A coherent approach to the long term management of radioactive waste

The UK holds significant stocks of long lived radioactive waste, the product of fifty years of investigation and exploitation of nuclear technology. Government policy (which is currently under review) requires that, where it is practical to do so, these wastes are treated and packaged so that they can be kept in interim storage in a passively safe condition. At the same time the treatment should, so far as possible, be compatible with future long term waste management requirements, for example those of extended storage or disposal. Nirex has developed a 'phased disposal concept' (PDC ) for intermediate and low level radioactive waste, and believes that this concept represents a viable solution for long term radioactive waste management. It is recognised, however, that much work would be needed to bring this option into wide acceptance. Development of the PDC has provided a clear view of the many technical requirements that future transport, handling, storage, and disposal would entail. Nirex provides advice to waste producers on the compatibility of their proposed waste packages with the varied requirements of the PDC. This minimises the possibility that the waste will need to be reworked at some time in the future. Thus, the combination of PDC and advice process provides a coherent approach to the long term management of radioactive waste

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