Management and regulatory supervision of legacy sites and radioactively contaminated lands in Republic of Kazakhstan

Abstract

The safe management and disposal of radioactive waste (RW) arising from the nuclear legacy, as well as newly generated RW, are key problems. Their solution will have important implications for nuclear energy development, the introduction of other radiation technologies, and their public perception. In the framework of the cooperation between the Committee of Atomic and Energy Supervision and Control (CAESC) of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), work has been carried out to analyse the current state of nuclear and radiation safety in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The analysis was based on identifying gaps in national legislation and the assessment of corresponding threats in this area. Proposals for their elimination were developed, taking into account international experience and International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations. Analysis of the current situation in the Republic of Kazakhstan showed that at present the RWs are not properly regulated within an up-to-date regulatory framework. Currently, a list of key by-laws is being developed, which will support the provisions of a new law on RW management, and work is underway to adopt the already developed and drafted regulatory documents. Within the framework of the CAESC-DSA cooperation, the priority tasks established for 2021–2024 include the development of regulatory documents for the rehabilitation of uranium heritage sites, site selection for new nuclear facilities, and the management of nuclear materials for certain types of installations and manufactures. Practice has shown the need to use the advanced international experience and common approaches developed internationally, to develop and apply long-term and reliable solutions for the management of RW and nuclear legacy facilities and territories. The solution of these problems concerns not only scientists, technologists, and employers of the nuclear industry, but requires their cooperation with politicians, regulatory authorities, and the general population. The importance of sharing international experience to understand and solve these challenges is highlighted.