Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology


Radioactive waste and spent fuel management in the NW region of the Russian Federation

- An international expert opinion

GOV/INF/XXX
Attachment

  1. As a result of past practices in the management of nuclear materials in the former Soviet Union and, in particular, as a legacy of the cold war a situation with radioactive waste has developed in the Russian Federation, in particular its North-West region, which is a matter of international concern. Unless the situation there is promptly and efficiently addressed, it could impact on peoples and the environment not only of, but also far beyond the Arctic lands and seas of northern Europe. Specifically, immediate attention must be given to improving the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

  2. Two years ago, following an IAEA seminar on the subject in Vienna, an international group of experts - the "CEG" - was set up under the auspices of the IAEA to review the situation concerning radioactive waste management in the Russian Federation and to encourage and facilitate multilateral co-operation on solutions to the various problems identified.

  3. At present, the Expert Group includes representatives from nine countries and their interested private sectors, the European Commission and international research organizations. The Expert Group has acted as a policy and technology information exchange forum and as a catalyst for project integration within its membership and with other internationally sponsored initiatives. Individually and jointly they have made significant investments in assessing the problems posed by civilian and naval spent fuels and radioactive waste, in particular in the North-West region, and support a number of important projects.

  4. After reviewing reports by Russian ministries, institutes and organizations and the results of a number of specialized studies sponsored by CEG members, the Expert Group decided that it should immediately act to focus international co-operation with the Russian Federation on the situation in its North-West region. This decision was strongly endorsed by the Russian Federation which had already highlighted this area as requiring priority action in its own programmes.

  5. The difficulties of managing the spent fuel and radioactive waste in this region have been accentuated by the large numbers of nuclear submarines being taken out of service by the Northern Fleet. The magnitude of the problem and its threat to both man and the environment has been well documented in scientific journals and the Press. A number of bilateral and multilateral studies and projects are making an important contribution towards tackling certain aspects of the problem. They must continue and, wherever possible, be accelerated.

  6. However, what may not be generally appreciated, is that the situation is still getting worse. More submarines are being taken out of service so more and more spent fuel is waiting to be removed and safely managed. Over 150 reactors are already waiting to be defuelled and dismantled. Unfortunately, the Russian facilities for handling this fuel and associated radioactive waste on such a scale are either not available or inadequate. The capacities for treating it are severely limited and those for storing it in the region are virtually non-existent and the possibilities of transporting it both within and to places outside the region are already restricted and are becoming even more so.

  7. Unfortunately, there are a number of impediments to progressing towards the urgent solution. The principle one is availability of funds. The economic situation in the Russian Federation is well known and it is unlikely, if not impossible, that the Russian Government can provide all the necessary financing in the immediate future. Unfortunately, the solution cannot wait for an improvement in the economic situation.

  8. Some funds are available from sources outside the Russian Federation. However, while these are already making an important contribution by building up the vital contacts, know-how and safety culture, they are not sufficient to cover the present needs and are only a small part of what will be needed over the next few years. Promises of support - even at the highest level - need to be backed up in practical terms. Moreover, more effort will be required to address such issues as tax exemptions, liability - in particular nuclear liability - and insurance if the benefits of this money are to be realized.

  9. As recently as September 1997, the new Joint Convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management was opened for signature. The main objective of this important convention is the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste. The international efforts assisting the Russian Federation to solve its urgent radioactive waste problems coincide very closely with the objectives of the Joint Convention.

  10. The issue of spent fuel and radioactive waste management in the North-West region of the Russian Federation is a global one. It is clear that no one country can solve it alone. Nor is it simply a question of increased funding from the West. The most effective solution would be through enhanced cooperation both with and within the Russian Federation with the help of the international financial institutions.

  11. It is recommended that the IAEA:

    • brings to the attention of the Member States the advice of the CEG on this matter and
    • calls on the authorities in the member States to consider means of facilitating the necessary funding and of co-operating in appropriate multilateral activities.