Applications of nuclear techniques to the assessment and management of environmental impact

The applications of nuclear techniques to environmental assessment and management are discussed within the framework of two of the essential pre-requisites for ecologically sustainable development; the minimisation of waste and the development of acceptable strategies for effluent release to the environment. Particular emphasis is placed on assessment of the future impact of current environmental practices. Three time scales namely, the immediate future (off-shore sewage disposal), the longer term future (global climate change) and the far distant future (radioactive waste disposal) are illustrated with the case studies in parentheses. Particular reference is made to current research at ANSTO. It is noted that despite the enormous advances in observational and computational capabilities, increasing value is being placed on the considered judgment of experts within the framework of good management practice. (author)