The Concept of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel Management in the Czech Republic
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Radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel are generated in the Czech Republic as a consequence of the peaceful use of nuclear energy and ionising radiation in many industries, particularly in the generation of nuclear energy, health care (therapy, diagnostics), research, and agriculture. The current extent of utilisation of nuclear energy and ionising radiation in the Czech Republic is comparable with that of other developed countries. Compared to other hazardous waste generated by human activity, the amount of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel is relatively small; it makes up hundredths of one percent of the mass of all hazardous waste generated. Certain radioactive waste and, above all, spent nuclear fuel contains a high risk potential, which is why strict management requirements are set out in terms of the technical, professional and financial provision of services. This is one of the reasons why the utilisation of nuclear energy and ionising radiation, as well as radioactive waste management, are subject to state supervision and approval by the State Office for Nuclear Safety. The Concept of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel Management (Concept hereinafter) is a fundamental document formulating government and state authority strategy for the period up to approximately 2025 (affecting policy up to the end of the 21st century), concerning the organizations which generate radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. The Concept puts forward solutions to provide for the disposal of waste in compliance with requirements for the protection of human health and the environment without excessively transferring any of the current impacts of nuclear energy and ionising radiation utilisation to future generations. The Concept has been prepared in compliance with energy policy approved by Government Decree No. 50 of 12th January 2000; preparation of the Concept is required, amongst other reasons in connection with preparations for the Czech Republic's accession to the European Union and in connection with the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management adopted under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which was signed by the Czech Republic in 1997. The objectives of the Concept are as follows:
The Concept proposed here is based on an analysis of current developments and professional forecasts of future trends in the peaceful employment of nuclear energy and ionising radiation. It is based on fifty years of experience of Czech organisations involved in the disposal of radioactive waste and on proven practice, as well as on a modern and complex system of legal regulations that make it possible to perform individual activities in a safe way and which contain sufficient control mechanisms relevant to present-day conditions and into the future. The Concept also takes into account experience and best practice in radioactive waste management in other countries. The Concept respects strategic government policy including: Energy Policy The Concept allows for the possible further development of nuclear energy. It proposes sufficiently flexible solutions, in terms of both technology and time for the back end of the fuel cycle, and the continuous disposal of operational radioactive waste from the energy sector. State Policy for the Environment The Concept respects the principles of sustainable development (e.g. it employs mechanisms to minimize the quantity of radioactive waste and addresses the security of radioactive waste up to the point when it becomes harmless). Former Government resolutions Government resolutions recommended the construction of spent fuel storage facilities at nuclear power plants, in the area of waste management, recommended the disposal of radioactive waste in operational repositories and in the area of spent fuel management, the construction of a deep geological repository was recommended. The Concept applies to the activities of numerous interest groups and organisations, including: The Czech Government and state authorities in general By adopting the Concept the government declares the principles, objectives and priorities for achieving optimum radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management, to be implemented by individual ministries, including the Ministries of Industry and Trade, the Environment and Finance. The State Office for Nuclear Safety The Concept sets out the specific content of those activities subject to legal regulation, thereby providing support for the state supervision of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management. The Radioactive Waste Repository Authority and its supervisory Board (RAWRA) The Concept is a fundamental, strategic document, which will be used as a basis for the preparation of annual, three-yearly and long-term action plans to be presented on an annual basis, together with RAWRA's budget, to the government for approval. These plans will allow RAWRA's Board to evaluate the performance of RAWRA and the fulfilment of targets, and ensure the efficient use of funds from the nuclear account. Generators of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel The Concept provides a decision-making framework for generators of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel concerning their business or production strategies. Institutions Involved in the Development of Methods for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel Using the Concept, research and scientific institutions, universities and other organisations can allocate capacity and systematically prepare for the fulfilment of any requirements arising from the implementation of the concept. The General Public The Concept contains basic information about future intentions and priorities concerning radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management in the Czech Republic. |
