- The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine has approved the commissioning of two key facilities at the Chernobyl site— the Solid Waste Retrieval Facility and the Solid Waste Processing Plant— as part of the Industrial Complex for Solid Radioactive Waste Management (ICSRM), enabling safe and efficient processing and storage of radioactive waste.
- Funded primarily by the European Union, the ICSRM integrates four specialized facilities to manage legacy, operational, and decommissioning waste, marking a significant step toward environmental recovery and compliance with international nuclear safety standards.
The State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine has granted approval for the commissioning of two critical facilities at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant site: the Solid Waste Retrieval Facility and the Solid Waste Processing Plant. This approval includes an amendment to the site’s license, allowing the facilities to conduct activities related to the processing and storage of radioactive waste. These facilities are integral components of the site’s Industrial Complex for Solid Radioactive Waste Management (ICSRM).
The ICSRM represents a significant advancement in the safe and efficient management of radioactive waste. Its primary goal is to process the solid radioactive waste accumulated during the plant’s operation, waste generated during the plant’s decommissioning, and operational radioactive waste from the Shelter Object. The Shelter Object is the emergency structure hastily constructed in 1986 to enclose Reactor 4 after the catastrophic accident. According to Chernobyl operators, “The commencement of ICSRM’s industrial operation marks a significant step in the safe and efficient management of radioactive waste.”
ICSRM Overview
The ICSRM is a comprehensive industrial complex for the management of solid radioactive waste. It encompasses four distinct facilities, each designed to address specific stages of waste processing and storage, integrated into a unified technological cycle. The project has been majority funded by the European Union and includes the following lots:
Lot 0: Temporary Storage for Long-Lived Waste
Lot 0 comprises temporary storage for long-lived waste, which is waste that has a half life of more than 30 years. The Lot includes low, intermediate, and high-level waste. These are measures which distinguish relatively how radioactive the waste material is. This storage is housed within the Liquid and Solid Waste Storage Facility, which was commissioned in 2010. Lot 0 serves as the initial step in the waste management process, ensuring the secure containment of radioactive materials prior to further processing or disposal.
Lot 1: Solid Waste Retrieval Facility
Lot 1 focuses on the retrieval of solid radioactive waste from existing storage facilities. It is designed to handle up to 3 cubic meters of waste per day, with an operational lifespan of 30 years. This facility plays a crucial role in addressing the legacy waste accumulated during the operation of the Chernobyl plant, enabling the subsequent treatment and storage of these materials.
Lot 2: Solid Waste Processing Facility
Lot 2 is responsible for sorting and processing low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste at a rate of 20 cubic meters per day. The facility employs advanced methods such as incineration for solid and liquid waste and cementation for specific waste types. It is also capable of packaging 1.5 cubic meters of low- and intermediate-level long-lived waste per day. Additionally, Lot 2 features storage capabilities for up to 3,500 cubic meters of low- and intermediate-level long-lived waste and high-level waste. This stage is essential for reducing waste volume and preparing it for long-term storage or disposal.
Lot 3: Near-Surface Storage Facility
Lot 3 is a near-surface storage facility specifically designed for low- and intermediate-level short-lived waste. With a storage capacity of 55,000 cubic meters, it will accept waste for a period of 30 years and securely store it for up to 300 years. This facility ensures the safe containment of short-lived waste, mitigating potential environmental impacts over the long term.
Significance of the ICSRM
The ICSRM’s facilities collectively represent a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of radioactive waste management at the Chernobyl site. By integrating retrieval, processing, and storage capabilities into a single technological cycle, the ICSRM ensures that waste is handled efficiently and safely at every stage. The facilities’ designs also adhere to rigorous international safety standards, reflecting the ongoing commitment to mitigating the environmental and health risks associated with radioactive waste.
The European Union’s majority funding underscores the international community’s dedication to supporting Ukraine’s efforts to manage the Chernobyl legacy responsibly. With the ICSRM now operational, the Chernobyl site is better equipped to handle its extensive waste inventory, marking a crucial milestone in the region’s environmental recovery and nuclear safety.
