For all developed nations the safe disposal of radioactive waste is one of the major challenges for present and future generations. To enable an international exchange of views, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz, BfS) carries out the international symposium “Disposal Technologies and Concepts 2004” (Distec) in Berlin from 26th through 28th April. In the form of lectures and discussions disposal experts present the latest insights and developments in this field.

It is the objective of Distec 2004 to discuss – besides scientific-technical insights – also social aspects of nuclear waste management. For decades, the developed nations have done research and gained experience within the framework of repository projects. While some states have already gathered experience in the disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste, a repository for high-level radioactive waste originating from the operation of nuclear power plants is not yet available world-wide. Furthermore, several states are currently re-examining their disposal concepts. In recent years it has become increasingly clear that the public was not sufficiently involved in site selection, planning and construction of repositories. “Due to this fact the public has protested and still protests against potential sites”, press relations officer Dirk Daiber said today in Salzgitter.

Countries such as Sweden and Finland have therefore made the active involvement of the public their goal and achieved positive results. “This shows that people accept a repository for radioactive waste in their region if they have been involved appropriately and been informed openly”, Daiber continued. In Germany the Committee on a Site Selection Procedure for Repository Sites (Arbeitskreis Auswahlverfahren Endlagerstandorte, AkEnd) who was charged by the Federal Government with the development of an open and transparent procedure for selecting repositories and corresponding criteria, also demanded an in-depth involvement of the public. Daiber: “In its demand for more transparency the AkEnd was also influenced by the positive experiences made in other countries.”

On the Distec 2004 more than 200 experts from various nations will discuss these and other insights, taking into account the different international experiences.

The Distec 2004 will take place in the

ESTREL Residence & Congress Hotel Berlin
Sonnenallee 225

12057 Berlin

from 26th through 28th April.

BfS will present itself on all three days with an own stand. The members of BfS will readily be available for questions and discussions.