfamilies of the Choson Dynasty to handdown stories about events that
happened during their reins and theethnic history down to future
generations.
• Drafted by appointed historians.
• Drafts kept confidential in order tosecure impartiality and independency
among historians.

• Established system for preservation• Decentralized preservation• Establishment of preservation system• Decentralized preservation• Relay system

Table A-2 Research and Analysis on Physical Media and Constructions Found in History and Archaeology
Factors to be considered
Purpose of records (Why, for what
purpose, and for whom)

Monument/Symbol
Presumably, symbol of faith in the ruler,
whose target was both the people under
their control and different ethnic groups insurrounding areas. (P, S, O)

Shrine/Temple
Presumably, symbol of faith in the ruler,
whose target was both the people under
their control and different ethnic groups insurrounding areas. (AB, AN)
Buddhist symbol (B)Collection of data (who and how)

• Ancient Egypt/Khufu (P)• Ancient Egypt/ Khafre (S)• Ancient Egypt/Ramesses II (O)• Ancient Egypt/Ramesses II (AB)• Khmer Empire/ Suryavarman II (AN)• No record (B)

1. Factors that enabled record to bepreserved(1) Recording media

Castle/City
Excavated articles mainly consisted ofbronze ware of priests’ tools and grave
goods (I)
Also, possibility as a monument symbolicof the power of the city. (M)Protection
from foreign enemies (T)• Nothing known about the designers (I,M, T)•• Limestone (P, S)• Red granite (O)(2) Preservation environment• Desert climate (Libya Desert) (P, S, O)(3) Preservation system(4) Other factors• None• Size and simple shape of the media (P,O)• Size of the media (S)• Sand conglomerate (AB)• Laterite (reddish soil) + Sand stone(AN)• Desert climate (Libya Desert) (A, B)• Jungle in tropical monsoon climate area
(AN)
• Subtropical dry climate (B)• None (unknown)• Closed Space (Cave) (AB)Restoration by Buddhists who lived
there? (AN)

•
•
•
•
•

Bronze, tortoiseshell, animal bone (I)Adobe brick/burned brick (M)Unknown (T)Underground (I: excavated articles)
Tropical monsoon climate – heavy sandstorm during summer season (M)• Restoration after destruction (M)(4) -2 Self-assertion(4) -3 Inherent value
2. Factors that enabled information to becommunicated.

3. Factors that prevented record or
information from being communicated.

4. Conclusions to be applied to the future
study on a record preservation system

OthersPartial destruction due to difference ofvalues from foreign enemy (S)Removal by foreign enemy (O)• Quality of material (good quality
limestone, granite)• Size and simple shape of media
Shape of media might cause
destruction or brigandage.

P: pyramid

AB: Abu Shimbel

B: Bamiyan

T: Troy

Transfer of all the facilities due to theconstruction of a dam (AB)
Destruction by other religious groups(B).
• Closed space (cave)• Maintenance and management system
Could be moved if the purpose is notunderstood.
Religious symbols are vulnerable todestruction.

I: Ruins of Yin N: Nazca Lines• The fact that the same records weremade in several languages including
ideogram contributed to the decipheringof the records (I).
Reusable burnt bricks resulted in large
scale destruction• Versatility and redundancy of record
expression method.
• Size and shape of the media that could
be reused should be given
consideration.

S: Sphinx AN: Angcor Vat

A-（vi）

M: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa• Desert plateau (N)• Black whinstone (R)• Alpine climate, but rainfall, at the most,once a year (N)• None (N, R)• Size of the media (N)• Curiosity toward the expression methodof the records (study theme) (N, R)• Description in more than one language(R)• Size of media• Too large record media could berecognized only by an advanced
civilization.

R: Rosetta Stone

O: Obelisk

Table A-3 Research and Analysis on Record Preservation of Radioactive Waste Disposal in Other Countries
Factors to be considered
Basic significance of record preservation

IAEA (IAEA, 1999)• Prevention of human intrusion• Provision of information that would contribute tofuture generations’ decision-making.

• For ten thousand years (preservation of markers)

Time frame for record preservation

•
•
•
•

Media for long-term preservation of documentary
records
Location of storehouse for documentary records• Paper• Microfilm• Local and foreign public records offices

Other record preservation measures• Formulation of a record preservation system fromthe initial step

Contents of documentary records• Primary-level information (PLI)
All the information to be collected during the entire
period of a disposal program.
• Intermediate-level information (ILI)
Information mainly necessary for fulfilling
authorization and legal requirements.
• High-level information (HLI)
Concentrated information necessary for future
generation’s basic understanding of disposal sites(location of repositories, data on the site,
information concerning waste, disposal system,
etc.)

Hierarchical classification of documentary records

U.S. WIPP (SNL, 1993)• Prevention of human intrusion

Paper
Microfilm
Organizations of federal governments
Local and foreign public records offices andlibraries• Other specialized agencies•• Dictionaries, encyclopedias• School texts• Maps, etc.
• Location of repositories (map)• Safety assessment, environmental effectevaluation and application documents for
authorization• Environmental and ecological data
• Information concerning the waste• Methods of waste disposal and demolition work ofdisposal sites.
• Information on the design of institutional control

A-（vii）

Nordic countries (KAN 1.3, 1993)• Prevention of human intrusion•
Provision of information that would contribute tofuture generations’ decision-making.
• The initial period of one thousand years isimportant.
• Possibilities of ice age should be considered.
• Paper• Microfilm• Newly built repositories• International repository• Records inscribed on the waste itself• Documentary records installed within the premisesof disposal sites.
• Education system, legends, myths• Geographical location of disposal sites• Information concerning the waste• Design and barrier system of disposal sites• Data utilized in safety assessment and informationon other backgrounds• Results of safety assessment• Information concerning general social
backgrounds, etc.
• All the information (first level)• Abstract of the most important information (second
level)• General description of the most important
information and the location of other information(third level)(Table A-3 Continues)
Factors to be considered
Principle of arranging markers

Linguistic principle of markers

Characteristic of materials for marker

Message Level

IAEA (IAEA, 1999)
In IAEA TECDOC1097, record management system(RMS) is examined by taking into account the active
management period, which means advancementfrom the conventional stance that record preservation
should be positioned as one part of passive
management.
While record preservation based on a marker system,
etc., is positioned as one part of passive
management in IAEA TECDOC1097, it is pointed outthat such a measure should be intended to continue
after the completion of institutional control.

U.S. WIPP (SNL, 1993)• Notification of the existence of managed areas bya huge marker.
• Marker system consisted of various elements.
• Use of more than one language.
• Redundancy and Simplicity
•
•
•
•
•
•

Academic fields regarding the examination ofmarkers

Other aspects

Future concerns

•
•
•
•
•
•

Durability
Responsiveness
Desirability
Pattern informing about the existence of artificial
objects
Hieroglyph warning
Information about what, why, when, where, whoand how
Detailed multiple message
Geomorphology, material science, engineering
Design, archeology
Archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, semiology
Astronomy, information science
Announcement of an opposing opinion by the
exploratory committee against the option withoutmarkers.

• Durability of materials under present conditions• Mechanism for transcribing and engraving
information.
• Interaction between materials, wind, sand andwater.
• Hieroglyph independent of cultures.
• Written message independent of cultures.

A-（viii）

Nordic countries (KAN 1.3, 1993)• Install where the marker can draw people’s
attention.
• Use of more than one language.
• Redundancy (combination with figures andsymbols)• Symbol information drawing people’s attention.
• One-sentence message serving as an alert.
• Information about what, why, when, where, whoand how (one sheet of paper or stone marker)•• Historical science, archaeology• Seismology• The option without markers is practically
impossible (The existence of a large volume of
metal and radioactive waste themselves can serve
as a permanent marker.)• Establishment of international guidelines
concerning the levels of records.
• Periodic review of records, and decrease in thevolume over time.
• Development of recording media.
• Cost effectiveness of record preservation
measures, etc.

Table A-4 Research and Analysis on Record Preservation Seen in Domestic and Overseas Social Systems
Factors to be considered
Legal requirements

Record preservation measures
Recording media

Census register/registration system (Japan)• Preservation periods specified according to thetypes of documents.
• Items for permanent preservation (registry book,map, etc.)• Removing out of specified departments is
prohibited.
• Paper (example: high-quality Mino Japanese paper– Census Registration Law 1916), microfilm.
• Electronic media

Location of storehouses• Book boxes, storehouses, etc., that have key
mechanisms and are able to resist fire.

Record preservation system• Duplicate system (decentralized preservation)• Electronic information system based on distributed
processing (recording system)

Other factors• Census register system is based on human
longevity. For example, it is stipulated that original
documents can be abolished after microfilm texts
have become authentic texts. The reason is
because they are not intended for permanent
preservation.

Conclusions to be applied to the future study on arecord preservation system• Decentralized preservation of records

Cultural properties protection system(Japan and other countries)• Designation, selection and registration as culturalproperties by national and municipal governments(Cultural Properties Protection Law).

Documentary records preservation systemat the level of public records offices• Responsibilities of national and municipal
governments concerning the preservation ofimportant government documents as historical data
(Public Records Office Law, National Public
Records Office Law).

• Original texts and originals of cultural properties are
subject to preservation, whose material might bepaper, ceramic, inorganic material, metallic material
and others.
• Owners’ facilities• Facilities of management organization• Museum and art museum• Succession of preservation and restoration
techniques based on a subsidy system.
• Cultural properties protection panel• Enlightenment activities through school education• Protection based on private foundation – Britain,
the U.S., etc.

• Paper, microfilm• Tangible assets include those such as arts andcrafts that are, basically, stored and preserved atsome facilities, those such as buildings that are
repaired and preserved on their sites and thosesuch as historical ruins and scenic beauties that arepreserved according to environmental protection
measures.
• Succession of record preservation and restoration
techniques• Establishment of a panel consisting of specialists.
• Incorporation into education system.

A-（ix）• Book storeroom with temperature and moist control
mechanisms and safeguard against fire.
• Management by governmental agencies withcomprehensive authority over record management– the U.S. (National Public Records Management
Office Agency)• Management by specialists (archivist)• Detailed catalogue for the purpose of management• Succession of preservation and restoration
techniques• Assessment and selection of preserved records
according to assessment standards concerning
importance of records – the U.S.
• Existence of interim repositories (Records
Management Center) – the U.S.

• Preservation environment of records• Management by specialists• Implementation of assessment and selection
standards of records.

Table A-5 Research and Analysis on Related Technologies
Factors to be considered
Status of technologies(Obtained knowledge)

Information system
AD conversion (Analogue data -> Digital
data)
Database management system
Diversified use of SGML[1], GIS [2], amultimedia database and others.
Integration of various data including
pictures.
Decentralized administration of server
Security technology
Realization of authentication, access
control and data integrity
Data backup technology

Paper and microfilm• Current classification of paper andpreservation technology• Manufacturing method and preservation
technology concerning high quality
paper, Japanese paper, andpaperboard.
• Long-term durability of Japanese ink• Storing conditions and durability ofcurrent microfilm.
• AD conversion (Analogue data -> Digital
data)

Metallic and inorganic material• Long-term durability of current
engineered materials:
・Resistance to corrosion and heat, andmechanical characteristics of iron steel,stainless steel, copper, titanium, nickel
and various types of alloys.
・Resistance to corrosion and heat, andmechanical characteristics of alumina,
zirconia, silicon nitride and siliconcarbide.

• Product manual, etc. (SGML)• Map database system (GIS)• Censor register system (character,
image data and AD conversion)• Information system concerning a legal
registration system (character, image
data, AD conversion and decentralizedadministration)• Electronic library (character, image andsound data, etc.)• Digital museum (character, image andsound data, etc.)• Advantage of client-server system [3]• Strengthening of multimedia editing
function [4]• The current technologies could beapplied at the stages of management
and operation of records.
★ In terms of readability of informationand durability of recording media, there still
are many problems to overcome for the
purpose of long-term preservation.

• High-quality publications, commercial
prints, etc. (high-quality paper)• Restoration of old documents, etc.
(Japanese paper)• A picture scroll was put in the time
capsule of Expo ’70 (Naruko Japanese
paper).
• Duplication of various kinds of preserved
documents (microfilm)• Engine, pump, abrasive materials, etc.
• Fire-resistant materials (Space shuttle,etc.)• ASTM (the U. S.) and others as
manufacturing standards for paper• In the present situation, several
promising materials such as siliconcarbide could be pointed out. As for thefunction as recoding media on which
records are duplicated and engraved,
verification through future tests andresearch is required.

•
•
•

•
•

•

Applicability of technologies

Other factors

Conclusions applied to the
future study on a record
preservation system

1.
2.
3.

4.

• Durable printing paper for the purpose oflong-term preservation has beendeveloped. No research on the durabilityof ink has been confirmed as yet, leavingroom for further research on theassessment method.

Communication and psychological considerations• The use of ideogram would facilitate theunderstanding of the messages by future
generations. (Though Chinese characters arepronounced differently in each dialect, written
characters have the same meaning.)• Nonverbal messages such as figures, drawings
and sound were used as messages to life on otherplanets by the robot craft.
• A space language was proposed by encoding
basic concepts of mathematics and other fields,
but has not come into practical use.
• A picture message coded in binary form was used by
the Arecibo Observatory as a message to outer space.
• Warning symbol is effective irrespective of race.
Taboo is based on culture, religion, and instinct
from information accumulated in DNA. By
analyzing these relations, common warning
messages could be formulated.
•• Each has the possibility as a means ofcommunication with future generations that could
not understand our language. However, theeffectiveness of these means for such purpose
has not been verified yet, thus requiring further
investigation.

SGML: Standard Generalized Markup Language = Expression format for the diversified utilization of documentary data and the interchange of data between different types of machines.
GIS: Geological Information System
AD conversion would be required at the time of record preservation. In connection to this, it would be effective to incorporate the server functions common into each client machine, and distribute the overall load
over the entire system, thus constructing an optimized client-server system with superior scalability
It would be important to implement a multimedia editing function to facilitate editing operations in which isolated pieces of information are formulated into meaningful sets of information based on predetermined
standards. The ultimate purpose is to improve assurance of data quality and transparency of the system

A-（x）References
Agency for Cultural Affairs (1998): Japanese History and Culture Administration, Gyosei (inJapanese)
Aida Jiro (1959): Japanese Old Manuscripts, Iwanami Shoten (in Japanese)
Ando Masato (1998): History of Records and the Contemporary Age – Toward the Science ofArchives, Yoshikawa Kobunnkan (in Japanese)
Arai Satoshi (1992): Bibles-Their Historical Facts, NHK Books, Japan Broadcast Publishing Co., Ltd.
(in Japanese)
Fujinawa Kenzo (1996): The World of Homeros, Shinchosensho (in Japanese)
Gakushukenkyusha (1993): Latest View on Extraterrestrial Life, Latest Science Theory Series (inJapanese)
IAEA (1999): Maintenance of records for radioactive waste disposal, IAEA-TECDOC- 1097
Jiyukokuminsha (1998): Ancient Civilization and Mystery of Ruins/Visiting Ancient Ruins to Follow
Lost Histories, Revised Edition (in Japanese)
Matsuoka Masatoshi (1997): Read the History of Information – Lecture on the Cultural History of
Global Information, NTT Publishing (in Japanese)
Nordic Nuclear Safety Research Project KAN-1.3 (1993): Conservation and Retrieval of Information– Elements of a Strategy to Inform Future Societies about Nuclear Waste Repositories.
Ogawa Chiyoko (2000): Libraries in the world, Iwatashoin, Tokyo (in Japanese)
Oji Paper Co., Ltd. (2001): OK NEWS, 2001 No. 16 (in Japanese)
Old/New Testaments Great Dictionary Editorial Committee (1989): Old/New Testaments Great
Dictionary, Kyoubunkan (in Japanese)
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) (1993): Expert Judgment on Markers to Deter Inadvertent Human
Intrusion into the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, SAND92-1382.
Sangmin Lee (1997): History of Korean Archives and the GARS, A Country Report to the EASTICA:
The 3rd General Conference in Tokyo, Japan.
Sato Shinichi (1997): New Guide to Old Manuscripts, Hosei University Publishing (in Japanese)
Sato Teruo (1985): Relics and Legends, Waseda University Publishing (in Japanese)
Takahashi Masahiko et al. (2000): Today’s Paleography No. 12 Historic Records and Archives,
Yuzankaku Publishing, Tokyo (in Japanese)
Takuma Taketoshi (1989): Basic Psychology Course I “Basic Psychology “, Yachiyo Publishing (inJapanese)
Tochiku Hideo (1991): Questions and Answers-Knowledge about the Census Register, Register Books(new edition), Nihonkajo Publishing (in Japanese)
Tokyo Hokei Gakuin (1993): Registration Laws in Detail, Tokyo Hokei Gakuin Publishing (inJapanese)

A-（xi）

APPENDIX-B
Members of The Committee on the Geological Disposal Record Preservation System
MATSUBARA Nozomu (Chairman) Professor, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, Departmentof Environmental Studies, University of TokyoAKASAKA Hidenari (*1) Genaral Manager, Science and Technology Division, Nuclear Waste
Management Organization of Japan (NUMO)
ADACHI Fumio

Professor, Information System Division, National Museum of Japanese History)

GOTO Takashi

Professor, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University

HOASHI Yosuke

professor, Chief Librarian, Fuji Tokoha University

General Manager, Science and Technology Division, Nuclear Waste
KITAYAMA Kazumi (*2)
Management Organization of Japan (NUMO)MIYAHARA Kaname
Chief Researcher, Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle
Development Institute (JNC)
MUROI Hisashi
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, Yokohama
National University
OGA Taeko

Specialist for Archival Affairs, National Archives of JapanTANAKA Satoru

Professor, Faculty of Engineering, University of TokyoTANI Masakazu

Associate Professor, Kyushu Institute of Design

UEDA Hiroyoshi
Manager, Research and Development Science and Technology Division, Nuclear
Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO)(Observers to the Committee)
TAKAHASHI Yoshiaki
Deputy Manager, Science and Technology Division, Nuclear Waste
Management Organization of Japan (NUMO)TAKEUCHI MitsuoGroup Manager, Science and Technology Division, Nuclear Waste
Management Organization of Japan (NUMO)TANUMA Susumu
Power Co., Inc.

Assistant General Manager, Nuclear Power Division, The Kansai Electric

B-（i）APPENDIX-C
Members of working group (except RWMC)

KAGEYAMA Hitoshi

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

SASAKI Ryoichi

Mitsubishi Materials Corporation

NODA Masaru

Obayashi Corporation

SATO Shoko

Obayashi Corporation

HIRUSAWA Shigenobu

Institute of Applied Energy (IAE)

C-（i）

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