On the Selection of a Disposal Option for Low- and Intermediate-Level Waste

The paper overviews different options considered for the near-surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level waste. It evaluates the engineered safety barriers proposed under the near-surface disposal concepts, their functions and designs. The paper demonstrates that the practice providing for RW disposal in shallow near-surface disposal facilities can be feasibly replaced by the one of surface disposal. It considers different engineering designs proposed for such surface repositories, in particular, those preventing water accumulation in the repository structures. It summarizes the findings o some broad safety assessments focused on such designs.