New guidelines for waste disposal (NRA)

NRA to study nuclear waste disposal requirements

December 24, 2014 

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20141224_24.html

Dec. 24, 2014 - Updated 11:12 UTC+1

Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority says it will begin drafting guidelines for the disposal of nuclear waste with relatively high-levels of radioactivity.

The NRA has already set regulations for burying low-level nuclear waste from decommissioned reactors.

But it delayed coming up with regulations for the disposal of higher level waste, such as parts from inside the reactor. Officials said they needed more time to carefully consider what's required.

Now the authority has decided to set up a team to draft those guidelines. They plan to begin work next month and complete a proposal within the year.

Relatively high-level nuclear waste will be buried at least 50 meters underground. The authority plans to set standards for quake resistance and anti-leakage measures.

But waste such as control rods, which remain highly radioactive over a long time, may require further processing. Regulations for that waste will be excluded from next year's draft.

Energy companies are expected to announce plans to decommission their older reactors, which will produce more radioactive waste.