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Disposition of High-Level Radioactive Waste Through Geological Isolation
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The magnitude of the technical challenges in designing and constructing a geological repository for HLW and assuring its safety is perhaps comparable to that of other large-scale and potentially hazardous engineered systems, such as the development of coal mines, bridges, or a new generation of commercial aircraft. A radioactive waste repository may face special challenges since it may be perceived as involving involuntary risks to members of the general public. Best technical efforts are made to model the system, to assure an appropriate amount of conservatism in the design, and then to improve the design as experience is acquired. There are many areas in our highly technological society at the end of the 20th century where the public is willing to leave the assurance of safety to the technical experts. Both empirical experience and social science research on public attitudes suggest that this is not the case with radioactive waste disposal. There are a number of interrelated reasons that might be advanced for why public acceptance poses such a formidable challenge. First, the time scales for damage are long, much longer than for many other safety issues. It might be hypothesized that people might not care about adverse impacts that could occur in the far distant future. However, there is much research indicating that nuclear facilities and in particular, nuclear waste repositories, are viewed by many among the public with great concern (Weart, 1988; Flynn et al., 1995; Easterling and Kunreuther, 1995). Furthermore, research shows that underlying that concern is very strong negative imagery (Weart, 1988; Flynn et al., 1995), and the representation that damage from radioactive waste to human health, to ways of life, and to the environment may be widespread and severe.
Board on Radioactive Waste Management, National Research Council - Personal Name
0-309-59382-4
NONE
Management
English
1999
1-43
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