Transport of Low-Level Radioactive Waste from Taiwan to Off-Shore Repository

Abstract

Ocean transport of low-level radioactive waste generated by the nuclear industry in Taiwan is described. Low-level radwastes, solidified in cement, were packed in 53-gallon drums which, in turn, were positioned in specially-designed containers on the site of the nuclear power plant or other waste generating facility. The ocean transport of the containers, under strict regulation and inspection, involved a 420 km blue-water voyage to the repository site on an islet in the Pacific Ocean. It is demonstrated that the ocean transport is a safe operation and that the dose received by the contract workers is well below the limit imposed by regulations.