Waste Management

Australia Identifies Possible Site For National Radwaste Facility

By David Dalton
29 April 2016

29 Apr (NucNet): A site in South Australia has been shortlisted as a possible location for a national radioactive waste management facility, the government announced today. Barndioota, near Port Augusta to the north of Adelaide, has been picked after months of consultation which followed the release of six possible sites for the facility. 

All six sites – three in South Australia, and one each in New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory – were voluntarily nominated.

Resources Minister Josh Frydenberg said it was not the final decision and further consultation and analysis would need to be undertaken.

He said Barndioota’s shortlisting presents an opportunity to continue consultation and concept development with the community to ensure information is provided and any outstanding questions are answered.

The next phase of the project will also include detailed design, safety, environmental and technical assessment, a statement said.

In recognition of any short-term disruption that this detailed assessment might involve, Barndioota will be provided with up to $2m (€1.3m, $1.5m) for local projects that create lasting economic or social benefits.

Australia has the equivalent of around two Olympic-sized swimming pools of radioactive waste, which includes laboratory items such as paper, plastic and glassware, and material used in medical treatments, the government said.

More than 100 sites across the country, including hospitals and universities, are licensed to store this waste on an interim basis.

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