Analysis of Waste Arisings From the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

The paper reviews the findings of a recent international study to characterise the waste arising from the decommissioning of dumps in the Industrial Zone of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the Exclusion Zone. Studied sites included the Industrial Zone outside the Sarcophagus, three engineered disposal sites (the so-called PZRO), non-engineered near surface trench dumps (PVLRO), contaminated soil and sites of ‘unauthorised’ disposal within the Exclusion Zone.

The paper summarises the inventory of wastes, the management options, which have been considered for various dumps, and the resulting estimates of the volumes of waste streams, as well as the approach that was used in the decision-making process.