The radiological impact associated with the options available for the transportation of Intermediate Level Wastes with respect to a Minimum Power Scenario

The radiological impact of the options available for the transportation of ILW has been assessed. The radiation exposure from normal transport operations was estimated assuming that all ILW transport containers emit the maximum radiation levels specified in the IAEA Transport Regulations. Regardless of whether road or rail will be used to convey the ILW, the radiation doses to the public are very low. The collective dose to transport personnel has also been found to be low. However, the cautious assumptions adopted in this study indicate that certain individuals could theoretically receive significant doses. The practical significance of these doses will be determined by actual work patterns and the actual levels of radiation penetrating the ILW transport containers. The radiological consequences that might result from a notional release of radioactive material from an ILW transport container conveying Magnox silo sludges through an urban area were evaluated. No consideration was given to the precursors of the release nor to the frequency with which this release might occur. The results suggest that for a 10-6 fractional release, the radiological consequences will be extremely small. In judging these results due account must be taken of the frequency with which such releases may be predicted to occur. (author)