RADIOACTIVE WASTE CLASSIFICATION: A POINT OF CONTINUING DEBATE

摘要

The definitions and criteria for classifying radioactive waste streams are based on the relative riskthe waste poses to human health and safety and provide general guidance on how the wasteshould be managed over its life cycle. Over the years, various aspects of the classification systemhave been debated. The issues have usually involved differences of opinion as to whether theclassification criteria appropriately reflect the health and safety risks associated with the lifecyclemanagement of the various waste classes.Highlights of the evolution of the current Department of Energy=s (DOE) classification systemwill be reviewed, noting the risk considerations that have influenced these developments. Theprincipal point of debate in recent years concerning the adequacy of the waste classificationsystem has involved the question of whether the criteria for defining HLW are appropriatelypredicated on risk considerations, i.e. should high-level waste (HLW) be differentiated from lowlevelwaste (LLW) on the basis of quantitative criteria derived from the assessment of potentiallong-term risks.The views will be explored of those who favor such criteria, as well as those who feel the presentclassification system and the companion waste management system adequately take into accountthe risk considerations. Possible courses of action for implementing either point of view will bepresented and discussed.