Repository for Radioactive Wastes NOVI HAN

INRNE operates NOVI HAN Repository and is involved in the scientific activities that ensure the safe management of radioactive waste in the country.

Novi Han Repository is the only one existing repository in Bulgaria for final disposal of radioactive waste, which are generated during the applications of radionuclides in clinical therapy and diagnosis, industry and research. Wastes from nuclear fuel cycle as well as from uranium mining and milling are not accepted. The facility is located 35 km south-east from Sofia in Lozen mountain 6.5 km away from a village named Novi Han. The site was selected after site selection procedure according to safety and environmental requirements. The repository was commissioned in early sixties. It consist of several separate disposal vaults, which are engineered multybarrier disposal systems. During more then 30 year of operation no leakage of radioactivity was observed.

Comprehensive program for upgrading the Novi Han Repository was initiated by the INRNE, which is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency under project BUL/4/005 and Bulgarian government through State Fund for Safety and Storage of Radioactive Wastes. The first phase of the program, which consist of repair and improvement of the facilities, installations and buildings, improvement of the physical and radiological protection, construction of large-scale containers for temporary storage of radioactive waste, is expected to be completed till the end of 2000.

INRNE takes part in different national and international projects in the field of radioactive waste management. and the main activities are concentrated in the following topics:

TV control inside repository (left). Disposal vault for spent sealed sources.

• development of advanced methods for treatment and conditioning of radioactive wastes, including liquid ones
• research on the behavior of radionuclides in aqueous systems, as well as in geologic media, which are natural barriers against migration of radionuclides in the environment
• research on engineered barriers, which prevent migration of radionuclides from radioactive waste repositories and contaminated sites
• development of advanced monitoring systems
• safety assessment of near surface repositories
• radiological assessment of contaminated sites.

INRNE takes part in the development of national strategy for radioactive waste management. In particular, our efforts led to development together with other institutes of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences of "Concept for National Repository", which is submitted to the Government. The Concept was justified by experts of IAEA and taken into account by the Phare study BG0107-02-04-01 "Radioactive Waste Management in Bulgaria".