RD&D-Programme 2004 - SKB

SKB is also participating in the International Union of Radioecology’s (IUR) Task Group on
Radioecology and Waste.
SKB’s cooperation with Posiva has been expanded as regards the biosphere and surface
ecosystems. This work is particularly concerned with the development of new modelling tools
(see section 20.4), but also with soil ecosystems (see section 20.6).
In addition to the above, SKB has presented material on the biosphere work at several symposiums,
for example Ecorad 2001, SPEIR, NKS, IAEA, IUR /20-103 to 20-105/. Information on
SKB’s biosphere work is disseminated regularly via lectures for ecotoxicologists and ecologists,
and by participation in various ecological, hydrological and Quaternary geology seminars and
symposiums.
Programme
In addition to following and actively participating in the discussions in the various organizations,
the goal is to publish the results obtained in international journals.
The following main activities are planned:
• Active work within the EU project Erica.
• Active participation in Bioprota and the IUR’s Task Group on Radioecology and Waste.
• Deepen the collaboration with Posiva.
• Follow the work within the EU, NKS, ICRP and IRPA.
• Follow and present the work at important meetings on radiation biology, environmental
protection and systems ecology.
• Follow the work at SKI and SSI and keep track of legislation.
• Present the work in the biosphere field to interested researchers and students.
20.10 Safety assessment
The purpose of the programme for research on the biosphere which is described in previous
paragraphs is to provide a scientific basis for conducting safety assessments. One of the most
important tasks is to achieve sufficient understanding of features, events and processes to be
able to simplify and create numerical models needed for dose calculations. Beyond this, the
research provides information on general data and uncertainties needed as parameters for the
models and to supplement site data, see section 20.11.
Over the years, the account of the biosphere in SKB’s safety assessments has evolved from a
pessimistic dose conversion factor for a well to increased realism with a number of different
recipients corresponding to different types of ecosystems. The authorities’ requirements have
also increased for the biosphere.
Conclusions in RD&D 2001 and its review
See section 20.2.
Newfound knowledge since RD&D 2001
The most recent safety assessment of SFR, Safe, is the most complete safety assessment when
it comes to the biosphere and is expected to be a good basis for future assessments. The regulatory
authorities’ review /20-106/ and decision were presented to SKB in the spring of 2004,
and various review reports have previously been published /20-107 to 20-112/. The review and
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