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ARAO in 2013
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Contents
1. Introduction 51.1 OveRvIew: ARAO In 201351.2 AddRess by the dIReCtOR 61.3 AbOut ARAO 7 1.3.1 Identity card 7 1.3.2 Activities and users of our services 7 1.3.3 Mission 8 1.3.4 Management 9 1.3.5 Quality and environmental management system 9 1.3.6 Organizational scheme 10 1.3.7 stakeholders map and relations with the stakeholders 10
2. ARAO and sustainable development: About radioactive 12 waste management and meeting the goals of sustainable development 2.1 the fIRst pIllAR: the pROfessIOnAlIsM And ACCOuntAbIlIty Of 13 eMplOyees 2.1.1 employees, education, training 14 2.1.2 technical cooperation in the national and international environments 16 2.1.3 Communication and awareness-raising activities for the public 192.2 the seCOnd pIllAR: CARe fOR heAlth And the envIROnMent 21 2.2.1 Occupational health and safety 21 2.2.2 environmental responsibility 222.3 the thIRd pIllAR: RAtIOnAl And effICIent eCOnOMy 25 2.3.1 performance Indicators in 2013 26 2.3.2 sources of funding 27
3. Results of work in 2013 and plans for 2014: 29 an overview of activities3.1 the MAndAtORy publIC seRvICe Of the InstItutIOnAl 29 RAdIOACtIve wAste MAnAgeMent 3.1.1 Acceptance of waste 30 3.1.2 the transportation of radioactive waste 30 3.1.3 treatment and Conditioning for storage 31 3.1.4 storage in the Central storage facility 31 3.1.5 Management of the Central storage facility 323.2 plAnnIng the lIlw RepOsItORy 32 3.2.1 site investigations and monitoring 34 3.2.2 Repository safety 35 3.2.3 preparation of the project documentation 353.3 plAnnIng the MAnAgeMent Of the spent fuel An hIgh level wAste 363.4 teChnICAl suppORt fOR gOveRnMentAl InstItutIOns And 37 AdMInIstRAtIOn
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3.5 pRepARAtIOns fOR the lOng-teRM MOnItORIng And 38 MAIntenAnCe Of the dIspOsAl sItes fOR uRAnIuM MInIng And MIllIng wAste In the AReA Of the ŽIROvskI vRh
4. summary of ARAO’s plans for 2014 and beyond 38
5. Compliance of the report with the gRI g4 guidelines 39
6. Appendixes 436.1 AppendIx 1: leCtuRes And pApeRs In 2013 436.2 AppendIx 2: RAdIOACtIve wAste In slOvenIA In 2013 45 6.2.1 Radioactive waste and spent fuel from the krško nuclear 45 power plant 6.2.2 Radioactive waste from research, medicine and industry 46
7. Abbreviations 47
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March: the government gave its consent to the ARAO program of work and
financial plan for 2013.
June: tomaž Žagar, phd, Assist. prof.
is appointed director of ARAO.
April: signing the contract on state
budget co-financing for ARAO services
that provides regular funding of the
activities of ARAO.
September: the conclusion of a contract
with the npp fund, which provides funding
for the planning and construction of the
lIlw repository.
December: A new revision of the feasibility study and implementation program
for the lIlw repository was submitted to the Ministry of
Infrastructure and spatial planning for consideration
and approval.
In the case of radioactive waste management and the operation of the Central storage for Rw, there was
no emergency event, incident or accident.
environmental monitoring shows thatthe impact of waste management on the environment
is negligible.
2013 2014
1. Introduction
1.1 OveRvIew: ARAO In 2013
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1.2 AddRess by the dIReCtOR
the Agency for Radwaste Management (ARAO) is a public non-profit organization and the only professional organization in slo-venia that manages all aspects of radioactive waste. Although our scope is relatively narrow and our team small, we support many other activities that use radioactive substances and ioniz-ing radiation in their work processes to a greater or lesser degree. the benefits from electricity production in a nuclear power plant, from the use of radioactive substances and radiation in health-care and research, as well as from the use of devices with radioac-tive sources in industry and public institutions are undisputable, contributing to the quality and comfort of life in the 21st century. however, as with any other human activity, waste is generated when using radioactive substances and radiation.
the ARAO employees know that properly managed radioactive waste does not pose a serious risk to the environment compared to other types of waste. Moreover, environmental standards in radioactive waste management are high, while the ac-tivity is heavily regulated and controlled. Our professional and responsible work has been ensuring safe radioactive waste management without negative effects on public health and the environment for more than two decades. we always strive for modern and, from a national perspective, economically rational solutions. we operate in a transparent way and are open to cooperation with stakeholders.
In 2013, the business environment was not favourable. Changes in management and delayed funding contracts had a negative effect on the results. nevertheless, we successfully ensured the safe, regular and smooth functioning of the public service of managing small producers’ radioactive waste all year round. we con-tinued work on preparation of the project of the disposal site for low and inter-mediate level waste. despite the limited financing, ARAO has carried out a large amount of high-quality work in recent years. we optimized and improved proj-ect solutions for the waste disposal site from both a technological and a finan-cial perspective, continued testing and validation the safety of the future facil-ity and prepared future activities, such as drawing up project documentation for building permits, producing environmental documentation, land subdivision and purchase, etc. we carried out a revision (C) of the waste disposal site feasibility study and implementation program in december 2013 and thus prepared a basis for rapid project progress over the next year. we also professionally supported the national administration and institutions, particularly by preparing strategic documents, ensuring international cooperation and implementing the adminis-trative process of closing the Žirovski vrh Mine.
the present report presents our activities and results achieved in 2013 in detail. It also shows the steps we will follow in order to continue accomplishing our stra-tegic objectives.
you are cordially invited to read it!
tomaž Žagar, phd, Assist. prof.
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1.3 AbOut ARAO
1.3.1 Identity card
1.3.2 Activities and users of our services
Our main activities are:
the management of radioactive waste arising from the use of radiation sourc-es in medicine, science and industry,
planning the disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel from the nuclear power plant and the construction of a repository for low and intermediate level waste,
providing technical support for the preparation of strategic documents in the field of radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel and the decommissioning of nu-clear facilities,
taking on the long-term monitoring and maintenance of disposal sites for uranium mining and milling waste after their closure.
In support of the responsible and effective implementation of the main activities, we are also active in the field of international cooperation and public relations.
name of the company: Agencija za radioaktivne odpadke, ljubljana
short name: ARAO
Organisational form: public non-profit organization
headquarters: Celovška 182, ljubljana
phone: +386 1 236 32 11
fax: +386 1 236 32 30
web site: www.arao.si
e-mail: [email protected]
date of establishment: 24. 1. 1991
founder: government of the Republic of slovenia
date of registration: 13.12 1991 v Okrožnem sodišču v ljubljani
the main activity of the company: 84.130 – Management of economic activities for improvement of business performance38.120 the collection and disposal of hazardous waste38.220 the management of hazardous waste39.000 Remediation activities and other waste management services
Managing Authority: Management board director: Assistant professor dr. tomaž Žagar
number of employees (31. 12. 2013): 21
Registration number: 5526329000
vAt identification number: sI32495854
Account number sI56 0510 0801 2946 194, AbAnkA d.d.
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the main users of our services are:
state institutions (the government of the Republic of slovenia, ministries, ad-ministrative bodies),
small producers of radioactive waste (organizations in the field of medicine, research and industry,
indirectly (through the state institutions) and in the future krško nuclear pow-er plant.
1.3.3 Mission
ARAO’s mission is to provide infrastructural and technical support for the use of nuclear and radiation technologies in slovenia by providing long-term, safe and cost-effective solutions in radioactive waste management.
with strict adherence to all the technical, safety and environmental aspects of our operations, we strive to:
keep the amount of radioactive waste in slovenia as small as possible ensure the waste does not endanger human health prevent environmental pollution.
we take care that the generation who benefited from the use of nuclear energy and radioactive sources does not postpone the burden of the waste to the next generation. we strive for a transparent and socially acceptable operation. thus, we contribute to the implementation of the sustainable development of slove-nian society.
we support the use of nuclear and radiation
technologies in slovenia.
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1.3.4 Management
ARAO’s managing bodies are the Management board and the director.
the Management board has five members, of which three members are appoint-ed by the founder – the government, one by the nuclear power plant, and one is elected by the ARAO workers.
The Management Board in 2013Julijan fortunat, president, up to 14. 2. 2013dr. leon Cizelj, president, from 15. 2. 2013 Mag. božidar krajnc, deputy president dr. Andrej stritar, member emanuel Čerček, member Janja Špiler, member
Directors in 2013vladislav krošelj, Acting director, up to 31. 1. 2013Julijan fortunat, Acting director, from 1. 2. 2013 up to 14. 6. 2013Assistant professor dr. tomaž Žagar, director, from 15. 6. 2013
1.3.5 Quality and environmental management system
the management of ARAO is based on an integrated system that combines a qual-ity management system in accordance with standard IsO 9001:2008 and environ-mental management system in accordance with the IsO 14001:2004 standard.
the ARAO management system was first certified in accordance with IsO 14001: 2004 in October 2007 and in accordance with IsO 9001: 2008 in July 2011. A re-newal audit took place in december 2013. In the review, the auditors from the slo-venian Institute of Quality and Metrology did not identify any non-conformities and violation of the laws, and especially highlighted a series of positive findings, in particular:
A clearly defined mission, vision and strategy management; established a system of the traceability of radioactive waste from collection
and conditioning to storage and the release of non-radioactive components by transferring them to authorized organizations;
A high level of professionalism and competence of employees.
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1.3.6 Organizational Scheme
1.3.7 Stakeholders map and relations with the stakeholders
In accomplishing the mission and in the daily conduct of our activities, employees at ARAO continuously establish, maintain and upgrade our relations with various stakeholders who use our services, finance, control, provide guidelines or are other-wise involved. In a simplified map, the diversity of the stakeholders that influence the functioning of ARAO or are influenced by us is systematically shown.
In managing relationships with stakeholders, we carefully monitor and take into account:
various legally determined roles, responsibilities and obligations of the stake-holders (for example, decision-makers, regulators and funding resources) relat-ed to the field of radioactive waste management and
general expectations, interests or desires of stakeholders (e.g. users of our ser-vices, experts and interested public at a national or local level) in relation to ac-tivities or projects that are planned or carried out.A
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the government of the Republic of slovenia – founder
Ministry of Infrastructure and
spatial planning
director
developmentan planning
sector
waste disposal sector
facility Operation
sector
Offices (departments)
ARAOsecretariat
Management board
Radiation protection service
Quality Management
public Relations
legal department
financial Accounting department
the management of relationships with stakeholders is closely integrated into the core of the mission accomplishment and thus into the realization of our contribu-tion to sustainable development, as long term, secure and cost-effective solutions can only be provided in a constructive and cooperative relationship with the key stakeholders.
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simplified stakeholders map and relations with themgovernment
of the Rs (founder)
ministries (policy making)
krško npp
administration (control)
local communities with nuclear
facilities krško
dol pri ljubljani
the interested general public:
citizens ngOs media
professional public,
national and international
small producers
of Rw
technical support
organizations
ARAO
employees
Relations with decision makers at the national levelRelations with decision makers at the local levelRelations with the interested public
technical cooperation
Relations with the ARAO service users50% ownershipfinancing of ARAO’s activitiesRelations with the suppliers
state budget
npp fund
genenergija
hrvatska elektroprivreda
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2. ARAO and sustainable development: About radioactive waste management and meeting the goals of sustainable development
Radioactive waste management is an integral part of the cycle of the beneficial use of ionizing radiation and nuclear technologies in various fields that enable and enhance the quality and comfort of modern life. these are in particular:
the production of electricity, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in medicine, research and development activities and industry.
the professional and responsible ensuring of long-term, safe and cost-effective solutions for radioactive waste management contributes significantly to the fact that the benefits from the use of ionizing radiation or nuclear technology out-weigh the associated challenges.
thus, radioactive waste management fulfils one of the basic assumptions of sus-tainable development: the care for burdens that can and should be resolved today should not be transferred to tomorrow, e.g. to the next generations. this is espe-cially true in cases where the burden arises from the benefit enjoyed by today’s generation and if this generation has the expertise and technology necessary to implement the appropriate solutions.
therefore, in ARAO we understand our mission as the implementation of sustain-able development: we must competently and responsibly take care of the radio-active waste arising from socially beneficial activities, such as energy production, medicine, science, research and industry, since as a society we should not and do not want to transfer the burden to our descendants.
In order to implement sustainable development practices ARAO follows the ba-sic three pillars of sustainable development (society, environment and economy), which have been adapted according to the nature of our activities and the organi-zation of radioactive waste management in slovenia. the knowledge, needed to provide professional and responsible solutions for ra-dioactive waste management has the central role in providing effective and sus-tainable services. In ARAO, we have knowledge and we upgrade it constantly by technical cooperation with domestic and foreign organizations. we strive for the exchange and dissemination of knowledge by communication and cooperation with our key stakeholders. we recognize all these are crucial factors in enhancing understanding and awareness of the importance of our activities and our contri-bution to the sustainable development, both for today and for future generations.
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below we summarize the basic guidelines of ARAO’s sustainable operation re-garding the pillars of sustainable development. here are the key results for the year 2013.
2.1 the fIRst pIllAR: the pROfessIOnAlIsM And ACCOuntAbIlIty Of eMplOyees
the first pillar of implementation of sustainable development is the professional and responsible work of ARAO employees. we take care of:
a high level of professional education and training of employees in ARAO, keeping up to date with the development of knowledge in the field of radioac-
tive waste management and the continuous exchange of experiences and good practices with similar organi-
zations.
these are the bases for the motivation, responsibility, diligence and dedication of our employees.
ARAO’s approach to implementing sustainable development
knowledge
transparency
Communication and cooperation
the professionalism
and accountability of employees
Rational and efficient performance
Care for health and the environment
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2.1.1 Employees, Education, Training
ThE nuMBEr Of EMplOyEES AnD lEvEl Of EDucATIOn
employees at ARAO have at least the level of education required in the workplace systematization, some even higher. two-thirds of the employees are educated in science and technology fields. we strive for ethical conduct consistent with the integrity of a public servant, because our work is financed by public funds.
EMplOyMEnT pOlIcy
In recent years, due to the ban on new recruitment in the public sector, the number of employees in ARAO has declined. At the end of 2013 the figure was 21. 20 of total employee are covered by collective bargaining agreement. the retirement of two colleagues who have worked in the public service of management of radio-active waste from small producers and in the Radiation protection department means an additional burden on other workers in this field, as well as a certain risk. the scope of work does not diminish, however, and with fewer staff it is difficult to maintain the same quality of service in the long run.
EDucATIOn AnD TrAInIng
education and training is provided by participation in courses, conferences and professional meetings at home and abroad. employees are provided with at least the education and training required by law to obtain licenses to carry out certain works, such as the transport of dangerous substances and work with radioactive sources. we take care of the transfer of knowledge between colleagues and of maintaining knowledge when a co-worker leaves the organization.
general or technical secondary education 19%
professionalcollege and university degree 48%
ph.d. 14%
higher vocational college 14%
master of science 5%
educational structure of ARAO, december 31, 2013
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In 2013, employees in the public service of management of radioactive waste from small producers were trained particularly in the area of technology and pro-cessing of treatment and conditioning of radioactive waste, with an emphasis on consolidation of liquid radioactive waste.
employees in the field of radiation protection were gaining additional specialised knowledge, namely for work on decommissioning nuclear facilities, for emergen-cy and for the entire remediation process of radiologically contaminated areas. due to limitations in employment, two other colleagues working in other areas were being trained for this area as well.
Colleagues who are planning the waste repository were being trained especially in the areas of:
the disposal of radioactive waste elaboration of safety analyses, decommissioning and environmental remediation.
In 2013, a professional visit to Japan by 3 employees was carried out. they visited a repository for low and intermediate level waste, spent fuel storage and were acquainted with field research and safety analyses for these facilities. the visit was funded by the International Atomic energy Agency.
All the employees refreshed the basics of health and safety at work and attended training in the field of fire safety.
employees are provided with at least the education and training required by law.
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2.1.2 Technical cooperation in the national and international environments
cOOpErATIOn wITh nATIOnAl TEchnIcAl OrgAnIzATIOnS
we cooperate with a number of national technical organizations. In the field of expertise and of knowledge and information exchange, we work primarily with:
nuclear society of slovenia, Jozef stefan Institute, university of ljubljana and slovenian nuclear forum.
cOOpErATIOn wITh fOrEIgn AnD InTErnATIOnAl TEchnIcAl OrgAnIzATIOnS
ARAO, with its professional staff, is actively cooperating with foreign, regional and international technical organizations in the field of radioactive waste man-agement with the main purpose to:
support the slovenian national institutions working in the field of nuclear energy and radiation sources (the provision of information, the transfer of knowledge and best available practices of radioactive waste management, etc.),
obtain and upgrade knowledge, training and exchange of experiences and good practices.
Our activities in foreign and international technical organizations mainly include:
participation in the elaboration of expert analyses and studies; the preparation and presentation of tchnical and scientific articles; participation in formal and informal meetings, discussions and workshops; participation in education and training.
we participate in eu projects.
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Organization, program or project (in alphabetical order)
Brief description of the organization, program or project
AndRA french national agency for radioactive waste management
ARIus (Association for Regional and International underground storage)
regional and international cooperation in the planning of the underground storage of long-lived radioactive waste
bIOpROtA professional forum for dealing with uncertainties in the assessment of the radiological impacts of releases of long-lived radionuclides into the biosphere
eRdO – wg (european Repository development Organisation working group)
european working group for participation in planning the development of Rw repositories
euRAtOM community of european countries, operating in the nuclear field, particularly in the field of research, infrastructure and funding
IAeA (International Atomic energy Agency)
agency, which seeks to spread the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to restrict the use of nuclear weapons
Igd – tp (Implementing the geological disposal of Radioactive waste - technology platform)
european technology platform that connects stakeholders in the field of the geological disposal of high level and long-lived radioactive waste and directs research and development in this area
Club of Agencies informal association of european agencies for Rw management
Radwaste Management Committee OeCd/neA
Committee for Rw management at the Organization for economic Cooperation and development / nuclear energy Agency
Regional seminar on Radioactive waste disposal
regular annual meetings of organizations in the field of Rw management in the countries of Central europe
TEchnIcAl cO-OpErATIOn wITh ThE InTErnATIOnAl ATOMIc EnErgy AgEncy AnD InvOlvEMEnT In EurATOM prOJEcTS
ARAO’s involvement in:
the program of technical cooperation with the International Atomic energy Agency and
projects of the european Atomic energy Community euRAtOM is particularly important in terms of knowledge acquisition and the transfer of
good practices.
the cooperation allows keeping in touch with the development and exchange of experience in the field of radioactive waste management, the development of own competence and maintaining regular contacts with professionals and re-lated institutions.
InTErnATIOnAl OrgAnIzATIOnS, prOgrAMS AnD prOJEcTS In whIch ArAO pArTIcIpATES
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since 2013 ARAO is involved in three three-year euRAtOM projects:
ARCAdIA (Assessment of Regional Capabilities for new Reactor deve-lopment through an Integrated Approach)
eAgle (enhancing education, training and Communication processes for In-formed behaviours and decision-making Related to Ionizing Radiation) and
petRus III (programme for education, training and Research on underground storage).
In the ARCAdIA project, which deals with the possibility of constructing a ge-neration Iv nuclear reactor in one of the Member states, we participate with the experience that we have gained in the last decade in the siting of a nuclear faci-lity. project eAgle collects data on information and communication materials, activities and practices regarding ionizing radiation in the states of the european union. the project petRus III is devoted to the development of education and research programs in the field of the geological disposal of radioactive waste.
prESEnTATIOnS AT rEgIOnAl AnD InTErnATIOnAl prOfESSIOnAl EvEnTS
In 2013, we presented our professional work at several international events, among others at:
Meeting of the OeCd, Meeting of the Club of Agencies, Regional seminar on the disposal of radioactive waste in slovakia and 22nd International Conference of nuclear society of slovenia nene 2013.
In Annex 1, there is the full list of lectures and papers prepared by the staff of ARAO in 2013 for national and international scientific and technical meetings.
wE ArE AcTIvEly InvOlvED In ThE InTErnATIOnAl prOfESSIOnAl EnvIrOnMEnT In ThE fIElD Of rwM
we actively cooperate with foreign and international organizations. thus, on the one hand, we acquire knowledge and have access to training and in international exchange of experience and good practices in the field of radioactive waste management. On the other hand, these activities are important to provide the technical support to slovenian national institutions working in the field of nuclear energy and use of radiation sources.
In 2013, the participation of ARAO in the program of technical cooperation of the International Agency for Atomic energy and in the projects of the european Atomic energy Community euRAtOM was also particularly important. thus, we were able to follow the development of knowledge, strengthen our competenc-es, exchange experience and maintain contacts with foreign experts.
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vISITS By fOrEIgn DElEgATIOnS TO SlOvEnIA
we had two visits from abroad. In April 2013, we had a visit from the Japanese delegation, which was mostly interested in the aspects of public participation and communication. In november, we had a visit from the georgian delegation, which was interested in the management of institutional radioactive waste at the national level and the operational functioning of public service that is carried out by ARAO.
2.1.3 communication and awareness-raising activities for the public
EnSurIng TrAnSpArEncy Of ArAO
Although the design and implementation of radioactive waste management must be professional and responsible in the first place, we constantly face the challenges of achieving the social acceptance of our operation. An important part of the realization of ARAO’s mission is therefore communication, education and cooperation with interested stakeholders, such as:
interested citizens, inhabitants and residents in local communities where our activities are being
performed or where the construction of facilities is planned school aged children and young people, non-governmental organizations and the media
Our work in this area includes information, awareness-raising, monitoring perceptions and opinions, feedback from the public and establishing a dialogue with key groups. Activities are carried out with the intention of enhancing knowledge about radiation and to increase awareness that professional and responsible radioactive waste management, as implemented by ARAO, contributes significantly to the quality of the environment and the implementation of sustainable development.
the transparency of ARAO’s work is provided primarily through information and awareness-raising:
via the site www.arao.si (in 2013, approximately 11,500 visits were recorded) by publicity in the mass-media, by the organization of events and presentations to various stakeholder groups, by participation in conferences, roundtables and other public events, and by providing access to public information and environmental information.
ExhIBITIOn On rADIOAcTIvITy, rADIATIOn AnD rADIOAcTIvE wASTE MAnAgEMEnT
exhibition on radioactivity, radiation and radioactive waste management is part of an exhibition at the nuclear training Centre in brinje. In 2013, it was visited by over 7,000 visitors, mostly by pupils in upper primary and secondary schools.
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rElATIOnS wITh lOcAl cOMMunITIES
we recognize the importance of communication in local and regional environments where our activities are carried out, i.e. in the municipality of dol near ljubljana and the posavje region. with the local communities, we communicate mainly through:
the local media and presentations and reporting at meetings of municipal councils and
communication with mayors.
ThE OpEn DOOr DAy
Also in 2013, we organized an open door day that was attended by around 120 visitors, mostly residents of villages in the vicinity of the Central storage facility (Csf). we gave them a lecture on the impacts of ionizing radiation on organisms and showed by experiments that radioactivity is a natural phenomenon that is ubiquitous in the environment. It was possible to enter the Csf.
rElATIOnS wITh ThE MEDIA
Regular and proactive communication with the media, and prompt responding to their questions is provided.
In 2013, the public and media were most interested in:
design and time schedule for the lIlw repository, compensation for the restricted land use due to nuclear facilities, implementation of the public service of radioactive waste management and management and the appointment of the director of ARAO.
MOnITOrIng STAkEhOlDEr rESpOnSES AnD ThE MEASurEMEnT Of puBlIc OpInIOn
due to the lack of funding in 2013, stakeholder responses were monitored less systematically. A public opinion survey on public attitude towards radioactive waste management was not performed.
the ARAO Open door day in november 2013
was well attended.
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2.2 the seCOnd pIllAR: CARe fOR heAlth And the envIROnMent
the second pillar of implementing sustainable development is a care for health and the environment in the implementation of all of ARAO’s activities.
we strive to:
ensure the occupational health measures and a safe working environment, minimizing the environmental impact of our activities and environmental re-
sponsibility in all areas and all phases of our activities and ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, which are embedded in the core of the
realization of the mission and strategy of ARAO and which is important for all aspects of our daily operational activities.
2.2.1 Occupational health and Safety
cOMplIAncE wITh ThE lEgAl rEQuIrEMEnTS AnD ThE ABSEncE Of wOrk-rElATED AccIDEnTS
ARAO meets all the requirements of the legislation in the field of occupational health and safety and fire protection. we provide regular medical check-ups for employees and ensure healthy and safe working conditions. In 2013, we recorded no work-related accidents.
rADIATIOn prOTEcTIOn fOr EMplOyEES AnD cOnTrAcT wOrkErS
due to the nature of our activities, radiation protection is given special attention in the context of occupational health and safety for workers who work with sourc-es of ionizing radiation. we have our own Radiation protection service, which takes care of periodic medical check-ups, dosimetry and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment when working with sources of ionizing radiation.
we regularly maintain personal protective equipment and measuring instru-ments. Also in 2013, the minimum exposure of employees who work with radia-tion sources was achieved through appropriate radiation protection measures. In most cases, the doses received by employees are so low that they are below the detection limit of the measuring method. therefore, we can only assess the doses by calculations and the results are in the order of magnitude of less than 1% of the permitted doses.
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MInIMIzIng ThE ExpOSurE Of wOrkErS whO wOrk wITh rADIATIOn SOurcES.
dosimetry is the measurement and assessment of the absorbed dose, dose-rate and dose distribution received by a person who is exposed to ionizing radiation. personal dosimetry gives data on the measurement and assessment of doses re-ceived by the employee due to his/her professional exposure to external radiation sources (e. g. x-ray devices, sealed or open radiation sources).
2.2.2 Environmental responsibility
MEETIng ThE rEQuIrEMEnTS Of rADIATIOn prOTEcTIOn, nuclEAr SAfETy AnD EnvIrOnMEnTAl lEgISlATIOn
ARAO fulfils all the legislative requirements regarding radiation protection, nuclear safety and environmental protection in all phases of radioactive waste management. Our environmental impacts are much less than the regulatory up-per limits. typical environmental impacts for radioactive waste management ac-tivities can be defined only in the scope of the public service provided by ARAO to small producers of radioactive waste in slovenia. At this moment, other ARAO activities have a more or less administrative (and study) character and their envi-ronmental impacts are similar to the impact of other organizations not working with waste. however, we are still working on minimizing our environmental im-pacts and improving the environmental acceptability of all ARAO activities.
DETErMInIng ThE EnvIrOnMEnTAl ASpEcTS Of ThE puBlIc SErvIcE Of InSTITuTIOnAl rADIOAcTIvE wASTE MAnAgEMEnT AnD cOnTrOl Of ThE ASSOcIATED EnvIrOnMEnTAl IMpAcTS
A systematic approach for assessing the importance of the environmental aspects was already established in previous years and was applied also in 2013. All phases of the public service were assessed – collecting, transport, treatment and condi-tioning, and storage of waste, as well as storage facility management. for the en-vironmental impacts of the relevant environmental aspects, we made several spe-cialized environmental programs for the control and mitigation of the impacts or for reducing their risk. the relevance criteria for environmental aspects include the magnitude of the impacts, the hazard associated with the impact, providing funds and public interest. public interest is very important for ARAO’s activities.
estimated effective doses for the most
exposed ARAO worker, received during public
service activities in institutional radioactive
waste management from 2009 till 2013.
yearAllowed dose
limit
Estimated received effective dose of the most
exposed ArAO worker
Estimated dose in proportion to the
allowed dose limit
A B B/A x 100
2009 20 msv/year 0,147 msv/year 0,74%
2010 20 msv/year 0,040 msv/year 0,20%
2011 20 msv/year 0,073 msv/year 0,37%
2012 20 msv/year 0,065 msv/year 0,33%
2013 20 msv/year 0,092 msv/year 0,46%
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possible environmental impacts of institutional radioactive waste management and their causes
risk reduction-environmental objectives reached in 2013
1. cOnTAMInATIOn Of ThE EnvIrOnMEnT wITh rADIOAcTIvE SuBSTAncES frOM STAnDArD AcTIvITIESthe risk of emissions of radioactive substances and ionizing radiation is associated with the transport of radioactive waste on public roads and in the area of the Central storage facility, during waste handling, and its treatment and conditioning in the hot Cell facility.
the risk also exists when the radioactive waste is in a liquid state or in a gaseous state mixed with air emissions from the ventilation system in the Central storage facility.
All public service workers have the required training and continuously upgrade their expertise.
the transport vehicle and transport containers have the required certificates for transporting radioactive substances.
the air-drying system in the Central storage facility collects the condensate and its release into the environment is only possible on the basis of measurements proving that the concentrations of radioactive substances do not exceed the prescribed limits.
Air that is passing through the ventilation system in the Central storage facility is filtered before being released into the environment. filters retain the dust particles and radioactive substances. the replaced filters can be disposed as non-contaminated waste if the measurements show that the level of contamination does not excedd the legally permitted levels. Othervise the filters are stored in the Central storage facility
the public is regularly informed about the environmental monitoring data on our website (http://www.arao.si/javna-sluzba-malih-povzrociteljev/okolje/vplivi-skladisca-na-okolje).
2.EnvIrOnMEnTAl pOlluTIOn cAuSED By nOn-rADIOAcTIvE wASTEtreatment and conditioning of radioactive waste also generates some non-radioactive waste that can be hazardous or non-hazardous according to slovene legislation. this waste can represent an environmental risk.
we sort the non-radioactive waste according to the waste classification from waste Regulation. the waste is submitted to the responsible waste collecting and recycling organization.
we maintain databases with all the relevant data on the form and amount of generated non-radioactive waste and the organizations that accepted it. this data is reported annually to slovenian environment Agency.
3.EMErgEncy EvEnTSRadioactive waste management (e.g. transport, treatment and conditioning, storing) can produce events that decrease the level of radiation and nuclear safety. such events demand special radiation protection measures for workers and sometimes also radiation protection for the public.
no emergency events were recorded in ARAO’s work in 2013. Our workers follow the prescribed procedures, have the required equipment and resources and are adequately trained. the risk of an emergency event is further decreased by the physical and technical security systems applied at the Central storage facility.
EnvIrOnMEnTAl ASpEcTS Of ThE puBlIc SErvIcE Of InSTITuTIOnAl rADIOAcTIvE wASTE MAnAgEMEnT AnD ThE cOrrESpOnDIng EnvIrOnMEnTAl OBJEcTIvES AchIEvED In 2013.
Radiation monitoring near the Central storage facility for radioactive waste at brinje.
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the estimated effective doses delivered to members of reference groups (average
values from the last 5 years)
ThE EnvIrOnMEnTAl IMpAcTS Of rADIOAcTIvE wASTE MAnAgEMEnT ArE MInIMAl.
Radiological monitoring of the environmental impacts of the Central storage facility gives data on the discharge of radioactive substances from the storage (emissions) and about the concentration of radioactive substances in the environment (imissions). the monitoring results confirm that the environmental impact of the storage is negligible. emissions are so low that the measuring instruments do not detect them outside the facility due to the natural background radiation. Consequently, the additional radiation exposure of the public that comes from the storage facility can only be estimated theoretically.
Member of a reference group
legally permitted additional
effective dose
Estimated average effective
radiation dose from 2009 to 2013
Estimated average effective
dose as a proportion of the permitted dose
Estimated average effective dose as a
proportion of the annual effective dose resulting
from natural background radiation *
A B B/A x 100 B/2,4 mSv/year x 100
security personnel from
RIC0.1 msv/year 0,00036 msv/year 0,36% 0,015%
Researcher at RIC
0,1 msv/year 0,00076 msv/year 0,76% 0,032%
farmer 0,1 msv/year 0,00002 msv/year 0,02% 0,00083%
* Average annual effective dose resulting from natural background radiation on earth is 2.4 mSv/year (Source: Annual Report 2013 on Radiation and Nuclear Safety in the Republic of Slovenia, 2013, SNSA).
ThE EnvIrOnMEnTAl ASpEcTS Of plAnnIng AnD OThEr ArAO AcTIvITIES
Designing the lIlw repository
Considering environmental issues is an important aspect of the planning and realization of the project for lIlw repository siting and construction. A revised environmental report was prepared during the preparation of the spatial plan of national importance for the repository and a strategic impact assessment was performed in the course of siting and adoption of the spatial plan. the enviro-nmental report described and evaluated all the potential environmental impacts after the implementation of spatial arrangements. the feasibility of the plan af-ter the implementation of mitigation measures was also evaluated. It was con-firmed by a special safety analysis that the implementation of the project was acceptable from the nuclear and radiation safety point of view as well.
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As the project proceeds to the licensing phase, an environmental impact asses-sment including an assessment of the potential trans-boundary impacts and sa-fety analysis preparation will be made. More about the lIlw repository activities is presented in point 3.2.
Office work: technical, study and administrative work
environmental aspects are also taken into account in other ARAO activities that take place at our business premises in ljubljana. these activities include:
planning the management of spent fuel and high level waste, technical support to governmental bodies and state administration, preparatory work for the long-term monitoring and maintenance of uranium
mining and milling waste disposal sites at Žirovski vrh.
Considering only the environmental aspects, all these activities can be classified as office or administrative activities and they are treated as such in our environ-mental management system. Although this kind of activity does not have impor-tant environmental aspects because there are only a small number of employees at ARAO, we pay an additional attention to the management of non-radioactive office waste. the separate collection of waste is implemented and special waste, e. g. batteries, printer toners, light bulbs, waste metal and plastics are transferred to specialized waste processing and recycling companies. by annually reporting all waste management activities to the slovenian environment Agency, we fulfil the environmental legal requirements.
2.3 the thIRd pIllAR: RAtIOnAl And effICIent eCOnOMy
the third pillar of sustainable development implementation is transparent, ratio-nal and efficient economy.
As a recipient of public funds, we strive to:
achieve transparent and efficient planning and implementation of our activiti-es, in accordance with the available financial resources, and to
achieve economically rational and responsible spending of funds in all areas of our operation.
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2.3.1 performance Indicators in 2013
the above table shows the events in the period from 2009 to 2013, which had a significant impact on the financial aspect of the economy of the organization. thus, it is evident that at the end of 2009 ARAO eliminated all the assets un-der management from their records and transferred them to the founder, who is also an investor and the sole owner of the future lIlw repository. Among other things, the above data shows the trend of continuous reduction of the total cost of materials, services, labour and other costs. the total income and expenses do not vary as much as the decline in the above mentioned categories of costs as a result of the annual increase in compensation for restricted land use due to an-nual revaluation.
In recent years, due to the situation in the public sector, the number of employ-ees in ARAO, has unfortunately declined. however, with expertise, dedication and high levels of motivation, we managed to maintain service delivery and work ef-ficiency at the same level. Along with continuing the projects adequate reinforce-ment of staff is also expected.
InDIcATOrS 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
BAlAncE ShEET on 31.12.
Assets 1.014.021 € 476.067 € 2.109.481 € 1.653.234 € 10.014.058 € Cash 240.138 € 4.547 € 526.700 € 934.436 € 160.653 € short-term operating receivables 753.462 € 416.393 € 1.353.812 € 595.123 € 1.237.272 € equity capital 144.692 € 11.531 € 637.778 € 472.061 € 289.928 € short-term operating liabilities 785.993 € 426.398 € 1.322.863 € 875.381 € 642.490 € short-term financial liabilities - € 5.000 € - € 11.443 € 434.329 € prOfIT AnD lOSS AccOunT
Operating revenues 4.370.921 € 3.777.238 € 4.504.163 € 4.637.615 € 2.228.306 € Operating expenses 4.196.448 € 4.338.056 € 4.399.281 € 4.442.376 € 2.595.507 € Cost of goods, material and services 1.074.497 € 1.250.735 € 1.488.765 € 1.618.288 € 1.807.337 € Costs of material 42.662 € 14.855 € 22.946 € 27.333 € 20.457 € Costs of services 357.035 € 468.233 € 646.119 € 806.073 € 979.537 € Labour costs 669.866 € 752.443 € 800.178 € 767.358 € 787.874 € Other costs 4.934 € 15.204 € 19.522 € 17.524 € 19.469 € Restricted land use compensations 3.109.082 € 3.080.996 € 2.909.130 € 2.813.126 € 786.498 € total revenues 4.371.059 € 3.781.857 € 4.506.766 € 4.646.798 € 2.244.855 € total expenses 4.196.448 € 4.338.056 € 4.400.389 € 4.448.435 € 2.603.086 € net profit 144.692 € - € 165.717 € 182.133 € - € net loss - € 556.199 € - € - € 358.232 € Investments in lIlw repository- increase 648.674 € - € 1.537.045 € 530.037 € 1.034.965 € Other investments 47.163 € 10.007 € 111.172 € 47.387 € 65.059 € number of employees on 31.12. 21 22 24 24 24
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2.3.2 Sources of funding
ARAO receives funding for its operations from multiple sources, which are in-tended to finance our activities.
Source of funding purposefinancial assets (Eur), vAT included
npp fund
project of lIlw repository1,049,663.00(20.0%)
Compensation for restricted land use for the krško municipality
2,888,309.00(55.1%)
users of the mandatory public service of radioactive waste management
part of the costs of the public service166,892.00(3.2%)
State budget
Most of the costs of the public service
865,483.00(16,5%)
Operation of the Central storage facility
Radiation protection
part of the cost of the lIlw repository
Compensation for restricted land use for the dol municipality near ljubljana
220,773.00(4,2%)
Eu funds International cooperation, education and training
48,389.00(1%)
Total5,239,508.00(100%)
Amount and sources of funds and the purpose of the spending in 2013
wE MAnAgE ThE funDS, whIch wE rEcEIvE frOM SEvErAl SOurcES Of fInAncIng, DIlIgEnTly, rESpOnSIBly AnD TrAnSpArEnTly.
ARAO operates as a public commercial institution and receives funding for its operations from various sources, which are intended to finance our activities, namely from the npp fund, the state budget and from users of the mandatory public service for the management of radioactive waste.
In 2013 we received more than 75% of the funds from the npp fund (for the lIlw repository project and for the restricted land use compensation for the municipality of krško), more than 20% from the state budget (in particular for the implementation of the public service and the operation of the Csf and to compensate the municipality of dol near ljubljana for the restricted land use). the total financial assets were a bit more than 5.2 million euros in 2013.
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npp funD
the fund for decommissioning the nuclear power plant and the disposal of radi-oactive waste from the nuclear power plant (hereinafter: the npp fund) provides:
financing activities related to the construction of the lIlw repository payment of compensation for restricted land use to the municipality of krško
(compensation is payable under the legislation since the approval of the spa-tial plan of national importance for the lIlw repository)
partial financing planning the strategies of management of high level waste and spent fuel;
to a lesser extent, financing the overheads and total costs of ARAO;
uSErS Of ThE STATE MAnDATOry cOMMErcIAl puBlIc SErvIcE Of ThE MAnAgEMEnT Of InSTITuTIOnAl rADIOAcTIvE
payments from the users of the mandatory commercial public service of the man-agement of institutional radioactive waste covers part of the costs of the public service. the price of the public service is determined by the price list approved by the government. In 2013, the pricing from 2000 is still in force.
STATE BuDgET
the state budget covers:
most of the costs of the public service management of institutional radioacti-ve waste, including the cost of radiation protection;
all public service costs in cases when the producer of radioactive waste is not known;
part of the costs associated with the construction of the lIlw repository; all the costs of the operation and decontamination of the Central storage fa-
cility; costs of preparing for the long-term monitoring and maintenance of urani-
um mining and milling waste disposal sites in the area of the former uranium mine at Žirovski vrh.
OThEr SOurcES Of funDIng
Other sources of funding represent funds obtained from international cooper-ation. In 2013 ARAO was involved in three projects of the 7th framework pro-gramme euRAtOM, which were financed from eu funds. some of the employee training has been financed from the resources of the International Atomic energy Agency.
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3. Results of work in 2013 and plans for 2014: an overview of activities
3.1 the MAndAtORy publIC seRvICe Of the InstItutIOnAl RAdIOACtIve wAste MAnAgeMent
when using sources of ionizing radiation in medical, research and industrial institutions, radioactive waste is generated. since the quantities of waste are small, medicine, research and industry are also known as small producers of radi-oactive waste. ARAO, as an authorized contractor for the implementation of the mandatory public service of radioactive waste management, is responsible for the management of radioactive waste from small producers.
the mandatory public service of the management of institutional radioactive wa-ste includes:
acceptance of waste at the site of arising in slovenia, transport, treatment and conditioning of waste for storage, storage and disposal (disposal is not possible at present as the repository has
not yet been built and operation of the Central storage facility.
wE hAvE BEEn MAnAgIng rADIOAcTIvE wASTE frOM SOcIAlly BEnEfIcIAl AcTIvITIES: MEDIcInE, rESEArch AnD InDuSTry fOr 23 yEArS.
when using sources of ionizing radiation in medical, research and industrial institutions, radioactive waste is generated. since the quantities of waste are small (a few cubic meters per year), their producers are known as small producers of radioactive waste.
In 2013, 3.1 m3 of packaged radioactive waste with a total activity of 269 gBq was taken at the Central storage facility (Csf). At the end of 2013, there were 92.4 m3 of radioactive waste with a total activity of 3.2 TBq in the store.
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3.1.1 Acceptance of waste
In the frame of its public service, ARAO collects the waste at the request of the producer at its premises. from the point of view of the producer, this is the sim-plest way and also the risks are minimal. In addition, ARAO is constantly ready for the acceptance of radioactive waste in the following cases:
industrial accidents, transportation accidents and other accidents involving radioactive materials
or in the case, when the producer of radioactive waste cannot be determined.
In 2013 we had to accept a radiation source that was found in a cargo of scrap iron at the location of a collector and processor of scrap. It was a lightning rod head with an eu-152 radionuclide. since both the source activity and dose rate were high, the acceptance of the radioactive source was carefully planned in terms of radiation protection, so that the workers’ exposure to radiation was minimal.
3.1.2 The transportation of radioactive waste
within its public service, ARAO has to provide the transport of radioactive waste. transport is regulated by law and by the rules for the transport of hazardous goods according to so the called AdR regulations that reduce its environmental impacts to minimum. thus, for example, exact shipping equipment, personnel qualifications, the suitability of waste package for shipment, labelling of shipments and the vehicle and supporting documentation for the shipment are prescribed. In ARAO’s internal work instructions were prepared. the aim of the legal regulations and work instruc-tions is to ensure the safety of all the participants in the transport and safety of other persons, property and the environment. due to participation in road transport, transportation is one of the riskier activities in radioactive waste management.
In 2013 we carried out 40 transports in which we transported 699 kg of radioac-tive waste. the vehicle has travelled 4100 km. having the intention that transport should be the most economical with the least possible environmental risk, we strive to combine takeovers in different locations regionally.
On 4 June 2013, the day after notification, ARAO carried out
an interventional takeover of a radioactive source found in
a cargo of scrap iron.
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3.1.3 Treatment and conditioning for Storage
for acceptance to the Central storage facility, radioactive waste must meet certain criteria. this means that it must have adequate radiological, chemical, physical and biological properties. It is important that the waste is in a form that prevents its dispersal into the environment as much as possible. therefore, among other things, we make sure that:
the waste is in a solid state, it does not contain flammable or explosive substances it is non-biodegradable.
If the waste does not meet the criteria, it needs to be treated and conditioned properly before storing them. thus, subsequent handling is safer and easier. then the waste is properly sorted, packaged, labelled and stored.
since 2012, ARAO’s own staff has been performing some of the procedures for the treatment and conditioning of waste. we started with the dismantling of ionizing smoke detectors, where the radioactive parts are separated from the non-radio-active parts, which are later relesed as non-radioactive waste. thus, the volume of treated waste was reduced by more than 90% and some valuable space was gained in the storage.
In autumn 2013 we first implemented the solidification procedure for liquid radio-active waste. liquid waste was accepted from the research institution and solidi-fied in a special laboratory for processing radioactive waste at the Jozef stefan Institute before placing it in storage. In the coming years, we intend to train staff to independently implement new treatment and conditioning procedures, start-ing with the processing of spent sealed sources.
3.1.4 Storage in the central Storage facility
In 2013, 3.1 m3 of packaged radioactive waste with a total activity of 269 gbq was accepted in the storage facility. In recent years, almost 80% of all radioactive waste has been ionizing smoke detectors. At the end of 2013, there was 92.4 m3 of radioactive waste with a total activity of 3.2 tbq in the storage facility.
In autumn 2013, ARAO workers first implemented the solidification of liquid radioactive waste.
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3.1.5 Management of the central Storage facility
the Central storage facility has the status of national infrastructure facility and is managed by ARAO. nuclear legislation defines it as a nuclear facility. It was designed, constructed and equipped to provide safe storage of the radioactive waste. Additionally, the facility and its equipment need to be regularly maintained and updated. As the operator, ARAO must also ensure physical and technical security and fire protection. All changes, both technical and organizational, are carefully planned and can be enforced after being submitted for assessment to the Commission on security and information and/or after obtaining permits from regulatory bodies. In 2013, we realized all the planned preventive periodic maintenance works, inspection and testing of structures, systems and components and the working and measuring equipment necessary for the implementation of the public service. due to the increased requirements of the legislation, we paid special attention to the system for fire detection and alarms and the burglary alarm system in the Central storage facility. we have updated the programs and procedures for physical protection.
cOMplIAncE wITh ThE lEgISlATIOn AnD STAnDArDS
when implementing the public service in 2013, as in previous years, we took into account and complied with the regulations and standards governing radiation protection and nuclear safety, environmental protection, fire protection and occu-pational safety and health. All activities were performed securely and there were no incidents. More on the identification of environmental aspects and the moni-toring of identified environmental impacts can be seen in point 2.3.2.
ThE SATISfAcTIOn Of uSErS Of ThE puBlIc SErvIcE
Information on how to give radioactive waste to the implementor of the public service is offered personally or is accessible in the form of printed information materials and online. the satisfaction of our customers has been measured since 2011 and the information has been used to improve our services. In 2013, the cu-stomer satisfaction with ARAO’s public service was evaluated with a total avera-ge rating of 5.6 out of 6 possible points. the shortfall from the highest possible ratings is attributed to the price of services, which customers are slightly less satisfied with, giving an average rating of 4.7 out of a possible total of 6 points.
3.2 plAnnIng the lIlw RepOsItORy
the lIlw repository vrbina in the krško municipality is intended for:
low and intermediate level radioactive waste, which is a by-product of electric-ity production as well as half of the waste that will be produced at the decom-missioning of the krško nuclear power plant, which slovenia is responsible for
waste produced in medicine, research projects and industry.
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As of now, this waste is safely stored at the lIlw storage facility inside npp krško and in the Central storage facility in brinje near ljubljana. disposal of the waste would mean the final solution of the nuclear waste problem, as well as implementing the primary sustainability principle that a generation that benefits from the use of ionizing radiation should not be passing on the burdens of managing the radioactive waste to future generations. with that in mind, it is important that:
the repository is built on a location acceptable for local community, the solution of near-surface repository silos is safe and that during the planning stages of the project, we seek out the most economically
viable solutions.
with the adoption of the decree on the detailed plan of national importance for the lIlw repository at vrbina in the krško municipality in december of 2009, the selection of the location and type of repository was completed. the project is now slowly advancing through the phase of obtaining a construction permit. In the year 2013, the annual contract with the npp fund for financing the project wasn‘t finalized until september so any cooperation with outside institutions was not possible for most of the year. In the end, only 28% of the planned resources from the npp fund were realized in 2013.
the lIlw Repository will be built in vrbina directly next to the krško npp.
wE ArE DESIgnIng A SAfE, AccEpTABlE, ApprOprIATE AnD EffIcIEnT lIlw rEpOSITOry.
the goal of the lIlw repository project is to ensure the construction of a required lIlw repository that will be safe, environmentally and socially acceptable, technologically effective and economically efficient.
In 2013, we prepared a new revision of the feasibility study and implementation program for the project and began to conduct basic site investigations directly at the location of the repository silo. we performed the initial activities for land acquisition. we continued by preparing a new revision of the safety analysis. A lot of our own work was invested into the preparation of a design basis and reference documentation that will be necessary in order to support the environmental impact assessment and will be a basis for the safety report.
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despite this fact, the realization of the lIlw repository project was progressing even in 2013. we prepared a new revision (C) of the feasibility study and implementation program for the lIlw repository, which was sent to the Ministry of infrastructure and spatial planning for approval, in december of that year. we have also begun preparations for land acquisition in the area for the spatial plan of national importancefor the lIlw repository. within the scope of this activity, we‘ve mostly been checking ownership information. the procedures for obtaining the land are predicted to continue in 2014.
3.2.1 Site investigations and monitoring
the suitability of the site for the lIlw repository was confirmed with the preliminary site investigations of the geo- and hydrosphere, which we performed in 2006 and 2009. In november 2013, we began basic site investigations directly on the location of the repository silo, however we were forced to interrupt the work due to lack of funds.
the continuation of site investigations and their completion is predicted to finish by the end of 2014. the results will provide final information on the geophysical, geomechanical, geochemical, hydrogeological and hydrological properties of the micro location, which will be used for:
According to the confirmed type of repository the radioactive waste will be placed in near-surface silos. Safety will be ensured with the principle of a multiple barrier system: radioactive waste ready for storage will be placed inside metal barrels, several of these containers will be placed inside concrete containers, which in turn will be placed inside the silo situated within geological layers with low permeability below groundwater. These geological layers together with other qualities of this location represent a natural barrier that, alongside the artificial engineered barriers, will prevent any negative impact of the repository on the environment and of the environment on the waste. The silo will be excavated from the surface and will reach an approximate depth of 55m. The internal diameter of a silo will be 27 m. The silo will be filled with ten layers of concrete containers containing radioactive waste which will then be sealed with a concrete lid and a 5 meter high layer of clay.
A section of the lIlw repository (source: gen
energija). the picture shows a closed silo after the waste
has been disposed of.
35
the preparation of the project documentation, the project of obtaining a construction permit and a detailed design,
the preparation of the lIlw repository safety analysis and the preparation of environmental impact report.
hydrogeological monitoring of the lIlw repository site has been continuing since 2006.
3.2.2 repository safety
In 2013 we continued the preparation of a new revision of safety analysis for repository. It was indicated that near surface silos were an appropriate type of repository for the selected location at vrbina krško. the results of the safety analysis confirm that the impact of the repository on human health and the environment will be negligible.
based on the collected data on the site characteristics and radioactive waste, we began working on a new revision of the waste acceptance criteria for the waste that will be disposed of in the repository. work on the waste acceptance criteria is going on in parallel with the work on safety analysis.
the majority of the internal work in 2013 was the preparation of the project’s design basis and reference documentation that will be required to determine the environmental impact of the repository and will be a part of the preliminary safety report. based on specifications and project assignments, the necessary documentation was prepared: design basis documentation as well as reference documentation that is not directly related to the project’s documentation.
3.2.3 preparation of the project documentation
In 2013, a study was made on the optimization of the non-disposal part of the repository, which elaborated the option that the preparation and processing of radioactive waste would take place inside the krško npp and not at the repository’s location. this optimization as well as the optimization of possible technological procedures for disposal, which was prepared in previous years, is the result of recommendations from reviews and reports of renowned international experts. It was performed with the intention of providing optimal solutions for the facility and its operation with equal or increased safety. Optimized solutions will be verified with safety analysis.
data from the basic site investigations will be used for preparation of project documentation and safety analysis.
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3.3 plAnnIng the MAnAgeMent Of the spent fuel An hIgh level wAste
the guidelines of the national programme on Radioactive waste and spent fuel, 2006 - 2015 stipulate that it is necessary to first ensure the safe storage of spent fuel and high level waste and then their safe disposal. In accordance with the programme of decommissioning the npp from 2004, the following steps are proposed:
first, wet storage of spent fuel in a pool at the plant site, followed by dry storage of spent fuel, then packing and conditioning for disposal and then the disposal of the waste in a deep geological repository.
According to technological progress in the last decade, it might be worth exploring further possibilities for the modern processing and recycling of spent fuel into processed nuclear fuel. Modern procedures enable a significant reduction in volume, half-life and radiotoxicity of spent fuel and high level waste. however, in any case, what is left at the end is highly radioactive waste, which must be disposed of permanently.
the guidelines of the national programme on Radioactive waste and spent fuel, 2006 - 2015 stipulate that slovenia should take two possibilities into account equally:
to monitor and participate in initiatives for a regional geological repository in one of the eu countries, and at the same time, if the regional repository would not be possible,
also to long-term plan a geological repository in slovenia for the waste from its own nuclear program.
In 2013, ARAO participated in the working group of the european organization for the development of a geological repository - eRdO, whose mission is to prepare the organizational basis for the implementation of a joint european approach to geological disposal of radioactive waste. we also participated in the activities of the european technology platform Igd-tp (Implementing the geological disposal of Radioactive waste technological platform), which enables the acquisition of the skills and competencies to build a geological repository for hlw and sf. More about ARAO’s cooperation with foreign professional organizations in paragraph 2.2.2.
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In ThE STrATEgIc plAnnIng Of MAnAgEMEnT Of SpEnT nuclEAr fuEl, wE cOnSIDEr ThE lATEST ScIEnTIfIc DEvElOpMEnT, TEchnOlOgIES AnD guIDElInES.
the guidelines of the national programme on Radioactive waste and spent fuel 2006 - 2015 stipulate that we must first ensure the safe storage of spent fuel and high level waste and then their safe disposal. According to technological progress in the last decade, it might be worth exploring further possibilities for the modern processing and recycling of spent fuel into processed nuclear fuel, which enables a substantial reduction in the volume, half-life and radiotoxicity of spent fuel and high level waste.
In 2013, we participated in a working group of the European organization for the development of a geological repository – ErDO-wg, whose mission is to prepare the organizational basis for the implementation of a joint european approach to radioactive waste disposal. we started the preparation of an expert basis for a national strategy for radioactive waste management as a foundation for the preparation of the revised national programme of radioactive waste and spent fuel management.
3.4 teChnICAl suppORt fOR gOveRnMentAl InstItutIOns And AdMInIstRAtIOn
we report on and provide necessary information and technical support for strategic decisions concerning and planning the long-term management of radioactive waste and spent fuel for state institutions and administrations working in the field of nuclear energy and radiation sources. we also maintain and improve the knowledge and support human resource development in the field of radioactive waste management. In 2013, we started to prepare an expert technical basis for upgrading a national strategy for radioactive waste and spent fuel management. the expert basis will form the foundation for the preparation of the revised national program for the Management of Radioactive waste and spent fuel Management.
In ARAO, we will prepare an expert technical basis for a new revision of national program for the Management of Radioactive waste and spent fuel Management for the period after 2015.
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3.5 pRepARAtIOns fOR the lOng-teRM MOnItORIng And MAIntenAnCe Of the dIspOsAl sItes fOR uRAnIuM MInIng And MIllIng wAste In the AReA Of the ŽIROvskI vRh
After the closure of the uranium mine at Žirovski vrh, the tailings resulting from the exploitation of uranium have been disposed of at two landfills: Jazbec and boršt. In boršt, also the material that resulted from the processing of the uranium ore has been disposed of. because the radioactivity of this disposed material is slightly higher than the local background radioactivity the disposal sites have to be constantly monitored and the long-term maintenance of the terrain has to be assured.
In 2013, we participated in the final administrative procedures for the closure of the Jazbec disposal site. since it is not yet formally closed, the long-term monitoring in 2013 has not yet started.
4. summary of ARAO’s plans for 2014 and beyond
In accordance with our main activities, the following plans have been set out in the ARAO program of work and the budget for the year 2014:
• thecontinuousimplementationofthepublicserviceoftheinstitutionalradi-oactive waste management, as well as management of the radioactive waste from unknown producers,
• radiationmonitoringintheCentralStorageFacilityandthesurroundingenvi-ronment, and providing radiation protection for employees and visitors to the storage facility,
• continuedelaborationof theprojectdocumentationandprocedures forob-taining a construction permit for the low and intermediate level radioactive waste repository, preparation of the safety assessment and documentation of the draft safety report and documentation for environmental impact report,
• participationinthepreparationoftwonationalstrategicdocuments:thete-chnical bases of the revision of national programme for the Management of Radioactive waste and spent fuel for the period after 2015, and a new revi-sion of the decommissioning programme for the krško nuclear power plant and the disposal of Radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. the national programme for the Management of Radioactive waste and spent fuel must be harmonized with directive 2011/70/ euratom of 19 July 2011 on establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, which requires each eu Member state to draw up a strategy and policy of radioactive waste management by August 2015,
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• providingtechnicalsupporttothegovernmentalinstitutionsinthefinalstageof the closure of disposal site for uranium mine tailings Jazbec in the Žirovski vrh area.
5. Compliance of the report with the gRI g4 guidelines
In its report for the year 2013, ARAO for the first time follows the global adop-ted guidelines for reporting on the implementation of sustainable development (global Reporting Initiative, www.globalreporting.org , gRI g4). In this and in our future reports, we want to provide clear and transparent information on our activities, results and plans, and our involvement in the national and internatio-nal technical, business and decision-making environment consistently with the concept of sustainable development, with an emphasis on ARAO’s contribution made by the professional and responsible management of radioactive waste.
the report for 2013 is the first but resolute step towards the comprehensive and sustainable reporting of ARAO. In the future, we will mainly improve and upgrade reporting on:
• ARAO’sspecificgoalsandplansinparticularareasofourbusiness;• riskmanagement,i.e.opportunitiesandthreatstothefulfilmentofthemissi-
on and implementation of the ARAO’s activities;• importantnationalandinternationalevents,achievements,resultsandmile-
stones regarding the technological, safety, environmental and social aspects of radioactive waste management.
the table shows partial or complete consistency of the structure and contents of ARAO’s report with the gRI g4 indicators. It primarily serves as a guide in planning improvements in reporting on the implementation of sustainable deve-lopment, which is planned as a part of the regular annual reporting ARAO in the future. Contact for questions, suggestions or comments regarding the contents of the report: [email protected]
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cOnTEnT InDEx In AccOrDAncE wITh grI g4 guIDElInES
gEnErAl STAnDArD DISclOSurE
general Standard Disclo-sures
Description referencereasons for the omission of the con-tent
STrATEgy AnD AnAlySIS
g4-1 statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization.
1.2
OrgAnIzATIOnAl prOfIlE
g4-3 name of organization. 1.3.1
g4-4 primary brands, products, and services. 1.3.2, 3
g4-5 location of the organization’s headquarters. 1.3.1
g4-6 number of countries where the organization operates. 1.3.3
g4-7 nature of ownership and legal form. 1.3.1
g4-8 Markets served. 1.3.2
g4-9 scale of the organization. 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.6, 2.1.1, 2.3.1, 2.3.2
g4-10 workforce. 2.1.1
g4-11 percentage of total employee covered by collective bargaining agreement.
2.1.1
g4-12 supply chain. 1.3.2, 1.3.7, 2.3.2
g4-13 significant changes during the reporting period. / ARAO issues the report in such form for the first time. we will report on possible significant changes in the future.
g4-14 precautionary approach. 2.2 this aspect (ie the evaluation of risk of damage to health and the environment in case of emergencies) is completely covered in the safety report, which is a multi-year document and is reviewed periodically. I. In the event of an emergency slovenian nuclear safety Administration (snsA) is responsible to take decisions.
g4-15 external charters, principles, or other initiatives. 1.3.5
g4-16 Memberships of associations. 2.1.2
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IDEnTIfIED MATErIAl ASpEcTS AnD BOunDArIES
g4-17 entities included in the organizations consolidated financial statements.
/ ARAO public non-profit organization has no subsidiaries and does not carry out the consolidation of accounts.
g4-18 process for defining report content and Aspect boundaries.
2
g4-19 Material aspects. 2
g4-20 Aspect boundaries within the organisation. 2
g4-21 Aspect boundaries outside the organisation. 2
g4-22 effects of any restatements. / ARAO issues the report in such form for the first time. we will report on possible significant changes in the future.
g4-23 significant changes from previous reporting period. / ARAO issues the report in such form for the first time. we will report on possible significant changes in the future.
STAkEhOlDEr EngAgEMEnT
g4-24 stakeholder groups engaged by the organization. 1.3.2, 1.3.7, 2.3.2
g4-25 basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage.
1.3.2, 1.3.7, 2.3.2
g4-26 Approach to stakeholder engagement. 1.3.7, 2.1.2, 2.1.3, 2.2.1, 2.2.2
g4-27 key topics and concerns raised by stakeholders. 2.1.3
rEpOrT prOfIlE
g4-28 Reporting period. 1.1, 1.2, 5
g4-29 date of most recent previous report (if any). ARAO issues the report in such form for the first time.
g4-30 Reporting cycle.
g4-31 Contact point for questions regarding report. 5 and colophon
g4-32 In accordance option chosen. 5
g4-33 Assurance for the report. / ARAO issues the report in such form for the first time.
gOvErnAncE
g4-34 governance structure of organization. 1.3.1, 1.3.4, 1.3.5, 1.3.6
EThIcS AnD InTEgrITy
g4-56 Organizations values principles and norms of behaviour. 1.3.5
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SpEcIfIc STAnDArD DISclOSurES
cATEgOrySuB-cATEgOryaspect
generic disclosures on Management Approach (dMA) and Aspects Reference
EcOnOMIc
Economic performance
g4-dMA 2.3
g4-eC1 direct economic value generated and distributed. 2.3.1
EnvIrOnMEnTAl
Materials g4-dMA skupna količina uporabljenih materialov. 2.2.2, 3.1
g4-en1 skupna količina uporabljenih materialov. 2.2.2, 3.1
Effluents and waste
g4-dMA 2.2.2, 3.1, 6.2
g4-en23 total weight of waste by type and disposal method. 2.2.2, 3.1, 6.2
products and Services
g4-dMA 2.2.2, 3.1
g4-en27 extent of impact mitigation of environmental impacts of products and services.
2.2.2, 3.1
compliance g4-dMA 2.2.1, 2.2.2
Transport g4-en30 significant environmental impacts of transporting products and other goods and materials.
2.2.2, 3.1.2
SOcIAl
lABOr prAcTIcES AnD DEcEnT wOrk
Employment g4-dMA 2.1
Occupational health and Safety
g4-dMA
g4-lA6 type of injury and rates of injury. 2.2.1, 2.2.2
g5-lA7 workers with high incidence or high risk of disease related to their occupation.
2.1.1, 2.2.1
Training and Education
g4-dMA 2.1
SOcIETy
local communities g4-dMA 1.3.7, 2.1.3
prODucT rESpOnSIBIlITy
product and Service labeling
g4-pR5 Results of surveys measuring customer satisfaction. 3.1.5
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6. Appendixes
6.1 AppendIx 1: leCtuRes And pApeRs In 2013
daris I., kralj M.: wp 1 – task 1.1. Identification of the status Quo in education, training and Information at the level of the Information source, eAgle, kick-off Meeting, brdo, slovenia, August 20-21, 2013
daris I., kralj M.: wp 1 – task 1.2 Identification of good practices in education, training and Information at the level of the Information source, eAgle, kick-off Meeting, brdo, slovenia, August 20-21, 2013
hertl b., kralj M.: petRus III wp4 think-tank Activities and the link with CMet, Igd-tp, Igd-tp CMet working group Meeting nO 2; universidad politechnica de Madrid, Madrid, spain, 20-21 november 2013
kostanjevec M: treatment of l&Il liquid waste and the Management of gaseous waste in slovenia, Int9176 - Interregional workshop on technological and safety Aspects of treatment of l&Il liquid waste and Management of gaseous waste, Magurele, Romania, 12 - 16 August 2013
kralj M.: Research in Radwaste Management in slovenia: plans and challenges, newlAnCeR, 3rd Regional Meeting, ljubljana, slovenia, April 15-17, 2013
kralj M.: wp4 think-tank Activities and link with Igd-tp. petRus III kick-off Meeting, nancy, france, October 2-3, 2013
kralj M.: the siting and Construction of the Repository for low and Intermediate level waste in slovenia: Opportunity for Involving the public. nuclear energy and public participation, ljubljana, slovenia, december 2, 2013
kralj M., daris I.: wp1: Information sources: Improving the education, training and Communication, eAgle, kick-off Meeting, brdo, slovenia, August 20-21, 2013
sučić s., viršek s.: the Operation of the Central storage facility (Csf) for Institutional Rw, Regional workshop on the development of the safety Case and safety Assessment for the predisposal Management of Radioactive waste (CRAft), vienna, Austria, 17 – 21 June 2013
sučić s. (ARAO), györkös J. (uRsJv): Management system for Activities Relating to the Management of dsRs in slovenia, Int9176 - Interregional workshop on the design and Application of Management systems (practices and facilities) for Activities Relating to the Management of disused sealed Radioactive sources Including safety and technology, tunis, tunisia, 26-30 May 2013
viršek s.: safety Case for the slovenian lIlw Repository, bIOpROtA workshop, ljubljana, slovenia, May 2013
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viršek s.: safety Case for the slovenian lIlw Repository – supporting R&d studies, dIspOnet, budapest, hungary, May 2013
viršek s.: functional Analysis for the slovenian lIlw Repository, workshop on functional Analysis for lIlw Repositories, ljubljana, slovenia, April 2013
viršek s.: Ravnanje z radioaktivnimi odpadki v sloveniji / Radioactive waste Management in slovenia, 14. strokovno posvetovanje z mednarodno udeležbo “gospodarjenje z odpadki – gzO 13”, /professional consultation with international participation “waste Management - gZO 13”, krško, slovenija, september 2013
viršek s.: slovenian Radwaste Management and the lIlw Repository project, Jnfl scientific visit, Japan, december 2013
viršek s.: long term safety Assessment for the slovenian lIlw Repository, 22nd International Conference nuclear energy for new europe, bled, slovenia, september 2013
viršek s., Rupret M.: Radioaktivni odpadki in kako za njih skrbimo v sloveniji (projekt odlagališča nsRAO), univerza v ljubljani, ntf, maj 2013
Žagar t., kegel l.: ARAO work, Activities and Radioactive waste Management Challenges in slovenia, Regional seminar on Radioactive waste disposal, senec, slovaška, 8. – 9. October, 2013
Žagar t.: national policy and strategy in Radwaste Management in slovenia«, eRdO meeting »supporting small european Member states in Responding to and Reporting on the eu waste directive«, luxembourg, 4-5 december, 2013
Železnik. n., kralj M.: swOt Analysis of nMs participation in euratom projects. 22nd International Conference on nuclear energy for new europe, bled, september 2013
45
6.2 AppendIx 2: RAdIOACtIve wAste In slOvenIA In 2013
Radioactive waste in slovenia is generated from the krško nuclear power plant, which is the main producer, and from research, medicine and industry, from the so called small producers.
6.2.1 radioactive waste and Spent fuel from the krško nuclear power plant
the npp krško generates the majority of the low and intermediate level radio-active waste in slovenia and the npp is the only place where spent fuel and high level radioactive waste are generated.
low and intermediate level radioactive waste is stored in storage at the npp’s premises. In recent years, its volume has been reduced by methods such as com-pacting, supercompacting, drying, incineration and melting. by the end of 2013, there were 2250.6 m3 of low and intermediate level radwaste. Compared to the year 2012, the quantity was reduced in volume by 10.8 m3. due to the current su-per-compaction and relocation of large amounts of waste that is going to be sent to sweden for incineration to the decontamination building, this quantity is lower than it would be if these procedures were not used.
the quantity of low and intermediate level radioactive waste in the npp storage facility
years 1988 and 1989: 1. compacting of waste
years 1994 and 1995: 2. compacting of waste
years 1998 and 1999: 1. incineration of waste
year 2003: 2. incineration of waste
years 2005 and 2006: 3. incineration of waste
since 2006: continuos supercompacting of waste by the installed supercompacting machine in the storage facility
year 2008: 4. incineration of waste
year 2012: 5. incineration of wastev
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0 (m3)
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
310
470
630
865
1066
1296
1352
1541
1706
1783
1914
2019
2078
1872
1971
2042
2074
2086
2154
2203
2208
2253
2289
2256
2258
2174
2189
2209
2211
2234
2261
2251
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In 1991, there was no refueling.
In december 1994, the npp outage started, the fuel was replaced in January 1995.
in 2004, the fuel cycle was extended from 12 to 18 months.
the spent fuel from the npp is stored in a pool at the npp. the current capacity of the pool is for 1694 spent fuel elements.
In 2013 during the regular outage, 56 fuel elements were replaced. thus, at the end of the year, 1098 fuel elements from 26 fuel cycles were stored in the pool (including 2 elements with damaged fuel rods).
6.2.2 radioactive waste from research, medicine and industry
from research, medicine and industry, ARAO gets from 2 to 6 m3 of radioactive waste a year on average, which is only a few percent of the total quantity of radi-oactive waste generated in slovenia. It is stored in the Central storage facility in brinje near ljubljana.
the waste is mostly:
contaminated items such as protective clothing, gloves, cleaning supplies, tools, glass containers, parts of devices, filters, ion exchangers, sludge from evaporators, etc.,
sealed sources that are part of medical irradiation equipment, fire detectors and sealed sources used in industry, for example for measuring thickness, density and moisture, for measuring the levels inside containers and errors in metal castings and welds;
the quantity of spent fuel in the npp’s pool by years
40 82 122
154
194
226
266
314
314
358
406
406
442
470
498
530
562
594
630
663
707
763
763
819
872
872
928
985
985
1041
1098
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
number of fuel elements
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by the end of 2013, there was 92.4 m3 of radioactive waste with a total weight of 50 tonnes and a total activity of 3.2 tbq in the Central storage facility in brinje.
7. Abbreviations
ARAO national Organization for Management of Radioactive waste
Csf Central storage facility
hlw high level waste
IAeA International Atomic energy Agency
Igd – tp Implementing the geological disposal of Radioactive waste - technology platform
lIlw low and intermediate level waste
Rw radioactive waste
RwM radioactive waste management
sf spent fuel
npp nuclear power plant
npp fund financial fund for decommissioning of the nuclear power plant krško
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
64 67.5
68 68.4
68 73 78 81 85 79 82 86.4
89.6
89.1
92.4100
80
60
40
20
0
volume (m3)
the volume of packages of radioactive waste in Central storage facility at the end of each year
ARAO, ljubljanaCelovška 1821000 ljubljanaslovenia
tel.: +386 1 236 32 00fax: +386 1 236 32 30e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]
www.arao.si
published by: ARAOtext by: ARAOConcept: Consensus d.o.o.design & layout: branka smodišproofreading: Julija d.o.o.
ljubljana, september 2014
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