Low and intermediate level waste management in EDF PWRs

This paper aims to explain how Electricite de France as owner and plant operator of nuclear power stations generating wastes has improved its management to meet its obligations which are the protection of man and preservation of the environment. Beyond the technical aspects (reducing liquid effluents and sorting waste at source for example) which have led to a significant decrease of radioactive waste volumes, continued success depends on planned management initiatives. These include computerized waste management and will be completed finally by setting up centralized treatment methods such as fusion and incineration. To provide packages in accordance with French specifications for final near-surface disposal, EDF has applied the same quality approach to radioactive waste management as that used for other operating actions. Management decisions taken mainly coordinate around two axes, namely ''accountability'' and ''organisation''. (orig.)