Application Analysis on Past Cases of Radioactive Waste Disposal Site Selection based on Geo-electric and Electromagnetic Surveys

Abstract

As nuclear power generation has been under operation for a long time, a deep geological repository of spent nuclear fuel, which is a high-level radioactive waste, has become an important issue for nuclear safety and environmental protection. Since improper site selection can lead to radionuclide leaks, which negatively affect the environment, appropriate sites should be selected by comprehensive consideration of various factors, such as the geological and hydrogeological setting. Electrical and electromagnetic surveys can be used to delineate the deep subsurface structure of a target area by detecting physical properties, such as electrical conductivity or resistivity. This paper briefly introduces the proper characteristics of environmentally safe deep disposal sites, identifies electrical and electronic surveys that can be applied in site selection, and analyzes overseas cases applied to the actual site selection process.