GB9132-1988
Regulations for shallow ground disposal of solid low-and intermediate-level radioactive wastes
低中水平放射性固体废物的浅地层处置规定
GB 9132-1988 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Regulations for shallow ground disposal of solid low-and intermediate-level radioactive wastes. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Sep 1, 1988.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to the surface or underground shallow ground disposal of solid low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes (LILW) that feature a protective cover layer, with or without engineered barriers. It covers the entire lifecycle of disposal facilities, including site selection, design, operation, closure, and supervision. This standard does not apply to the disposal of waste in natural or artificial caves. It is intended for radioactive waste management facilities handling wastes requiring isolation for up to 300-500 years.
Technical requirements
The standard establishes mandatory principles for the properties and packaging of acceptable wastes. Wastes must be in solid form with limited free liquids, possess adequate chemical and biological stability, and exhibit low radionuclide leachability. Packaging must meet strict mechanical strength and surface dose rate limits to ensure safe transport and handling. Wastes containing putrescible, pathological, or explosive materials are strictly prohibited from shallow ground disposal. For site selection, the standard defines rigorous requirements based on geological stability, hydrogeology, and meteorology. Sites must avoid areas prone to destructive earthquakes, active faults, floods, and high erosion rates. The site must ensure natural isolation of radionuclides and maintain a safe distance from open water sources. The selection process involves regional surveys, candidate screening, and detailed cost-benefit analysis. The design requirements emphasize the use of engineering barriers to enhance the site's natural containment capabilities. Facilities must include robust waterproofing, drainage systems, and monitoring networks. The design must accommodate waste reception, inspection, and secure placement within disposal units, ensuring operator safety and preventing unauthorized access. The design must guarantee effective isolation of waste throughout the specified institutional control period. Operational and closure requirements mandate strict adherence to the operating license. Facilities must maintain detailed operational archives, conduct routine environmental monitoring, and establish permanent markers. Closure involves a phased approach—closed, semi-closed, and open stages—requiring continuous safety evaluation and institutional oversight to ensure long-term environmental protection.
Testing methods
The standard outlines evaluation procedures focusing on environment impact assessment and safety analysis rather than specific laboratory tests. Key evaluations include radiation monitoring of waste packages, groundwater and soil sampling analysis, and hydrogeological parameter assessments. Facilities must conduct continuous environmental monitoring during operation and post-closure phases to verify that radionuclide migration remains within permissible limits. Safety analysis reports are required at site selection, design, and operational stages to predict potential radiological impacts on the public and environment.
FAQs
What type of radioactive wastes are suitable for shallow ground disposal under GB 9132-88?
The standard applies to surface or underground shallow burial disposal of solid low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes with a protective cover layer, with or without engineered barriers. It does not cover the disposal of waste in natural or artificial caves.
What are the basic acceptance criteria for waste packages under GB 9132-88?
Suitable wastes must meet specific conditions, such as having a half-life greater than 5 years and less than or equal to 30 years with specific activity limits, or a half-life of 5 years or less with any specific activity. Wastes must also be solid, chemically stable, and free of putrescible, pathological, or explosive substances.
How does GB 9132-88 regulate the site selection process for disposal facilities?
The standard mandates that site selection must consider geological, hydrogeological, meteorological, and socio-economic factors. It requires avoiding areas with high seismic activity, active geological faults, and specific hydrological risks, ensuring long-term geological stability for the disposal facility.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 9132-88. To ensure complete compliance for your radioactive waste management projects entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 9132-88 today to access all detailed parameters, site selection criteria, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Environmental protection
- CCS
- Z05
- ICS
- 13.030
- Competent department
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Ecology and Environment