Engineering challenges - like nuclear waste disposal

The engineer is also a designer and wants the component or object being engineered to be effective for its task, soundly constructed, easily maintained, aesthetically presented; all its functions technically assessed and capable of efficient and cost effective production. Nowadays, when engineers are no longer thought of as specialists, there is also the expectation, by the general public, of accountability. This article discusses what is meant by being accountable to society in general. The example considered is of a nuclear waste depository where many considerations have to be taken into account - for example, geology, containment, security, good transport facilities, good handling equipment, adequate radiation monitoring, decontamination facilities. As well as these, and the satisfying of regulations laid down, the repository engineer/designer must also take account of protesters, consider their arguments and incorporate them into the design, if appropriate. (UK)