Regulatory Approach for Safe Long-term Storage –Human Intrusion Scenario

Abstract

Storage is a necessary step in the management of radioactive waste. In recent years, storage step is extended; serious consideration has been given, in some countries to the use of storage as a long-term management option. This option, in particular is considered for spent fuels, high-level, and long-lived wastes. Reactor production of Mo-99 generated high and lived radioactive wastes. These wastes require complex and expensive facilities for extensive handling, separation, storage and disposal. In non-power reactor countries, complete management processes of these wastes are not available. This paper describes regulatory approach of safe management of long-lived radioactive wastes generated from the production of Technetium Generator. Through a generic study, high-level wastes generated during this production are calculated using ORIGEN Code. Safety performance of storage option for the long-lived wastes is assessed through human intrusion scenario. The results obtained show high dose of radon inhalation. Herein, the regulatory approach for safe long-term storage process is demonstrated.

Keywords: Safety performance of long-term storage, human intrusion, long-lived radioactive waste, high-level radioactive wastes, multi-barrier concept, regulatory approach, technetium generator