Experience in the Management of Radioactive Waste After Nuclear Accidents : A Basis for Preplanning

In rare nuclear or radiological accidents, vast amounts of heterogeneous radioactive waste may overwhelm established management systems. Drawing on lessons from past incidents, the publication offers guidance for governmental agencies and nuclear facilities to preplan and tackle challenges in waste disposal and emergency response.

Major accidents at a nuclear power plant or fuel cycle facility are rare but can produce large quantities of radioactive waste with widely varying characteristics that can be difficult to manage. Large volumes of radioactive waste can also be generated by accidents at military installations or by the mishandling high-activity-sealed radiation sources. In the case of a major accident, radioactive waste volumes may quickly overwhelm existing national management and disposal infrastructure. Appropriate disposal facilities might not be available to match the amounts or characteristics of the wastes. This publication is developed to support Member States efforts towards improved preparedness related to the management of radioactive waste in the event of a nuclear or radiological accident. It builds on experiences gained following historic accidents to develop lessons learned, which planners in governmental agencies and nuclear facilities are encouraged to consider in preplanning activities.