ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the characterization of radioactive waste of potential threat to the environment in general and to humankind in particular. It focuses on requirements for disposal of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) and intermediate-level radioactive waste (ILW). The effects resulting in ionizing radiation are seen to be harmful to human health and other biotic receptors. Radioactive wastes are materials and substances that contain concentrations of radioactive isotopes exceeding the threshold limit considered to be safe to human health by regulatory and health authorities. Prudent engineering practice demands that mitigating and remedial strategies be made part of LLW and ILW containment and disposal scheme. The chapter discusses racking of the transport of contaminants and fugitive radionuclides. The location and placement of monitoring and soil sampling devices need to be judiciously determined to ensure proper procurement of data relating to concentrations of fugitive radionuclides and other contaminants at various spatial and depth locations in the management zone.
