ABSTRACT
The generation of radioactive waste is a by-product of many of the essential services that sustain modern society, from the production of electricity and life-saving medical procedures to exploration in the mining industry and basic Scientific research. Low level radioactive waste (LLRW) disposal facilities have been, and continue to be, licensed with strong community support in various parts of the world but siting is difficult: the stars need to align for things to go right and any number of factors can cause things to go wrong. There is no road map that can guarantee success – siting strategies, as shown by the case studies examined here, are dependent on unique cultural dynamics and a complex interplay of local, regional and national politics (as well as international politics in some cases) that are often highly fluid. That being said, a number of distinct themes emerge from the case studies: a set of common challenges faced by all siting authorities and a longer list of approaches to siting that have had varying degrees of success. The findings and recommendations that follow can be considered a general good-practice guide that should inform a specific siting strategy adopted by decision-makers.
