Alternatives RWM strategies (ASTRA)

Objectives

Analysis of readiness, feasibility and challenges of alternative RWM solutions needed by many countries, in particular SIMS, but also larger programmes due to new requests accruing in national programmes to safely manage and dispose of their waste.

Description of the WP

Alternative RWM strategies need to be considered for waste types which do not currently have available WM routes or where WM routes could be optimised for challenging waste forms or where the originally proposed/considered disposal solution in the frame of national concept is updated. These include storage lifetime prolongation, alternative WM solutions (including deep borehole disposal and internationally shared waste management solutions) and topics challenging to SIMS, such as disposal of waste bearing naturally occurring long-lived radionuclides (Depleted Uranium-DU, U, Th, Ra). Alternative strategies can be considered by countries at different stages of programmes and with different volumes of waste. Such strategies were little addressed in EURAD1. Sources for ASTRA include: 

• Ideas from the EURAD1 WP ROUTES.
• Issues identified in EC Waste Directive national reports and available other sources.
• Cross cutting topics such as the need for interactions with Civil Society and Knowledge Management. 

ASTRA will contribute to identification of R&D needs and optimisation of national waste management programmes.

Outcomes

The expected outcomes serve all three drivers equally:

• Innovation for Optimisation: ensure Member States to advance in optimisation and implementations of their programmes, in particular for SIMS, by setting methods and processes which enable early-stage programmes to progress based on lessons learned by advanced programmes. Also, pathways for implementation of shared RWM solutions to be investigated.
• Tailored solutions: enable platform/forum for a community of practice between LIMS and SIMS to share future disposal strategies and to discuss the associated difficulties, especially for SIMS, to support the cost effective RWM solutions. Consolidation of learning internationally on lifecycle management of wastes containing high concentrations of long-lived naturally occurring radionuclides (and in particular DU), leading to optimised reuse, packaging and disposal concepts relevant to countries having varying amounts of such wastes. Identification of the elements of a safety case methodology applicable to such wastes. Identification of DBD as option for specific waste groups.
• Social Engagement: assure structured interactions between actors, including CS and help to foster mutual understanding and trust about how the RWM is selected and implemented.