[en] General principle of optimization using cost-benefit analysis and multi-attribute utility analysis and considering the radiological and ecological risks are discussed. Alternative scenarios (unplanned events) are also considered. Comparison of options for interim storage facility is made in the example of Uranium mining. The conclusions from the example are: Quantitative optimisation necessary in order to arrive at conclusion (higher financial expenditures yield lower risks); Only inclusion of failure scenarios reveals that passive safety of wet option is not satisfactory; Probabilistic simulation allows for keeping track of uncertainties and assessing their consequences within the decision-making process; Optimisation analysis can be refined in the course of further reclamation planning to allow for questions on detailed design to be addressed. Pragmatic (non-quantitative) assessment cannot reveal how safe is safe enough. Different options for the waste storage in an interim storage facility are analysed. The methodology includes: Estimate of cost components; Discounting of long-term costs; Estimate of risks; Assessment of qualitative factors; Definition of weighting factors; Application of multi-attribute utility analysis; Deterministic sensitivity analysis for important parameters.The examples show the importance of the incorporation of qualitative factors, weighting of parameters and sensitivity analysis in the decision making

[en] Measures to achieve radioactive waste security are discussed. Categorization of waste in order to implement adequate and consistent security measures based on potential consequences is made. The measures include appropriate treatment/storage/disposal of waste to minimize the potential and consequences of malicious acts; management of waste only within an authorised, regulated, legal framework; management of the security of personnel and information; measures to minimize the acquisition of radioactive waste by those with malicious intent. The specific measures are: deter unauthorized access to the waste; detect any such attempt or any loss or theft of waste; delay unauthorized access; provide timely response to counter any attempt to gain unauthorised access; measures to minimize acts of sabotage; efforts to recover any lost or stolen waste; mitigation and emergency plans in case of release of radioactivity. An approach to develop guidance, starting with the categorisation of sources and identification of dangerous sources, is presented. Dosimetric criteria for internal and external irradiation are set. Different exposure scenarios are considered. Waste categories and security categories based on the IAEA INFCIRC/225/Rev.4 are presented

[en] The paper covers aspects of practical importance for the application of the ISAM methodology with respect to the role of decision-making and its implications. It is attempted to identify those aspects of the ISAM approach which are likely to be influenced or even determined by decision-making requirements. Options for decision-making methodologies are identified and discussed in view of their integration into an assessment process following the ISAM approach. Suggestions for the integration of assessments following the ISAM methodology into an overall assessment process applicable to real situations are given, focussing on existing situation, which often represent more difficult decision-making problems than the planning of new facilities. (author)

[en] The 2001 German Radiation Protection Ordinance, based on the European Safety Standards, contains comprehensive regulations for TENORM. These regulations and the underlying dose estimates for the use and disposal of TENORM are described. The practicability of these regulations is discussed and the German approach is compared to the exclusion levels suggested in the draft of the new 2005 ICRP Recommendations. (author)

[en] The paper presents a general approach to site-specific risk assessments and optimization procedures. In order to account for uncertainties in the assessment of the current situation and future developments, optimization parameters are treated as probabilistic distributions. The assessments are performed within the framework of a cost-benefit analysis. Radiation hazards and conventional risks are treated within an integrated approach. Special consideration is given to consequences of low probability events such as, earthquakes or major floods. Risks and financial costs are combined to an overall figure of detriment allowing one to distinguish between benefits of available reclamation options. The probabilistic analysis uses a Monte Carlo simulation technique. The paper demonstrates the applicability of this approach in aiding the reclamation planning using an example from the German reclamation program for uranium mining and milling sites

[en] The remediation of former uranium mining and milling sites in the Eastern part of Germany represents a major environmental challenge. Due to the size and complexity of the sites and the significance of current and potential long term environmental impacts, effective approaches are required for the planning, implementation and regulatory control of reclamation measures. These have to ensure adequate protection for the people and the environment taking into account the long term nature of the hazards and the technical and economical constraints. The German regulatory framework is based upon ICRP principles of dose limitation, justification and optimization (ALARA). Application of these criteria requires as a first step the assessment of prevailing exposures and their potential long term evolution for each site. These risk assessments are based upon site characterization studies and the modelling of contaminant transfer to the environment and to man. Evaluation of the prevailing and potential future risks leads to the identification of remediation necessities. The subsequent planning of remediation measures is highly site specific and relies on the identification of possible reclamation options and their capability to reduce real risks to acceptable levels. The selection of the reclamation measures which will actually be implemented is performed within an optimization process involving assessments of possible risk reduction, technological feasibility, costs, long term stability, continuing requirements for long term active or passive institutional control and public acceptance

[en] Mining and minerals processing waste is characterized by large volumes and long half-lives. In this respect, it differs from the operational and institutional radioactive waste which is normally disposed of in near surface repositories. Technical and economical constraints usually limit management options to near or above surface disposal. Consequently, reliance has to be placed, to a large extent, on engineered barriers. Since these cannot be expected to last for long periods of time, it is not possible to achieve a 'walk away' solution. Long term, essentially perpetual, maintenance and care will therefore be required and safety assessments cannot be based on the assumption that active and passive institutional control will cease after a period of, for example, 300 years as is usually assumed for near surface disposal facilities. The implications of these particular boundary conditions are discussed with emphasis on regulatory aspects, radiological criteria and approaches to safety assessment. (author)

[en] This paper compares the use of risk analysis with the use of prescribed environmental standards to protect human health and the environment and meet a level of acceptable risk. A general comparison is presented, followed by a discussion of site factors and a specific example of targets for ground water remediation in in-situ leach mine. Conclusions drawn include: Perscriptive standards facilitate planning implementation and regulatory processes; risk based approaches allow for an optimal utilization of financial resources without being less protective; Perscriptive standards are beneficial if reclaimation projects in question do not differ too much with respect to site conditions; If site conditions are highly variable or long term restrictions on use of water resources or land use are necessary, risk based approaches are more appropriate

[en] This study discusses the removal of radionuclides from urban construction materials by weathering and forced decontamination. With respect to intermediate and long-term exposure external irradiation due to deposited radio cesium causes the major contribution after nuclear accidents. Therefore, an experimental program was designed and conducted to study the removal of Cs 137 from selected impervious urban surfaces in more detail. The objective of the experiments was to reveal important factors which influence the decontamination process. Particular effort was spent on the investigation of the utilization of ion exchange processes as a forced decontamination technique. The interpretation of the results is presented on the basis of a model which was set up in order to discriminate between the influence of the important physical and chemical processes. The purpose of this description is not only the understanding of the decontamination procedure but mainly the development of better decontamination techniques by a specific manipulation of the relevant processes. (orig.)

[en] In some parts of Germany substantial areas have been contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) from past activities. Particularly important are residues from past uranium mining operations (WISMUT), being subject to a massive 13 billion DM cleanup program, as well as other mining activities dealing with elevated levels of NORM. Decisions concerning the necessity and the required extent of remediation measures are based on a combination of criteria addressing limitations of maximum individual doses for critical groups as well as the optimization of the net benefit from the remediation. From these basic requirements secondary criteria have been derived, defining, for example, soil contamination levels below which a remediation is not required. The optimization analyses, carried-out to identify optimal remediation options, address radiological risks as well as short and long term costs within a cost-benefit analysis framework. Other relevant factors of influence, e.g. chemical risks or ecological damage, are incorporated as well. Comprehensive methodologies utilizing probabilistic methods have been developed to assess site conditions and possible remediation options on this basis. (author)