Handling toxic wastes during salvaging and rehabilitation of nuclear objects in north-west Russia

Systematized information on toxic wastes produced during salvaging and rehabilitation of decommissioned nuclear and radiation-hazardous objects in the nuclear-powered naval fleet in north-west Russia is presented. The dynamics of their accumulation up to 2025 is estimated. Substantiation is given for the need to re-examine the existing system of handling wastes and searching for new solutions for decreasing the ecological risk by systematically reprocessing or eliminating them together with gaining an ecological advantage. Such an approach requires upgrading and developing infrastructure at the salvaging enterprises and objects undergoing rehabilitation. Several strategies are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of each strategy are evaluated according to safety and cost factors and the most acceptable strategy is chosen. A functional model is created. A list of projects and technical means is presented, and the time periods and costs required for implementation are estimated. The priority directions of work are identified. Translated from Atomnaya énergiya, Vol. 105, No. 6, pp. 345–352, December, 2008.