Experiences of the Development, Review and Communication of Safety Cases and Safety Assessments for Near Surface Disposal of Radioactive Waste

The IAEA has organized various international meetings and projects on the safety of near surface disposal of radioactive waste. These projects included work to (i) benchmark safety assessment models, (ii) develop improved safety assessment methods, (iii) apply improved safety assessment methods to proposed and existing disposal facilities and consider regulatory review of safety assessments, (iv) to enhance understanding of the safety case for near surface disposal facilities, and (v) to explore approaches for the practical use of the safety case in the management of near surface disposal facilities. These activities have provided a valuable and productive international forum for discussions, exchange of experiences, development of methodologies and mutual learning. Since 2017, the IAEA has been facilitating the ongoing Forum on the Safety of Near Surface Disposal. This publication results from the work of the Forum during October 2017 to September 2022. The intended audience for this publication includes those involved in developing, operating and regulating near surface disposal facilities for radioactive waste and those involved in developing, reviewing, and using safety assessments and safety cases for the disposal of radioactive wastes.