Request For Information – Near Surface Disposal of Radioactive Waste and associated services capability

The Australian Government has determined an early need to seek information from the market on the Purpose. In doing so, the Australian Government seeks to meet the following objectives (Objectives):
·       ensure the safety, security and protection of people and the environment now and into the future;
·       mitigate liabilities and minimise the direct and indirect lifecycle costs of radioactive waste management including ongoing interim storage;
·       support key nuclear activities including the production of nuclear medicine;
·       support key government commitments including the acquisition of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines; and
·       meet international obligations, maintain Australia’s reputation as a responsible nuclear steward and address community expectations.
In particular, the Australian Government is exploring options in the market for the delivery of the following services, to achieve the Objectives:
·       Waste Characterisation: details of analytical tools, equipment and techniques to measure characteristics of radioactive waste and capabilities of measuring, collecting, analysing and deriving properties and waste histories.
·       Treatment and Packaging: preparing radioactive waste for transport, availability of transport, and tools and procedures for transport.
·       Transport: details of capability to transport dangerous goods, including radioactive materials and various hazardous chemical classes, transport modes, vehicle availability, capacity, robustness to disruption, and flexibility to accommodate different types of packages.
·       Storage and Disposal: waste that can be accepted for storage and/or disposal within an established or future planned facility, the capacity of and possible upgrades required for facilities to receive radioactive waste, how soon facilities can take radioactive waste for disposal, including licences and permits, the throughput of packages that can be accommodated, site characterisation studies, site safety cases, generic schedules for proposed work if the proponent does not yet have a site, and provisions for the long-term security of facilities, demonstration of social acceptance/ community consent for the facility, environmental licences or permits for the facility, the robustness of routes for transportation of waste and disruption from events such as flooding or accidents.
·       Innovation: new and emerging techniques and approaches to long term storage and disposal of radioactive waste.