Title: Deveoplment of a Framework for Assessing the Suitability of Controlled Landfills to Accept Disposal of Solid Low-Level Radioactive Waste: Principles Document
Author: SNIFFER
Author: SNIFFER
Document Type: Monograph
Annotation: Environment Agency Project ID:EAPRJOUT_1542, Representation ID: 539, Object ID: 2687
Abstract:
This report is the initial report of a research project aimed at establishing a framework for assessing the suitability of controlled landfills to accept disposals of solid low-level radioactive waste. The disposal of radioactive waste alongside other wastes at landfill sites is a disposal route aimed at small users rather than at the nuclear industry, and it is restricted to relatively low activity wastes. For the purpose of this project, it has been assumed that all SPB disposals will be made to non-hazardous landfill sites. The framework therefore may not be applicable to inert and hazardous landfill sites. This document presents the key principles on which the framework will be based. These principles include high-level principles applied to all aspects of managing risks to the public, and also principles used to establish appropriate approaches to environmental, and specifically radiological, risks. The framework comprises the overall process for determining the suitability of landfill sites for accepting certain types of low-level radioactive waste. The framework comprises four principal stages: a a a a Initial screening for potentially suitable sites. Development of the assessment context and methodology. Calculation. Authorisation decision and conditions. The framework is aimed at assessing new sites, or sites that have not previously accepted radioactive waste. The screening stage is intended to quickly determine whether a proposed site is worth a more detailed assessment. The principles of this screening process are discussed. The framework has been developed to ensure that, as far as possible, a consistent approach is used for all the assessments undertaken. Many of the overall constraints and objectives (the assessment context) are therefore generic. The report identifies and discusses these aspects and identifies where site-specific details will be required to complete the assessment context for individual sites. Assessments of landfill sites in terms of their environmental impacts require the identification of the sources, pathways and receptors through which environmental harm could arise. The report identifies a generic set of these that encompasses the activities and environmental setting of landfill sites. The framework will include protocols for determining which of these is applicable at any specific site. The detailed questions and protocols that will be used to guide the user through the process will be developed at a later stage of the project. The report describes the process by which calculations of environmental impact (dose to humans) will be used to determine the radiological capacity of a site. The relationship between the overall radiological capacity and the disposal capacity is discussed. Authorisation conditions, which are outlined in this report, will be an important part of the risk management process. i SNIFFER UKRSR03 a Development of a Framework for Assessing the Suitability of Controlled Landfill to Accept Disposals of Solid Low-Level Radioactive Waste November 2005
Publisher: Environment Agency
Subject Keywords: Special precautions burial; Solid low-level radioactive waste; Landfill sites
Geographic Keywords: United Kingdom
Extent: 58
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:4781
Total file downloads: 291
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