Hydrogeological Investigation of Sites for the Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Related Environmental Issues / Environmental Impact - Cases, Nuclear Wastes (Used Fuel)

Date posted: 03/16/10

IAEA TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 391 -1999 A geological disposal system for radioactive waste is a system of natural and engineered barriers whose function is to isolate the waste from humans and the environment. The natural barriers include the host rock and surrounding geological formations, including the ground-water systems and the geochemical systems of the minerals and ground water. The engineered barriers include the conditioned waste form, the waste package, any external buffer or overpack used to protect the waste package, backfill material (if needed) and seals, placed in the underground openings, boreholes and shafts. Together, these barriers should combine to limit, over sufficiently long time periods, the radiological impact to the levels prescribed by national authorities.