Managing radioactive waste
Radioactive wastes resulting from nuclear electricity generation and from uses of radiation and radioactive materials in medicine, agriculture, industry and research must be managed and disposed of in ways that ensure the protection of people and the environment, now and in the future. The Community plan of action in the field of radioactive waste management (1980-1992) was approved by the Council on 18 February 1980, and was recently extended to the year 1999. The renewed plan of action covers all types of radioactive waste and takes into account the operation of the Single Market from 1993 on. Progress in implementing the plan was reported by the Commission to the Council in 1983, 1987 and 1993. A forty-page booklet, "Managing Radioactive Waste in the European Community", based on the conclusions of the 1993 report, seeks to address public concern which still exists (despite significant progress in waste management technology) about the disposal of nuclear waste, particularly the longer-lived wastes. The illustrated publication summarizes the present situation with regard to radioactive waste (procedures, rules for transport, waste from the dismantling of old nuclear installations, waste from sources other than nuclear power) and describes the European outlook for the future. Further chapters explain the sources, categories and quantities of wastes to be dealt with, the international, EEC and national regulatory frameworks, the approaches to the assessment of safety, the associated research and development activities, and related issues, including the costs of waste management and public information and involvement.