SAFEGUARDS PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS WITH DEEP UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL OF USED NUCLEAR FUEL AND FUEL RECYCLE WASTE

The disposal of used, radioactive, nuclear fuel and nuclear fuel cycle waste, which is often more radioactive, has been one of the major undertakings of the nuclear industry in many countries. Technology must be developed and facilities must be built for safe long-term storage or disposal of this used fuel and recycle waste. In Canada, the United States, Sweden, Germany and other States, research and development work has been in progress for several years to find a satisfactory solution to this important problem. This work on used fuel and fuel recycle waste disposal has included studies and tests on: a) suitable locations for disposal; ) techniques for safe containment and disposal; and c) health and safeguards aspects. In this paper we will consider the problems and possible techniques for the application of IAEA safeguards to the nuclear material at these disposal facilities.