Human intrusion dose assessment for the safe disposal of radioactive spent resin mixed waste at disposal facilities

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of safely disposing of spent resin mixed waste from which pure beta emitters(14C, 3H) have been removed 95 % at near-surface disposal facilities and evaluates the radiation dose to the public in the event of human intrusion after the management period of the disposal site. The decommissioning of Wolsong Unit 1, Korea's first commercial heavy water reactor, marks a critical juncture in the field of nuclear energy, highlighting the imperative for advancements in the methodologies of decommissioning, decontamination, and stewardship of mixed spent resin radioactive waste. To this end, six human intrusion scenarios are examined, and a cross-validation is performed using GENII and RESRAD-ONSITE simulation codes to confirm that the public dose criterion of 1 mSv/y is not exceeded under any of the scenarios. This result suggests that the safe disposal of waste from which beta radionuclides have been removed is possible, carrying significant implications for waste management and environmental protection. Such assessments provide scientific evidence for establishing waste disposal strategies and can serve as foundational data for the sustainable utilization of nuclear energy.