Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste: Review of Developments in the Last Decade (Radioactive Waste Management)

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