Status of the radioactive waste management program in Belgium

The RandD programme in Belgium has been focused on a number of specific topics, of particular importance for the situation in Belgium. (1) Volume reduction and conditioning of low level wastes from power stations, application of radioisotopes and fuel cycle operations. Processes have been developed and are operational for the high temperature slagging incineration and for the treatment of boric acid- and other concentrates from LWR coolant water. The latter treatment is based upon precipitation and separation of the bulk soluble salts from the radioactive constituents. (2) Characterization of conditioned low and high level wastes in view of their compatibility with the disposal environment (deep oceanwater, clay, surface sands, ...). (3) Geologic disposal of conditioned high level and alpha bearing wastes in deep clay layers. An underground laboratory has been constructed and is in operation now. The second phase of the program is being started and aims at technological demonstration in situ using also conditioned radioactive wastes; it is foreseen to construct a disposal tunnel provided with disposal pits. This program is fully integrated in the program of the CEC and it benefits from exchanges and co-ordination with the member countries. For other areas in radioactive waste management, e.g. vitrification, one relies upon the technology which is commercially available elsewhere. Since 1981 the complete area of radioactive waste management is supervised and co-ordinated by the State Organization NIRAS/ONDRAF