To the editor,
When a deep geological repository (DGR) is abandoned and leaking, who is responsible if the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) stops funding it?
When a decommissioned DGR begins to leak, potential hazards to the environment and to human health would result. Numerous circumstances, including abandonment, lack of maintenance, and monitoring, can result in radioactive material leaks or releases.
In the event of a DGR leaking, the specific nature and extent of the impact would depend on several factors, including the type and quantity of radioactive waste stored, the characteristics of the surrounding geology, and the duration and volume of the leak.
Detection of a leaking DGR in the future would ideally trigger emergency response measures to control and mitigate the leak. But what will society be like in the future? Who will be responsible for the DGR that would implement measures to contain and limit the spread of the leaked radioactive materials? Who will be responsible for the cleanup? Remember, the DGR was abandoned generations ago!
It’s crucial to remember that scenarios such as DGR abandonment and leakage are not addressed. Despite the design, it might not be as durable as desired. However, the dangers that could result from leaky or abandoned DGRs highlight how critical adequate long-term management and monitoring of radioactive waste repositories are.
Here are a few potential consequences:
– Contamination of groundwater – If the leakage reaches groundwater, it can contaminate the water source with radioactive materials. This can potentially lead to long-term or permanent pollution of drinking water supplies, affecting both humans and ecosystems.
– Soil contamination – Radioactive materials can also contaminate the soil surrounding the abandoned DGR. This can impact agricultural lands and ecosystems, affecting plant and animal life in the area.
– Release into the atmosphere – If the leakage includes gases or volatile radioactive materials, there may be a risk of their release into the atmosphere. This can potentially spread the contamination over larger areas, depending on wind patterns and atmospheric conditions.
– Potential health risks – Exposure to leaked radioactive materials can pose significant health risks, including increased risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other radiation-related illnesses. The extent of the health risks would depend on the duration and intensity of exposure, as well as the pathways through which individuals come into contact with the contamination (e.g., inhalation, ingestion).
– Environmental impact – The ecological consequences of a leaking DGR can be severe. Radioactive materials can harm plants, wildlife, and ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and long-term ecological disruption.
Dennis D. Eickmeier
Mildmay
