Current status of LILW repository site selection process in Slovenia

Slovenia, as a radioactive waste producer, needs a permanent solution for different types of radioactive waste. In the first place a repository for low and intermediate level waste (LILW) should be constructed. This is specially true because of the shortage of storage space in LILW storage at NPP in Krsko. It has been estimated that at the same rate of waste production the storage will be fully occupied in few years. By further improvements in waste treatment and reduction of waste it is expected to extend the storage operation and to gain some additional time for LILW repository construction. Therefore, the Agency for radwaste management (ARAO) which was founded by the Slovenian Government with the assignment to provide conditions for final disposal of radioactive waste, decided to start with works for the LILW disposal. The most sensitive and delicate phase of the disposal project is the site selection. After the failure of first site selection for LILW repository performed between 1990 -1993 by using technical approach with 43 obligatory criteria, ARAO was urged to re-initiate siting based on new findings. The detail analysis of the experiences in the previous LILW repository siting showed that the main reason for the failure of the siting project was inadequate public participation. Information about the project was not sufficient, public participation in site selection process was not established and the representatives of local communities were not regularly informed about the results. Due to insufficient public involvement in the process which is one of the crucial elements of risk perceived projects, public acceptance was not achieved. A new approach to the site selection process known also as combined approach incorporates besides technical screening also negotiations with the host area/community and other elements of public participation which guarantee high public involvement. In the first phase cabinet investigations and rough technical screening of the territory are accomplished. That is followed by negotiations phase with local community/-ies identified in the first phase. In Slovenian site selection approach, negotiation phase is performed by special person known as mediator. The advantage of the combined approach is flexibility, transparency and public involvement from the early stages. ARAO is under new site selection process from 1999 on. In that period conceptual and planning phase of the site selection process was prepared and first results were realized. The approach to the site selection, time schedule and latest results will be presented in the paper.(author)