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Earthquakes and Radioactive Waste (2) |
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by Jeonghyun Lee | 07-10-2014 21:48
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Continued from Earthquakes and Radioactive Waste (1)
Last time, I wrote about the construction of radioactive waste disposal site in Gyeongju, South Korea. However, after a magnitude 3.5 earthquake hit the area, even more people began to oppose the project. Yet KHNP, the operator of all the nuclear generators in Korea confirmed that it will continue the construction without further delay. The most alarming thing is that the first step of the project has already been completed, and the first radioactive waste will be disposed as soon as January 2015. Therefore, I actually visited the disposal site to research further about the situation.
After a 30 minute drive from the heart of the city, we arrived at the disposal site situated next to a small beach. The waves were quite frightening because of the windy weather. I was later told that the disposal site was located so close to the sea because the radioactive waste would be transported by container ships. The site was being operated by KORAD (Korea Radioactive Waste Agency), a branch of KHNP. After climbing up the hill, we arrived at a futuristic promotion facility.
It was early in the morning, and a guide explained the project as well as its progression. We were shown models of the containers that would contain the waste as well as the silo. There was also a miniature of the container ship that will carry all the bins. What was most interesting was the structure of the silo. We were told that it was covered in a sheet of waterproof coating, which was to prevent the pollution of groundwater from radiation. Furthermore, the walls were made up of thick concrete that could stay firm for at least a thousand years.
Overall, I got an impression that KORAD was trying out various means to minimize the impact of radioactive waste on the environment. It seemed that they were doing numerous research and experiments since radioactive waste disposal sites are new to Korea. Furthermore, I thought that it would still be better to bury the waste underground instead of keeping them aboveground just like now, whether it is dangerous or not.
Nonetheless, I could not really believe that the disposal facility was really safe and durable as explained. Most importantly, the facility was located on a quite active stratum, meaning that it could be subjected to large earthquakes. What troubled my mind was that the facility could only stand up to an earthquake of magnitude 6.5. Considering the recent earthquake that devastated Fukushima in Japan, I felt that the facility should be designed to be more durable.
I believe the most important thing is to keep remembering the danger of radioactive pollution. We should always stay alert to any kind of radioactive development projects regardless of accidents. I hope KORAD would manage the project more clearly, so that citizens like us can actually trust the disposal site.
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10 Comments
Thank you for sharing, Jeonghyun!
Posted 30-11-2014 01:02
Thank you for the detailed report . Undoubtedly proper disposal of radioactive waste is essential to ensure protection of the health and safety of the public and quality of the environment including air, soil, and water supplies. Therefore , adequate preventive measures should be taken to avoid radioactive pollution. Waste disposal sites should be foolproof.
Due to the hazardous nature of radioactive waste , countries should focus on other safe renewable sources of energy.
Posted 13-10-2014 15:10
Very vivid report Jeonghyun... I have never visited any such facilities, but have gone through few documentaries after Japan nuclear plant disaster few years back and was shocked to see the actual radiation in the gauges, where as the GOVT was claiming that the area was safe!! It is dangerous indeed...
Posted 12-10-2014 21:32
Well that's quite a vivid illustration there Jeonghyun both the pictures and article itself are adequate enough to give one a wake-up call. According to my little knowledge as far as radioactive forms is concerned:
Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie,discovered radioactive elements in 1898. Well it's not wrong to be a pioneer like this couple here BUT my problem with this radioactive energy and its remnants is there is little knowledge about it to the community out there. Let me try to give an example. Below is an article on radioactive waste by Weber, W.J. Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA). It says
:(Radiation effects on the stability of high-level nuclear waste (HLW) forms are an important consideration in the development of technology to immobilize high-level radioactive waste because such effects may significantly affect the containment of the radioactive waste. Since the required containment times are long (10^3 to 10^6 years), an understanding of the long-term cumulative effects of radiation damage on the waste forms is essential. Radiation damage of nuclear waste forms can result in changes in volume, leach rate, stored energy, structure/microstructure, and mechanical properties. Any one or combination of these changes might significantly affect the long-term stability of the nuclear waste forms. This report defines the general radiation damage problem in nuclear waste forms, describes the simulation techniques currently available for accelerated testing of nuclear waste forms, and reviews the available data on radiation effects in both glass and ceramic (primarily crystalline) waste forms.
How many of us know at all what its said here except for the fact that radioactive material is dangerous.Only a few out there can actually nullify the impacts this type of technology will have on us which means we can not control it to a considerable extent. Why create it at all?
Posted 12-10-2014 13:42
Radioactive Waste is required to be dumped is a responsible manner.
There is no ideal situation in real life.
Thanks for the report, Jeonghyun
Posted 11-10-2014 18:29
Jeonghyun, I feel that there is lot to be done with regard to sustainable waste dumping facilities for Radioactive Waste.
May be in years to come this may become safer.
Well reported!
Posted 11-10-2014 13:34
The waste dumping facilities for Radioactive Waste are quite expensive to put up. Many companies usually put up cheap and unsafe facilities which can pose threat to the environment. I hope that the world switches to more sustainable forms of energy.
Posted 10-10-2014 18:56
Thank you so much for the vivid, informative article Jeonghyun! I also agree with your view that the durability should be much more strengthened. Because their assumption is all based on very peaceful and ideal condition. The real world is never like that. We already saw how fukushima explosion went its worst state that easily.
Posted 09-10-2014 00:09
@Aysha, So true. It's proven so many times through research and accidents.
Posted 09-10-2014 00:01
when they say radioactive waste disposal sites are safe, i know that's a lie right on my face.
Posted 08-10-2014 20:43