The management of radioactive wastes resulting from emergency situations on land and sea.

Abstract

The term 'emergency' applies to unplanned events that have generated, or had the potential to generate, radioactive wastes that could not be handled locally. Reports of past emergencies form the basis for discussion of future trends in emergency situations, the factors that influence waste management, the technology of waste management and personnel requirements. The number of past emergencies has been small and these have not increased the volume of radioactive wastes significantly. The majority of future emergencies are likely to be associated with reactors as they have been in the past. Little change in the nature of the waste is expected, although the greater use of separated plutonium may create some new problems. The factors that influence emergency waste management fall into two categories, those that are concerned with the location of the emergency event, and those concerned with the characteristics of the wastes. As in the past, it can be expected that in most emergencies proven waste management techniques will be adapted to suit the local circumstances but there is a need for simpler and more economic methods. Trained personnel and comprehensive planning are cited as key factors in successful waste management operations.