International Approaches for Deep Geological Disposal of Nuclear Waste
Geological Challenges in Radioactive Waste Isolation – Fifth Worldwide Review
Special Discussion Sessions
Special Discussion Session 1. Summary of various disposal geological media and relevant technical issues
Moderator: Jens Birkholzer (LBNL)
There are multiple ways to achieve safe and effective long-term isolation, and many concepts can work well. Different geological media have been proposed and explored for deep geologic disposal of radioactive wastes. In many countries and over a long time, considerable efforts have gone into understanding various potential disposal media. Read more>>
Special Discussion Session 2. How long will the dry storage systems last and what are implications for disposal programs?
Moderator: Tom Isaacs
During the 2000s, dry storage systems were used in many countries. Spent nuclear-reactor fuel is being moved from the spent-fuel pools where it must spend its first few years to on-site dry-cask storage canisters. This technology is now mature, with several vendors and many years of experience in manufacturing, installation, and monitoring. Read more>>
Special Discussion Session 3. Deep Boreholes
Moderator: David Sassani (SNL)
For many years, the idea of using very deep boreholes to dispose of radioactive waste has been discussed, and several specific design ideas have been developed on paper. Several deep boreholes were drilled, for example, the deep borehole technology was tested many years ago in Soviet times, when the USSR used very deep boreholes to dispose of various radioactive wastes at sites in central Russia. Read more>>
Special Discussion Session 4. Duration of the period of regulatory concern – technical issues and regulatory policy
Panel: Peter Swift (SNL) and Mark Jensen (NWMO, Canada)
For a mined repository for deep geologic disposal of radioactive wastes, various countries have adopted (or proposed) a variety of different durations for the period of regulatory concern. This is defined as the period over which the repository’s performance must be demonstrated in order to obtain a regulatory approval to proceed with the repository. Read more>>