Waste Technology Section
International Radioactive Waste Technical Committee (WATEC)
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Quarterly newsletter from the Division of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology is available in NEFW Newsletters.
WTS Monthly Highlights
DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE
An international workshop on Experience in Corrective Actions at Near Surface Repositories grading disposal facilities was hosted by PURAM, Hungary, in Budapest on 12-13 June 2007. 17 participants from both implementing and regulating institutions from 11 European countries and 2 IAEA staff members exchanged their experience in retrieving waste, their characterisation, repacking and in upgrading disposal and storage facilities. The workshop completed a TC project HUN4015 on Technical Assistance in Safety Enhancement of the Near-surface Repository in Püspökszilágy and included technical visit to the facility where the corrective actions have been initiated this year.
WATEC ANNUAL MEETING
WATEC held its annual meeting 29 May – 1 June 2007, with the participation all 19 committee members and invited observers from NEA and WNA.
Prior to the meeting a questionnaire on topics within WATEC’s mandate had been sent to WATEC members for collecting information on the status in Member States and current challenges and trends. Furthermore, the questionnaire addressed the Member States expectations on IAEA for guidance and assistance.
The meeting was focused on the following topical sessions:
- Technical Cooperation
- Cooperation with international organizations
- Pre-disposal
- Disposal
- Decommissioning of Installations
- Environmental remediation and NORM Management
- Management of Disused Sealed Sources
- NE publications and RWM Information Systems
WATEC was also up-dated on the Waste Technology Section’s (WTS) organization, and Programme and Budget 2008-2009. In addition WATEC was briefly informed about the Waste Safety Section’s activities.
Following the meeting, WATEC provided a report containing a summary of each of the sessions mentioned above, including conclusions made by the committee, some general observations and identification of issues proposed for SAGNE’s consideration. One of the main issues raised by WATEC deals with the sustainability of the source management program. According to the committee’s recommendation, unnecessary uncertainties in funding could be avoided if this program were included in the regular IAEA budget.