Thematic network on the role of monitoring in a phased approach to geological disposal of radioactive waste : final report

The thematic network (TN) 'The role of monitoring in a phased approach to disposal' was established with the objectives to: (i) improve both the understanding of the role of and the opinions for monitoring within a phased approach to the deep geological disposal of radioactive waste; and (ii) identify how monitoring can contribute to decision-making, operational and post-closure safety and confidence in our understanding of the repository development. The TN was coordinated by Nirex, the radioactive waste management organisation in the UK, and has brought together expertise from 12 different organisations in nine member countries, one acceding country and one associate country. All the participants of this TN agree on the importance of monitoring in relation rto establishing baseline conditions, maintaining operational safety, and compliance (including safeguards), and in support of model confirmation regarding post-closure safety. This report is presented in seven chapters and has an appendix made up of 10 country annexes. They describe the plans for monitoring in each of the countries involved in the TN and have been prepared by the appropriate organisations in each country.