HIDRA: Human Intrusion in the context of Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Human Intrusion and Future Human Actions in relation to Disposal of Radioactive Waste - Launch of new project

A Technical Meeting was held at the IAEA headquarters on 24-28 September 2012 to discuss Human Intrusion and Future Human Actions in relation to Disposal of Radioactive Waste. The meeting was attended by 34 participants from 21 Member States representing regulators, operators and technical support organizations.

Objective

The objective of the meeting was to explore a means of effectively addressing future human actions and human intrusion in the safety case and safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal facilities, including both geological and near-surface disposal facilities.

The discussions focused on various issues such as the difference and commonality of human intrusion scenarios for geological and near-surface disposal facilities. Three groups were established to address specific issues related to Technical, Social and Design aspects.

As a result of the these discussions, a new international project was launched: "HIDRA - Human Intrusion in the context of Disposal of Radioative Waste". A draft Terms of Reference was produced.

Outcome

The expected outcome of this project is to provide guidance on how to address human actions in the safety case and safety assessment of radioactive waste disposal in the future, and then using those assessments to optimize siting,  design and waste acceptance criteria within the context of a safety case.

The two-year project would involve an annual plenary meeting as well as several task group meetings. Each plenary meeting would play a pivotal role in presenting and discussing the scope, content and
outcome of the project. Individual task meetings may be held between plenary meetings to review the progress of specific task activities, and to plan subsequent activities.

Presentations

• Closing Summary
• Working Group 1: Technical Criteria
• Working Group 2: Societal Analysis
• Working Group 3: Design Aspects
• Technical meeting presentations

First plenary meeting

The first plenary meeting of HIDRA is planned to be held in November 2013.

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