RADON Federal State Unitary Enterprise (Moscow, Russia):

Martianov V. V., Head of department, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, e-mail: radonvlad@rambler.ru
Kizim V. B., Senior Researcher

A ranking place in the monitoring of radioactive waste storages (RAWS) belongs to the hydrogeological analysis methods. One of the primary hydrogeological researches is the experimental seepage operations aimed at collecting initial data on leak-off, sorption and storage properties of natural and engineering barriers. The testing parameters, including the test duration, are governed by State Standard 23278-78 and Construction Norms and Rules Nos. 1.02.07-87 and 11-02-96. At the same time, any work at a radiation-hazardous installation is of specific character associated with safety and limited time exposure of personnel as per Radiation Standards-99/2009. The limitation on the exposure period under RS-99/2009 is in conflict in certain aspects with SS 23278-78 and CNRs 1.02.07-87 and 11-02-96. With the purpose to eliminate the conflict, the authors have analyzed the data on limitation of induced radiation under controlled conditions (according to RS-99/2009) and the specified types of experimental seepage operations aimed at collecting initial data, including the duration of the experiments. As a result of the analysis of the listed above prescriptive documents, the authors have arrived at the conclusion that out of all recommended types of the experimental seepage operations, the best suited for the application at a storage site is the single express-pouring method by the outcomes of which a rough estimate of rock permeability is made (for natural and engineering barriers). In addition, the other types of geological-hydrogeological operations that need supplementary radiation protection and other shielding measures are specified. Adaptation of the required types of geological-hydrogeological research to the Radiation Standards-99/2009 allows handling the set problems in the personnel health support.

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