Monitoring the radionuclide content of radioactive wastes

It is possible to monitor the radionuclide content of wastes prior to disposal in a repository. On the basis of a preliminary waste inventory and characterisation together with provisional maximum permissible concentrations, a first analysis of the control requirements for a Type B repository (low and intermediate level wastes) was carried out. The study allowed a first determination of those cases where control appears to be important and of the nuclides and types of waste concerned. On the basis of possible monitoring techniques, a redundant monitoring system for the waste was outlined. The techniques and monitoring system proposed are provisional but they demonstrate that the aims of the control are feasible. The control system can only be fully optimized once the waste specifications associated with the end repository are finally defined. (author)