Considerations of spatial and ecological aspects of the security of nuclear facilities in Serbia

Abstract

The aspect of environmental protection and environmental security is significantly represented within spatial planning and is increasingly gaining importance. Environmental safety is part of overall safety and poses an absence of threats of harm and endangerment to the environment and population. Spatial and urban planning should be seen as an integrated and comprehensive process, in which all mutual conditions are considered and conflict situations in the space are addressed. The paper analyzed an example of the existing location of a radioactive waste storage facility at the Vinča complex, located only 12 km from the centre of Belgrade, posing a major security risk. International criteria and conditions for nuclear sites have been systematized and an overview of spatial conditions from the aspect of geological and hydrological conditions, protection of space, population sprawl, settlements and facilities, etc. The initial hypothesis has been proven that the Vinča site and its environment are not suitable for disposal of radioactive waste and that it is necessary to comply with general conditions related to spatial development of nuclear sites and radiation protection. The work provides recommendations for further spatial development and protection on the site Vinča and its immediate surroundings.