INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND PARTNERSHIPS AT THE U.S. DOE CARLSBAD FIELD OFFICE

摘要

The U.S. Department of Energy`s (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office (CBFO) administers the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), which is the only currently operating, deep-geological nuclear repository in the world. The WIPP provides for the safe disposal of U.S. long-lived, defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste and is located 42 kilometers (km) east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. At WIPP are surface and subsurface facilities designed to facilitate the safe handling and disposal of TRU waste. The WIPP began receiving waste in March 1999. During the 35-year disposal phase, continued investigations into certain scientific issues will allow the CBFO to develop more detailed knowledge which could enhance WIPP operations and performance. This is true of activities which will be conducted over the life of the operation or implemented late in the operational life. To facilitate gathering of scientific information in a more effective and efficient manner, the CBFO has developed an international cooperative program. The purpose of this program is to promote solutions to nuclear waste management issues. This consists of three parts: 1. The timely and cost-effective acquisition of data and information enhancing the assurance and confidence in the CBFO’s safe operation, closure, and decommissioning of the WIPP site; 2. The timely and cost-effective sharing of WIPP data and information with other similar programs; and 3. Vigorous, timely, and cost-effective international outreach promoting (a) the recognition of the CBFO as an international leader, peer, broker, source, and resource in radioactive waste management and disposal, and (b) Carlsbad/WIPP-based multi-national collaborations and partnerships. Cooperative activities will include joint experiments, personnel exchanges, technical exchanges, and international organizations` workshops and meetings. In some areas of broad international interest, the CBFO has developed a leading expertise through its 25-year WIPP repository and TRU waste characterization activities. In addition to participating in relevant and beneficial experiments, the CBFO will provide the international community convenient access to this information by sponsoring and hosting symposia and workshops on relevant topics and by participation in international waste management organizations and topical meetings. This paper includes an update on the progress and achievements of CBFO in developing international collaborative efforts.