A systematic approach to the analysis of waste management systems

A systematic analytical approach is valuable in choosing and licensing the optimum waste management option. Using a component model (e.g. CHINTEX, described in this paper), a framework within which to describe the behaviour of the waste facility/environment system can be constructed. Within this framework, design and field data requirements can be established. When applied early in a project, the more expensive design and field work can be focussed and the likelihood of overlooking critical impacts reduced. The approach was applied to the choice of decommissioning options for uranium tailings and the analysis of alternatives for the disposal of uranium refinery wastes to demonstrate its value