[en] This thesis consists of three essays within the field of applied environmental economics, with the common basic aim of analyzing effects of Swedish environmental policy. Starting out from Swedish environmental goals, the thesis assesses a range of policy-related questions. The objective is to quantify policy outcomes by constructing and applying numerical models especially designed for environmental policy analysis. Static and dynamic multi-sectoral computable general equilibrium models are developed in order to analyze the following issues. The costs and benefits of a domestic carbon dioxide (CO₂) tax reform. Special attention is given to how these costs and benefits depend on the structure of the tax system and, furthermore, how they depend on policy-induced changes in 'secondary' pollutants. The effects of allowing for emission permit trading through time when the domestic long-term domestic environmental goal is specified in CO₂ stock terms. The effects on long-term projected economic growth and welfare that are due to damages from emission flow and accumulation of 'local' pollutants (nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide), as well as the outcome of environmental policy when costs and benefits are considered in an integrated environmental-economic framework

No abstract available

[en] Du Pont Company and Shirco, Inc. are developing a process to incinerate plutonium-contaminated combustible waste in an electrically fired incineration system. Preliminary development was completed at Shirco, Inc. prior to installing an incineration system at the Savannah River Laboratory (SRL), which is operated by Du Pont for the US Department of Energy (DOE). The waste consists of disposable protective clothing, cleaning materials, used filter elements, and miscellaneous materials exposed to plutonium contamination. Incinerator performance testing, using physically representative nonradioactive materials, was completed in March 1983 at Shirco's Pilot Test Facility in Dallas, TX. Based on the test results, equipment sizing and mechanical begin of a full-scale process were completed by June 1983. The full-scale unit is being installed at SRL to confirm the initial performance testing and is scheduled to begin in June 1985. Remote operation and maintenance of the system is required, since the system will eventually be installed in an isolated process cell. Initial operation of the process will use nonradioactive simulated waste. 2 figs., 2 tabs

[en] We discuss the window requirements for isolating the vacuum chamber for the subharmonic drive experiment from the NLCTA vacuum. We consider mechanical and heat stress, as well as looking at multiple scattering due to the foil. We decide that a window would not be appropriate because of multiple scattering

[en] Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 sets out a regulatory regime for the identification and remediation of land where contamination is causing unacceptable risks to defined receptors. The Environment Agency has a number of regulatory roles under this regime. Where land is designated as a Special Site, as defined in the Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2000, the Agency will act as the enforcing authority. It is expected that a similar regime will be introduced in Wales during 2001, but the reader should check whether definitions of Special Sites in the Welsh regulations are the same as in the English ones. The Environment Agency's approach to carrying out its regulatory responsibilities is set out in its Part RA Process Documentation,, available on the Agency website (www.environment-agency. gov.uk). This documentation sets out how the Agency intends to carry out its responsibilities under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which came into force in England on 1 April 2000

No abstract available

[en] Two of the options for disposal of highly active wastes from high water reactors in quantities that would be generated by postulated nuclear power programs by the year 2000 are discussed. They are, disposal in the ocean bed and disposal into geological formations on land. Using simple models, assessments were made of possible transfer of radioactivity to man. The studies mainly identified the areas of work needing further research. Calculated doses were useful as an indication of the order of magnitude of both individual and collected doses which might arises from such disposals. (U.K.)

No abstract available

[en] Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in the Yucca Mountain waste package closure welds is believed to be the greatest threat to long-term containment. Use of stress mitigation to eliminate tensile stresses resulting from welding can prevent SCC. A laser technology with sufficient average power to achieve high throughput has been developed and commercially deployed with high peak power and sufficiently high average power to be an effective laser peening system. An appropriately applied version of this process could be applied to eliminate SCC in the waste package closure welds

[en] The results of a study on the potential radiological consequencies of the geological disposal of vitrified high level waste which have recently been published (Preliminary Assessment of the Radiological Protection Aspects of Disposal of High Level Waste in Geologic Formations. Hill M.D. and Grimwood P.D. NRPB-R69 1978 (H.M.S.O.)) are discussed. The four main barriers which can prevent the return, or influence the rate of return, of radioactivity to man's environment from a waste repository are considered. The radionuclides which the study suggests would give rise to the highest doses and the predicted peak individual doses which would arise from these nuclides are quoted. The study indicates areas in which major uncertainties exist including; prediction of geological events which might lead to a failure of geological containment; events and processes due to the presence of the repository itself which could lead to loss of its integrity; the behaviour of vitrified waste under expected disposal conditions; and rates of migration of radionuclides with ground-water. The results of the preliminary study suggest that there is no reason to rule out geological disposal, but there is considerable work to be carried out before a decision can be taken on the acceptability of this disposal option. (U.K.)