Non-human biota assessments for geological disposal facilities – a study of the key uncertainties and importance for dose estimates

¹ Posiva Oy, Olkiluoto, 27160 Eurajoki, Finland
² Eden Nuclear and Environment, Eden Conference Barn, Low Moor, Penrith, CA10 1XQ, UK
³ Cove Environmental Consulting Ltd, P.O. Box 13087, Cockburnspath, TD13 9AB, UK
⁴ Facilia AB, Gustavslundsvägen 151C, 167 51 Bromma, Stockholm, Sweden.
⁵ SKB, Box 250, SE 101 24 Stockholm, Sweden
⁶ ANDRA, 1-7, rue Jean-Monnet, F-92298 Châtenay-Malabry, France
⁷ NRPA, P.O. Box 55, N-1332 Østerås, Norway
⁸ NDA-RWMD, Building 587, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0RH, UK

Abstract

A programme of work, commissioned within the BIOPROTA collaborative forum, has recently been undertaken to assess the quantitative and qualitative elements of uncertainty associated with non-human biota (NHB) dose assessment in relation to the potential long-term release of radionuclides from a geological disposal facility (GDF). This was achieved through combining quantitative sensitivity and qualitative knowledge quality analyses based on the EC ERICA assessment approach and default assessment parameters. The results of the project demonstrate that this combination of approaches may be used to identify important parameters that could be significant in assessments of the impacts of any radionuclide release from a GDF on NHB, and for which there is low confidence. The output is intended to provide information on those parameters that may need to be considered in more detail for site-specific assessments. Such information should help users to enhance the quality of their assessments and build greater confidence in the results.