A batch of radioactive waste from the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute deemed unsuitable for disposal due to documentation discrepancies

According to disclosures by relevant parties on August 5, a batch of radioactive waste shipped last year by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to the low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste disposal facility (RWDF) in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was deemed unsuitable for batch disposal due to inconsistencies between the declared documentation and actual contents.

The Korea Radioactive Waste Agency (KORAD) conducted inspections after receiving the waste. KAERI shipped a total of 694 drums of radioactive waste to the disposal facility last year, of which 69 drums were inspected, and 32 were found to be non-compliant. The primary reason for non-compliance was discrepancies between the contents of the documents submitted by the institute and the actual inspection results after receipt.

As a result, this batch of radioactive waste generated by KAERI has not yet been disposed of and remains stored at the disposal facility. KORAD has recently submitted a report to relevant agencies, including the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC).

An official from KORAD stated that the inspection results showed the waste did not meet disposal requirements, and follow-up measures are currently being studied. KAERI stated that some waste contents had changed, but photos or documents failed to accurately reflect the relevant conditions, leading to the non-compliant determination. The institute stated that it will take measures to prevent similar issues from recurring.