Predisposal Management of Radioactive Waste

International Project on Safety Assessment Driven Radioactive Waste Management Solutions

SADRWMS - An international programme of work to examine the application of safety assessment methodology to predisposal waste management practices and facilities including waste storage. In comparing international approaches to safety assessment in these areas, the objective is to improve and harmonise such approaches and methodologies. It is anticipated that a body of safety assessment methodology will be developed which will be acknowledged as international best practice in these areas. The project will encompass all types of radioactive waste including disused sources, small volumes, operational waste and spent fuel, legacy and decommissioning waste, and large volume NORM residues.

Fourth Plenary Meeting: Vienna, 23 - 27 April 2007

Interested participants should send an email to the Scientific Secretary before 2nd March 2007

Of particular relevance and importance is the application of safety assessment to the storage of radioactive waste. Due to delays experienced in many countries in developing waste disposal facilities, waste has to be stored for increasingly longer periods. Some countries are also considering extended storage as an alternative to disposal. The IAEA has prepared an international position paper on this issue (2003), and this paper to a large extent supports the argument that indefinite storage is not a sustainable option, while acknowledging that storage is a necessary phase in safely managing most types of radioactive waste. Security concerns expressed over long-term surface storage were evident during the various discussions on the topic and again the need was emphasised to address physical security threats within the overall safety assessment process. Full explanatory text.

For further information please contact L. Jova Sed