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Cedric J Sallaberry - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • uncertainty and sensitivity analysis in performance assessment for the proposed high level Radioactive Waste Repository at yucca mountain nevada
    Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 2012
    Co-Authors: Jon C Helton, Clifford W Hansen, Cedric J Sallaberry
    Abstract:

    Abstract Extensive work has been carried out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the development of a proposed geologic Repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada, for the disposal of high-level Radioactive Waste. As part of this development, a detailed performance assessment (PA) for the YM Repository was completed in 2008 and supported a license application by the DOE to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the construction of the YM Repository. The following aspects of the 2008 YM PA are described in this presentation: (i) conceptual structure and computational organization, (ii) uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques in use, (iii) uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for physical processes, and (iv) uncertainty and sensitivity analysis for expected dose to the reasonably maximally exposed individual (RMEI) specified the NRC’s regulations for the YM Repository.

  • conceptual basis for the definition and calculation of expected dose in performance assessments for the proposed high level Radioactive Waste Repository at yucca mountain nevada
    Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 2009
    Co-Authors: Jon C Helton, Cedric J Sallaberry
    Abstract:

    Abstract A deep geologic Repository for high-level Radioactive Waste is under development by the US Department of Energy (DOE) at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada. As mandated in the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency has promulgated public health and safety standards (i.e., 40 CFR Part 197) for the YM Repository, and the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has promulgated licensing standards (i.e., 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc.) consistent with 40 CFR Part 197 that the DOE must establish are met in order for the YM Repository to be licensed for operation. Important requirements in 40 CFR Part 197 and 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc. relate to the determination of expected (i.e., mean) dose to a reasonably maximally exposed individual (RMEI) and the incorporation of uncertainty into this determination. This paper is the first part of a two-part presentation and describes how general and typically nonquantitative statements in 40 CFR Part 197 and 10 CFR Parts 2, 19, 20, etc. can be given a formal mathematical structure that facilitates both the calculation of expected dose to the RMEI and the appropriate separation in this calculation of aleatory uncertainty (i.e., randomness in the properties of future occurrences such as igneous and seismic events) and epistemic uncertainty (i.e., lack of knowledge about quantities that are imprecisely known but assumed to have constant values in the calculation of expected dose to the RMEI). The second part of this presentation is contained in the following paper, “Computational Implementation of Sampling-Based Approaches to the Calculation of Expected Dose in Performance Assessments for the Proposed High-Level Radioactive Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada,” and both describes and illustrates sampling-based procedures for the estimation of expected dose and the determination of the uncertainty in estimates for expected dose.

Pa Fokker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Geomechanical validation
    2018
    Co-Authors: Li Y., Vardon P.j., Hart J, Pa Fokker
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321dRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Netherlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research programme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits-Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour
    2017
    Co-Authors: Vardon P.j., Buragohain Poly, Hart J, Pa Fokker, Graham C
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321cRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour
    Delft University of Technology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Vardon P.j., Buragohain Poly, Hart J, Pa Fokker, Graham C
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321cRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl.Geo-engineerin

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Tunnel crossings
    2017
    Co-Authors: Yuan Jun, Vardon P.j., Hart J, Pa Fokker
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321bRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Plugs and seals
    2017
    Co-Authors: Yuan Jun, Vardon P.j., Hart J, Pa Fokker
    Abstract:

    Radioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

Paul Slovic - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • yucca mountain a crisis for policy prospects for america s high level nuclear Waste program
    Annual Review of Energy and The Environment, 1995
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, Paul Slovic
    Abstract:

    The federal government's attempts to site a permanent high-level Radioactive Waste Repository have been frustrating and so far unsuccessful. Many of the problems were recognized more than a decade ago. In 1982, the US Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and established a program to site and develop an underground Repository. By 1987, this program was widely considered to be a failure. It was plagued by public opposition, intergovernmental conflict, poor management, scientific questions and concerns, and substantial cost overruns. In December 1987 Congress amended the act and selected Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the only location to be studied as a potential Repository. This halted further work on other potential sites in the western US, the eastern US sites for a second Repository, and the monitored retrievable system facility that the US Department of Energy (DOE) wanted to locate in Tennessee. These amendments did not address the basic causes for the fail ures between 1983 and 1987. As a result,...

  • decidedly different expert and public views of risks from a Radioactive Waste Repository
    Risk Analysis, 1993
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, Paul Slovic, C K Mertz
    Abstract:

    A questionnaire with items that had been used in a national survey of the general public was administered to persons attending an American Nuclear Society meeting. The items asked about risks associated with high-level nuclear Waste (HLNW), trust in nuclear-Waste program managers, costs and benefits of a Repository project, and images of a HLNW Repository. The results suggest that nuclear industry experts may have very different opinions from the general public about most of these items and their images of a Repository indicate a vastly different conceptual framework within which their opinions are formed. 8 refs., 4 tabs.

  • trust as a determinant of opposition to a high level Radioactive Waste Repository analysis of a structural model
    Risk Analysis, 1992
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, William J Burns, C K Mertz, Paul Slovic
    Abstract:

    Residents in the State of Nevada hold strong opinions about the federal government`s proposal to site the nation`s first high-level Radioactive Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain. The model developed in this study is designed to examine the relationship between public perceptions of risk, trust in risk management, and potential economic impacts of the current Repository program using a confirmatory multivariate method known as covariance structure analysis. The data used to test the model was collected in a 1989 statewide survey of Nevada residents. The results indicate that, for a statewide sample, perceptions of potential economic benefits do not have a significant role in predicting support or opposition to the Repository program. On the other hand, risk perceptions and the level of trust in Repository management are closely related to each other and to positions on Yucca Mountain. Trust directly influences risk perceptions which, in turn, have a direct effect on the attitude toward the Repository, and an indirect effect through perceived stigma effects. 45 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.

James Flynn - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • yucca mountain a crisis for policy prospects for america s high level nuclear Waste program
    Annual Review of Energy and The Environment, 1995
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, Paul Slovic
    Abstract:

    The federal government's attempts to site a permanent high-level Radioactive Waste Repository have been frustrating and so far unsuccessful. Many of the problems were recognized more than a decade ago. In 1982, the US Congress passed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and established a program to site and develop an underground Repository. By 1987, this program was widely considered to be a failure. It was plagued by public opposition, intergovernmental conflict, poor management, scientific questions and concerns, and substantial cost overruns. In December 1987 Congress amended the act and selected Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the only location to be studied as a potential Repository. This halted further work on other potential sites in the western US, the eastern US sites for a second Repository, and the monitored retrievable system facility that the US Department of Energy (DOE) wanted to locate in Tennessee. These amendments did not address the basic causes for the fail ures between 1983 and 1987. As a result,...

  • decidedly different expert and public views of risks from a Radioactive Waste Repository
    Risk Analysis, 1993
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, Paul Slovic, C K Mertz
    Abstract:

    A questionnaire with items that had been used in a national survey of the general public was administered to persons attending an American Nuclear Society meeting. The items asked about risks associated with high-level nuclear Waste (HLNW), trust in nuclear-Waste program managers, costs and benefits of a Repository project, and images of a HLNW Repository. The results suggest that nuclear industry experts may have very different opinions from the general public about most of these items and their images of a Repository indicate a vastly different conceptual framework within which their opinions are formed. 8 refs., 4 tabs.

  • trust as a determinant of opposition to a high level Radioactive Waste Repository analysis of a structural model
    Risk Analysis, 1992
    Co-Authors: James Flynn, William J Burns, C K Mertz, Paul Slovic
    Abstract:

    Residents in the State of Nevada hold strong opinions about the federal government`s proposal to site the nation`s first high-level Radioactive Waste Repository at Yucca Mountain. The model developed in this study is designed to examine the relationship between public perceptions of risk, trust in risk management, and potential economic impacts of the current Repository program using a confirmatory multivariate method known as covariance structure analysis. The data used to test the model was collected in a 1989 statewide survey of Nevada residents. The results indicate that, for a statewide sample, perceptions of potential economic benefits do not have a significant role in predicting support or opposition to the Repository program. On the other hand, risk perceptions and the level of trust in Repository management are closely related to each other and to positions on Yucca Mountain. Trust directly influences risk perceptions which, in turn, have a direct effect on the attitude toward the Repository, and an indirect effect through perceived stigma effects. 45 refs., 2 figs., 5 tabs.

Vardon P.j. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Geomechanical validation
    Delft University of Technology, 2018
    Co-Authors: Li Y., Vardon P.j., Hart Jaap, Fokker, Peter A.
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321dRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Netherlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research programme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits-Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl.Geo-engineerin

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Geomechanical validation
    2018
    Co-Authors: Li Y., Vardon P.j., Hart J, Pa Fokker
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321dRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Netherlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research programme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits-Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour
    2017
    Co-Authors: Vardon P.j., Buragohain Poly, Hart J, Pa Fokker, Graham C
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321cRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour
    Delft University of Technology, 2017
    Co-Authors: Vardon P.j., Buragohain Poly, Hart J, Pa Fokker, Graham C
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321cRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl.Geo-engineerin

  • Technical feasibility of a Dutch Radioactive Waste Repository in Boom Clay: Tunnel crossings
    2017
    Co-Authors: Yuan Jun, Vardon P.j., Hart J, Pa Fokker
    Abstract:

    OPERA-PU-TUD321bRadioactive substances and ionizing radiation are used in medicine, industry, agriculture, re- search, education and electricity production. This generates Radioactive Waste. In the Neth- erlands, this Waste is collected, treated and stored by COVRA (Centrale Organisatie Voor Radioactief Afval). After interim storage for a period of at least 100 years Radioactive Waste is intended for disposal. There is a world-wide scientific and technical consensus that geological disposal represents the safest long-term option for Radioactive Waste. Geological disposal is emplacement of Radioactive Waste in deep underground formations. The goal of geological disposal is long-term isolation of Radioactive Waste from our living environ- ment in order to avoid exposure of future generations to ionising radiation from the Waste. OPERA (OnderzoeksProgramma Eindberging Radioactief Afval) is the Dutch research pro- gramme on geological disposal of Radioactive Waste. Within OPERA, researchers of different organisations in different areas of expertise will cooper- ate on the initial, conditional Safety Cases for the host rocks Boom Clay and Zechstein rock salt. As the Radioactive Waste disposal process in the Netherlands is at an early, conceptual phase and the previous research programme has ended more than a decade ago, in OPERA a first preliminary or initial safety case will be developed to structure the research necessary for the eventual development of a Repository in the Netherlands. The safety case is conditional since only the long-term safety of a generic Repository will be assessed. OPERA is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and the public limited liability company Electriciteits- Produktiemaatschappij Zuid-Nederland (EPZ) and coordinated by COVRA. Further details on OPERA and its outcomes can be accessed at www.covra.nl