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.