Environmental potential of the Serpong nuclear areas and safety evaluation for the site of borehole disposal facility for used radiation sources waste

Disposal of used radiation sources (DSRS) still faces several obstacles, among others, because DSRS generally have a long half-life, high levels of gamma-photon radiation, difficult options for returning to the country of manufacture, and activity that exceeds the limit for shallow land disposal. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a disposal system for DSRS waste with small-scale facilities that are economical, meet worker, community and environmental safety standards. The answer to this problem is the concept of borehole disposal (BHD). This study focuses on evaluating the environmental potential of the Serpong Nuclear Area (KNS) for the BHD facility site and its safety according to the IAEA standard, namely borehole disposal of disused sealed sources (BOSS). Environmental evaluation of KNS is carried out by characterization and evaluation of geological and non-geological environmental safety for BHD sites according to IAEA standards. In general, the results of the evaluation of environmental parameters against the criteria for the disposal site indicate a suitability. However, there are several parameters that need to be given a technological solution (engineered barrier) so that the site's function as a natural barrier can be fulfilled. Some of these technological solutions include waste packaging (capsules and containers), buffer and backfill materials, borehole linings (casing), basement plug and upper/cover plug installation. The results of the safety assessment using Borehole Disposal Concept (BDS) scoping tools show that the BHD facility concept at the KNS site is included in the green zone which means it is safe, with a maximum total dose value of 7.2e-9 Sv/y in 46,678y. Using the BOSS standard system with the addition of an engineered barrier, the site location at KNS meets the criteria and has the potential for placement of the DSRS waste borehole disposal facility. (author)