Technological Implications of International Safeguards for Geological Disposal of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste

This publication addresses the potential technological implications for an operator when meeting IAEA requirements on the transfer of spent nuclear fuel and other safeguarded radioactive waste to a geological repository. These implications are based on both waste management and safeguards issues. All phases of the repository lifetime are considered, from conception and design through to post-operational oversight. The potential impact of the applied technical measures on the safe operation of the facility is given particular attention. Guidance is based on a generic design with a focus on the features likely to be relevant when meeting safeguards requirements. The conclusions drawn in this publication indicate, to the waste management community at large, how safeguards requirements could be met effectively within the constraints of safety and acceptable performance.