Suggestions in media reports that Australia’s radioactive waste could be stored long-term at ANSTO’s Lucas Heights site south of Sydney are not accurate according to Australia’s nuclear agency ANSTO.
ANSTO gave evidence at a Senate inquiry in Canberra today on the proposed Commonwealth government repository for radioactive waste in the Northern Territory.
In response to questions ANSTO confirmed to the hearing that the waste currently stored at Lucas Heights was held safely but that it would not be appropriate for long term disposition of radioactive waste.
ANSTO today emphasised that Australia should adhere to international best practice and have a purpose-built engineered facility in a region that best met the international criteria for waste disposal.
This is based on a repository for low level waste in a suitable geology. At the same time co-location of an intermediate level waste store is good practice and again allows a purpose built facility to be constructed.
Long term disposition at Lucas Heights is not a suitable alternative. ANSTO further noted that such a course of action would be contrary to existing legislation, and would be inconsistent with statements made by both Labor and Coalition governments.
A centralised facility, engineered for that purpose, is also needed to take the other commonwealth radioactive waste not held by ANSTO.
The States will also need to consider how to dispose of their radioactive waste, which is currently held at over 100 locations nationally.
Published: 28/11/2008