Scientific and Technical Basis for the Near Surface Disposal of Low and Intermediate Level Waste

This comprehensive report discusses, in a generic sense, the scientific and technical basis for the disposal of low and intermediate level waste in near surface repositories. It is based on the experience of Member States with operational disposal facilities and on relevant national and international research and development studies. It focuses on basic principles, approaches, methodologies and technical criteria considered to be important for the design and safe operation of a near surface disposal facility, and for providing a convincing safety case that also covers the periods following repository closure and the end of institutional controls. Contents: 1. Introduction; 2. Near surface disposal concepts; 3. Near field; 4. Far field; 5. Biosphere; 6. Confidence in repository performance and safety; 7. Summary and conclusions.