1. IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency Presenter Name School of Drafting Regulations for Borehole Disposal of DSRS 2016 Vienna, Austria Siting Strategies and Investigation for BDC

2. IAEA Introduction The use of radioactive material in research, in industrial, and in medical has led to the generation of small but significant waste volumes. Most States have radioactive waste, but lack the possibility of safe disposal for such waste types. One potential long-term solution is disposal in specially engineered boreholes. The comparative ease of borehole construction and site characterization may make this method of disposal particularly suitable for States.

3. IAEA Introduction (cont.) Requires a national commitment to BDC: Implementation requires a clear commitment from policy makers to BDC disposal of DSRS. Such a commitment should be made formally, either through the national radioactive waste management policy or strategy, or through some other means such as an agreement with the IAEA.

4. IAEA Introduction (cont.) Requires a project proposal that includes: Why the facility is needed. The DSRS to be disposed of. The design of the facility. Why the facility will be safe. The activities that will be required to do the work safely.

5. IAEA Scope of Lecture This lecture is intended to support a practical and systematic approach to decision making for borehole disposal. While BDC may also be suitable for other types of waste, this lecture concentrates on DSRS.

6. IAEA Type of DSRS Best Suited for Borehole Disposal Too long-lived for decay storage (e.g., a half-life greater than a few years). Too long-lived and/or too radioactive to be placed in a simple near surface facility. Small volume waste for which no other disposal facility is available.

7. IAEA Time Required for a Sealed Source to Decay to Exemption Levels

8. IAEA The Typical Radionuclides to be Found in DSRS

9. IAEA The Typical Radionuclides to be Found in DSRS (cont.)

10. IAEA Borehole Disposal Concept A small disposal programme will need less investigation and assessment. The evaluation should include: The site. The design and management options. The system performance. The overall safety.

11. IAEA The Generic Safety Assessment Helps supports site screening. Helps identify radionuclide inventories suitable for disposal. Helps determine suitable levels of engineering. Helps determine suitable site characteristics. Helps determine the need for, and duration of, an institutional control period.

12. IAEA Generic Safety Assessment (Cont.) Helps identify the key parameters that need to be characterized for a site-specific assessment and the extent of site characterization required. Helps provide a basis, consistent with good practice, for any site-specific assessment that might be undertaken. Helps build confidence in that site-specific assessment.

13. IAEA Site Selection In locating a suitable BDC disposal, due consideration should be given to: Scientific. Technical. Socioeconomic. Planning factors.

14. IAEA Identification of Existing Sources (Databases, Satellite Imagery and Aerial Surveys) Topography. Geology. Climate/rainfall. Hydrology/drainage. Meteorology (especially long-term data). Population. Soil type. Land ownership and use. Conservation areas (e.g., national parks).

15. IAEA Site Characteristics The following topics should be considered: Hydrogeology. Geology. Geochemistry. Tectonics and seismicity. Surface processes. Meteorology. Climate and the impact of human activities.

16. IAEA Field Activities Confirmation by surface mapping of the geological structure and hydrogeology. Drilling at least one investigatory borehole. Drilled rock samples should be characterized and preserved. Drilling should include water sampling using flowmeter measurements and standard geophysical logging. Characterization of the biosphere (land use, habits of the local population, including foodstuffs and water sources.

17. IAEA Site Selection Shortlist Remember that site selection is never about finding the safest site, but rather about finding one that meets the requirements for safety. The BDC borehole is designed to tolerate a wide range of geological and climatic conditions and most sites will be capable of meeting the safety requirements. A good site should have stable geology, suitable geochemistry, low water flow at depth, and reasonable accessibility; it should not be subject to rapid erosion or flooding and there should be no natural resources.

18. IAEA Factors That Could Eliminate a Site

19. IAEA Site Ranking Issues Are there: Issues related to the ease of demonstrating compliance (geological and hydrogeological complexity, and significant knowledge gaps)? Issues related to cost and convenience (accessibility, travel distance from the waste storage sites, availability of utilities)? Social factors such as sites with cultural, religious, social, or scientific value ?

20. IAEA Independent Review and Assessment Independent review/assessment should judge whether: The safety requirements will be complied with. The safety case contains sufficient detail. The data and information presented are sufficiently accurate. The safety case demonstrates that the design has been optimized and that the safety objectives/criteria will be met. The management system(s) preservation of records are adequate.

21. IAEA Thank you!