ESTABLISHING A STORE BASELINE DURING INTERIM STORAGE OF WASTE PACKAGES AND A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR BASELINING

摘要

Interim storage is an essential component of the waste management lifecycle, providing a safe, secure environment for waste packages awaiting final disposal. In order to be able to monitor and detect change or degradation of the waste packages, storage building or equipment, it is necessary to know the original condition of these components (the "waste-storage system"). This paper presents an approach to establishing the baseline for a waste-storage system, and provides guidance on the selection and implementation of potential baselining technologies. The approach is made up of two sections; assessment of baselining needs and definition of baselining approach. During the assessment of baselining needs a review of available monitoring data and store/package records should be undertaken (if the store is operational). Evolutionary processes (affecting safety functions), and their corresponding indicators, that can be measured to provide a baseline for the waste-storage system should then be identified in order for the most suitable indicators to be selected for baselining. In defining the approach, identification of opportunities to collect data and constraints is undertaken before selecting the techniques for baselining and developing a baselining plan. Baselining data may be used to establish that the state of the packages is consistent with the waste acceptance criteria for the storage facility and to support the interpretation of monitoring and inspection data collected during store operations. Opportunities and constraints are identified for different store and package types. Technologies that could potentially be used to measure baseline indicators are also reviewed.