Site selection for Croatian low and intermediate level radioactive waste repository

Abstract

Radioactive waste disposal and management presents a unique problem at the Krško nuclear power plant as it is built and co-owned by the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Slovenia. Each country is responsible for the management of half of the low-and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILW) and spent nuclear fuel (SNF). So far, Slovenia has officially selected the site for LILW disposal and the Croatian programme has a single location left (since 1999), not officially approved as acceptable. This paper contains a new approach to site selection related to the implementation of GIS technology and presents a map of potential areas for LILW disposal including only the remaining Croatian location. It was constructed based on eleven layers that include natural characteristics and anthropogenic pressures. For the construction of the main map, detailed topological checks and spatial analysis of polygons have been made, reducing potential areas to be further evaluated.

Improved Conceptual Design of Lilw Repository

“…Considering the Croatian geological environment, climate, and other factors for the disposal facility site selection (Perković et al, 2020), the probable concept for the disposal facility in Croatia will be either a "Surface concrete vault", a "Near-surface closed concrete vault" or a "Deeper concrete vault" (see Table 2). The selection of these concepts lies in the existing plans for the construction of the future LILW repository in Croatia (Schaller, 1997), and that some concepts are outdated and cannot be considered safe enough (Trench -unlined; Trench -lined; Mound; Near-surface domed concrete vault ; Near-surface open concrete vault), potentially intended for small amounts of material (Shallow borehole; Deep borehole), there are no suitable facilities in Croatia (Deeper underground space -converted mine) or the conceptual solution assumes high investments, may include potential problems with the complex geological environment or complex geotechnical works (Deeper concrete vault; Underground silo; Shallow underground space; Deeper underground space -purpose-built tunnel/cavern; Deeper underground space -purpose-built silo).…”

Regional scale screening of selected regions of Bangladesh to identify potential sites for the disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive waste

“…5 Social/ economical Buildingsfacilities-build up areas (area) (km) A waste disposal site for hazardous waste such as soil contaminated by depleted uranium (DU) should be located at least 500 m away from the permanently populated area [21]. The protection of cultural heritage from RW repository should be maintained [22]. Therefore, 500 m buffer was considered as excluded area for monument sub-criterion.…”