Safety assessment of near surface disposal for radioactive waste in Serpong nuclear area using PRESTO software

An integrated safety assessment system to be used for evaluation of near-surface disposal concept has been developed within the framework of safety assessment methodology taken for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal in Korea. It is to provide an evaluation of the safety of the disposal system in a clear, comprehensive and well-documented manner, and to integrate the results into a defensible package showing reasonable assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements for licensing application. This system is made up of two key components, a system-level safety assessment code and an input database/quality assurance module for safety assessment, which both are interfaced with each other.

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Scenarios and Pathways of Radionuclide Releases from Near-Surface Waste Disposal Facilities: A Brief Overview of Historical Evidence

Nuclear and Radiation Safety ◽

10.32918/nrs.2020.3(87).03 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 21-27

Author(s):

D. Bugai ◽

R. Avila

Keyword(s):

Radioactive Waste ◽

Waste Disposal ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Historical Evidence ◽

Nuclear Facilities ◽

Near Surface ◽

Soil Covers ◽

Low Level ◽

Radionuclide Release ◽

Early Degradation

The very low-level waste (VLLW) produced during decommissioning of nuclear facilities can be suitable for disposal in landfill type facilities. Considering the similarities in design, the experience gained in near-surface disposal of radioactive waste in trenches and vaults is relevant to the issue of VLLW disposal in landfills. This paper presents a brief review of internationally reported cases of radionuclide releases from near-surface disposal facilities. Based on this review, the conclusions are made that the following radionuclide release and exposure scenarios should be accounted for in safety assessment of VLLW disposal in landfills: i) leaching from waste to groundwater by atmospheric precipitations; ii) bath-tubing scenario; iii) scenarios caused by extreme meteorological and hydrological events (erosion, flooding, etc.); iv) human intrusion. The gaseous transport deserves attention for a number of relevant radionuclides, such as (C-14, Rn-222, etc.). In addition, the possibility of early degradation of engineered containment structures (soil covers, bottom seals) should be cautiously considered.

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Safety assessment for near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste

Geological repository systems for safe disposal of spent nuclear fuels and radioactive waste ◽

10.1533/9781845695422.4.522 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 522-546

Author(s):

M. W. KOZAK

Keyword(s):

Radioactive Waste ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Intermediate Level ◽

Near Surface ◽

Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste

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Long-Term Safety Assessment of a (Near-Surface) Short-Lived Radioactive Waste Repository in Lithuania

Nuclear Technology ◽

10.13182/nt08-a3920 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 161 (2) ◽

pp. 156-168 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

J. Mazeika ◽

R. Petrosius ◽

V. Jakimaviciute-Maseliene ◽

D. Baltrunas ◽

K. Mazeika ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radioactive Waste ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Near Surface ◽

Radioactive Waste Repository ◽

Waste Repository

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Performance and Safety Assessment of the Co-Location of the Near Surface Radioactive Waste Disposal Facilities and Borehole Disposal Concept in the Philippines

Volume 1: Low/Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste Management; Spent Fuel, Fissile Material, Transuranic and High-Level Radioactive Waste Management ◽

10.1115/icem2013-96148 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Visitacion Palattao ◽

Edmundo Vargas ◽

Rolando Reyes ◽

Carl Nohay ◽

Alfonso Singayan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radioactive Waste ◽

Water Content ◽

Safety Assessment ◽

Technical Assistance ◽

Clayey Soil ◽

Dispersion Model ◽

The Philippines ◽

Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽

Energy Agency ◽

Near Surface

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) in collaboration with the interagency technical committee on radioactive waste has been undertaking a national project to find a final solution to the country’s low to intermediate level radioactive waste. The strategy adopted was to co-locate 2 disposal concepts that will address the types of radioactive waste generated from the use of radioactive materials. This strategy is expected to compensate for the small volumes of waste generated in the Philippines as compared to countries with big nuclear energy programs. It will also take advantage of the benefits of a shared infrastructure and R&D work that accompany such project. The preferred site selected from previous site selection and investigations is underlain by highly fractured “andesitic volcaniclastics” mantled by residual clayey soil which act as the aquifer or water bearing layer. Results of investigation show that the groundwater in the area is relatively dilute and acidic. Springs at the lower elevations of the footprint also indicate acidic waters. The relatively acidic water is attributed to the formation of sulfuric acid by the oxidation of the pyrite in the andesite. A preliminary post closure safety assessment was carried out using the GMS MODFLOW and HYDRUS softwares purchased through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical assistance. Results from MODFLOW modeling show that the radionuclide transport follows the natural gradient from the top of the hill down to the natural discharge zones. The vault dispersion model shows a circular direction from the vaults towards the faults and eventually to the creeks. The contaminant transport from borehole shows at least one confined plume from the borehole towards the creek designated as Repo1 and eventually follows downstream. The influx of surface water and rainfall to the disposal vault was modeled using the HYDRUS software. The pressure head and water content at the base of the foundation layer and the bottom of the concrete is where a significant reduction in water content can be observed. It is also noted that water content and pressure remain constant after one year.

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