Safe disposal of radioactive waste

The safe disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes is the concern in the United Kingdom of Nirex. The nature, quantity and present storage or disposal arrangements for these wastes are described. The government policy is currently to establish a new disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level wastes in the form of a deep underground repository. Nirex has been looking for a suitable site. The principles underlying deep disposal with a multibarrier approach to prevent leaks from the repository are explained. The predicted behaviour of the buried wastes is given. The four possible designs of repository (mineshaft, land entrance undersea repository, off-shore entrance undersea repository or an off-shore mineshaft) are explained. Site selection would take account of safety, transport, socio-economic and environmental issues and technical feasibility. Initial surveys of possible sites have been made and suitable sites will will be identified by the end of 1988. The discussion on the paper is also reported. (U.K.)