1. REGULATORY ASPECTS OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN TURKEY Dr
REGULATORY ASPECTS OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN TURKEY Dr. Özge ÜNVER Turkish Atomic Energy Authority Ankara/ TURKEY
SUMMARY:
Information about the regulatory structure concerning radioactive waste and spent fuel management, together with current nuclear programme including ongoing projects in Turkey is presented in this poster. This poster intends to show the legal responsibilities of different stakeholders involved and to present national regulations and policies for the radioactive waste and spent fuel management.
Turkish Atomic Energy Authority being nuclear regulatory body of Turkey is responsible for regulating radioactive wastes and spent fuels. In Turkey, currently there are 2 research reactors, a laboratory scale fuel pilot facility and radioactive waste processing and storage facility commissioned long years ago. Furthermore, there are ongoing projects at the early stage of licensing; a uranium mining facility in Temrezli/Yozgat, and 2 nuclear power plants in Sinop and Akkuyu, the latter being ahead of the others in the licensing, will be constructed. As to 3. NPP negotiatioins are ongoing. No site was specified.
The main regulation on radioactive waste management is “Regulation on Radioactive Waste Management” which is thoroughly in line with IAEA documents and Council Directive 2011/70/EURATOM in terms of technical aspects, and covers spent fuels as well. Radioactive wastes are classified only for disposal purpose. High level radioactive wastes shall only be disposed in deep geological repositories, and disposal of them in borehole disposal facilities is forbidden. Selection of processing methods is left to operators as long as its safety is demonstrated to TAEA. Taking passive safety measures in RWM facilities from design to closure is emphasized, as well. Radioactive releases are also governed by this regulation.
Clearance is also regulated in “Regulation on Clearance in Nuclear Facilities and Release of Site from Regulatory Control”. “Regulation on Radioactive Waste Arising from Usage of Radioactive Materials” covers provisions on wastes originating from medical and industrial usage, excluding those arising from nuclear fuel cycle. Radioactive waste management policy issues are partially addressed in Regulation on Radioactive Waste Management. Intergovernmental agreements signed for Sinop and Akkuyu NPPs some provisions for funding. Excluded aspects regarding the policy such as establishment of national waste organisation, responsibilities of government, and detailed funding arrangements, etc. are planned to be covered in Draft Nuclear Energy Law. Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management is waiting in the Parliament for ratification.