Speaker
Description
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the studies performed regarding a particular terrain in Spain in which stacks of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is stored, with the objective of proposing a suitable solution for the management of that piece of land. The NORM resulted from a former dicalcium phosphate production plant that used to be located in this site.
WORK PERFORMED
The study consisted covered the:
- Radiological characterization of the terrain, identifying the
radionuclides that are present and their concentrations in different
areas of the site. - Evaluation with a simulation code of the current
radiological impact to the surrounding population and that of
potential future workers in the site considering a series of
remediation actions. - Proposal of actions based on the estimates
obtained Study of the potential radiological impact on the
surrounding population and the workers during the remediation works
of the site.
The performed studies are on the process of consensus between the different stakeholders, having been presented to the local Authorities, Universities and the Regulator.
CONCLUSIONS
Under the considered scenarios and hypothesis, from the radiological impact assessments performed and based on the obtained results it could be concluded that the presence of phosphogypsum (NORM wastes) in the site does not suppose a significative radiological impact for the current population from the radiation protection standpoint.
Furthermore the proposal of solution, holding the hypothesis used and as long as the structural integrity of the remediation solution are kept in time, allows for the reuse of the site constrained to an industrial use, without posing a significant risk the workers of the remediated site from the radiation protection standpoint.
