Cutting-edge technologies

Low llevel radioactive wastes are generated from reactor sources as well as fsrom non-reactor sources. In recent years, about 50,000 m³ per year of such wastes have been generated in the USA and about 10,000 m³ per year in Canada. Direct disposal of these wasters in shallow ground has been a favoured method in both countries in the past. However, with recent advances in waste management. technologies are being applied to achieve optimum goals in terms of protection of human health and safety and the environment, as well as cost-effectiveness. These technologies must be applied from the generation sources through waste minimization and optimum segregation-followed by waste processing, conditioning, storage, and disposal. A number of technologies are available and can be applied as appropriate, given the physical, chemical, and radiological characteristics of the waste. Interim and retrievable storage can be accomplished in a wide variety of storage structures, and several types of engineered disposal facility designs are now available. By applying an integrated approach to radioactive waste management. potential advers impacts on human health and safety and the environment can be minimized.