Management and final disposal of very-low-level radioactive waste

Short-lived very-low-level waste is not very dangerous. However, when managing this type of waste, the radiation safety requirements must be observed. Various substances which are used in nuclear power plants such as metal, wood, paper, concrete, and suchlike could be examples of this type of waste. Short-lived very-low-level waste is disposed of in repositories constructed on the earth surface. The disposal of this type of waste is very simple. The waste is placed either in crates or polyethylene bags, these are covered with sand and a layer of special impervious substance, and then with natural soil. The waste disposed of in this way no longer poses danger to humans and the environment.

Picture 1: A near-surface repository for very-low-level short-lived radioactive waste.

In Lithuania a near-surface repository will be constructed in the area of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The designing works of the repository have already commenced. The repository is foreseen to be finished and start its operation as early as in 2012.

The repository for short-lived very-low-level radioactive waste will be operated by State Enterprise Radioactive Waste Management Agency (RATA). RATA will be responsible for safety of the repository. It will inspect radioactive waste packages and will ensure that the repository is properly loaded and sealed. For that purpose a shelter resistant to atmospheric effects will be used. RATA will also undertake post-closure surveillance of the repository. It will observe the state of the repository and the environment, will conduct systematically radiological measurements of the environment, will keep records concerning the waste disposed of.