The third and final stage of "hot" testing at the Industrial Complex for the Solid Radioactive Waste Management was started on October 26.
The complex is intended for acceptance, processing and / or disposal of solid radioactive waste accumulated during Chornobyl NPP operation and those generated during the decommissioning, as well as operational radioactive waste from the Shelter object.
"This is a very important event. The last "long-term construction" at Chornobyl NPP industrial site is finally moving towards its completion. From now we will fully work in all directions: with fuel, liquid waste, and with solid waste", — summed up the beginning of tests ChNPP Acting General Director Valery Seyda.
According to preliminary estimates, the forecasted volume of Radioactive Waste (hereinafter: RAW) during ChNPP Units decommissioning and Shelter Object transformation into an ecologically safe system will be about 180 000 m3, which in volume is approximately equal to 70 Olympic pools. The portion of the Solid RAW is about 140 000 m3.
“Hot tests” are those tests that take place under conditions that are as close as possible to the actual operating conditions of the facility. During "hot" tests, personnel and equipment will work with real radioactive material.
Read more: Industrial Complex for Solid Radioactive Waste Management (ICSRM)
It bears reminding that before to start the “hot tests”, in September 2021, the facility was underwent an inspection performed by the State Nuclear Regulation Inspectorate of Ukraine.
"The inspectors are convinced that the Plant is sufficiently staffed to perform Radioactive Waste processing and storage activities and our specialists have the necessary skills to operate the equipment. The equipment involved in the technological process of Radioactive Waste processing and storage meets all the requirements," — commented Ilya Shumkov, Deputy Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Shop.