AECL's activities in the management of low-level radioactive wastes in Canada

Low-level radioactive waste-management operations at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories (CRNL) of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) began in 1946 and currently include waste processing and interim storage in engineered facilities built in unsaturated sandy overburden. The wastes include low- and intermediate-level solid wastes generated on the CRNL site and shipped there from the nuclear industry, radioisotope producers and users across Canada. In addition, a development program has been underway for about ten years directed at preparations for a transition from the current storage mode to one of permanent disposal. The program is directed at improving waste characterization and processing, and at the development of disposal concepts potentially suitable for the local geological situation. The initial emphasis is on intrusion-resistant shallow land burial. Also of importance is the parallel development of safety-assessment methodologies. The overall objective is to construct and operate prototype facilities at CRNL as a component of an evolving integrated disposal strategy. 16 references